Platform Disintermediation: A Credence Good Perspective

Robin Christmann () and Jürgen Rösch ()
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Robin Christmann: Leibniz-FH
Jürgen Rösch: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

A chapter in Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Decision-Making, 2026, pp 463-476 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This paper extends a well-established credence goods model to digital platforms and disintermediation. Users seek assistance from a digital platform to find the right expert. However, they are not aware of which service type they need, so they consult the expert in the first place. Asymmetric information allows experts to prioritize their profit over the users’ needs, as users cannot, even after consumption, detect potential mistreatment. Digital platforms can help users find the right expert and learn about their required service level, mitigating this inefficiency. However, some users with minor quality requirements may systematically bypass the platform to avoid transaction fees. To address the problem of disintermediation, the platform could explore a subscription-based revenue model. However, a transaction-based revenue model potentially increases the number of users on the platform under information asymmetry. This could result in an improved matching algorithm and stronger network effects.

Keywords: Disintermediation; Leakage; Platforms; Credence goods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:lnichp:978-3-032-08480-4_29

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-08480-4_29

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