Efficient Segmentation of Search Markets

Teddy Mekonnen

Papers from arXiv.org

Abstract: I consider a two-sided frictional search market where buyers search and match to vertically differentiated sellers. The market is segmented into submarkets based on seller types, with segmentation serving as a public signal that directs buyers' search. I characterize the socially efficient and equilibrium allocations of buyers across submarkets for any fixed segmentation, and identify a Hosios condition under which the equilibrium allocation is efficient. I further examine the design of surplus-maximizing segmentations, demonstrating the role of search externalities in determining whether the constrained-efficient segmentation fully reveals seller types or pools types into at most a binary partition. These results clarify the conditions under which the provision of public information is welfare enhancing in search markets with externalities.

Date: 2025-01, Revised 2025-02
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-com, nep-des and nep-mic
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