The Optimal Choice of Pre-Launch Reviewer
Journal of Economic Theory, Forthcoming
16 Pages Posted: 22 Jun 2009 Last revised: 24 Apr 2015
Date Written: December 16, 2011
Abstract
We develop a framework in which: (i) a firm can have a new product tested publicly before launch; and (ii) tests vary in toughness, holding expertise fixed. Price flexibility boosts the strong positive impact on consumer beliefs of passing a tough test and mitigates the strong negative impact of failing a soft test. As a result, profits are convex in toughness: the firm selects either the toughest or softest test available. The toughest test is optimal when consumers start with an unfavorable prior and receive sufficiently uninformative private signals (an "innovative" product); the softest test is optimal when signals are sufficiently informative.
Keywords: tests, public test, test toughness, test decision, product launch, endorsements, reviewers, certification, Bayesian learning, information transmission, information, bias, marketing, monopoly, pricing
JEL Classification: D82, D83, L15
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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