Abstract
This study investigates the effects of the distribution channel structure on quality decisions under duopoly competition. I considers a set-up in which two retailers compete on product quality and retail price. In the set-up, the integrated retailer has the power to determine the quality of its exclusive product, while the decentralized retailer does not. For the decentralized retailer, the supplier determines product quality. I find that asymmetric pairs of a decentralized channel by one retailer and an integrated channel by the other retailer can be a Nash equilibrium in a simultaneous-channel- choice model. The two retailers select different levels of quality, and this quality competition benefits retailers by softening price competition. In a sequential-channel-choice model, I find that the leader can obtain a first-mover advantage. From the perspective of the supplier, which can decide the distribution channel structure and level of quality, both suppliers choose the decentralized channel in equilibrium.
Recommended Citation
Kang, Yeong Seon
(2018)
"Effects of Channel Structure on the Quality Competition of Exclusively Distributed Products,"
Asia Marketing Journal: Vol. 19
:
Iss.
4
, Article 3.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.15830/amj.2018.19.4.37
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