Price Discrimination


The concept describes the basics of price discrimination and the conditions required for discrimination to occur. It offers examples across sectors and elaborates on its benefits and drawbacks.

Technique Overview

Price Discrimination

Price Discrimination Definition

Price discrimination occurs when the same commodity is sold at different prices to different consumers (Phlips, 1983). This is possible when market characteristics differ from those of perfect competition. In fact, as Mankiw (2009) notes, the main example of price discrimination is based on the rational behaviour of the monopolist who charges different prices to each customer to increase profits, extracting the maximum price everyone is willing to pay. However, other situations may allow it, such as market failures and/or imperfect information.

Price Discrimination Description *

* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Price Discrimination.

Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Price Discrimination *

* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.

Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Price Discrimination *

* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.

Professional Tools

Price Discrimination videos and downloads *

* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.

Further Reading

Price Discrimination web and print resources *

Price Discrimination references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Arnold, R.A. (2008) Microeconomics. Cengage Learning.
  • Barrows, D. and Smithin, J. (2008) Fundamentals of Economics for Business. World Scientific.
  • BBC News (1998) Foreigner Wins Case Against Price Discrimination in Russia. 20 April. Available at: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/monitoring/80605.stm [Accessed on 14 October 2011].
  • Bester, H. and Petrakis, E. (1994) Coupons and Oligopolistic Price Discrimination. International Journal of Industrial Organization, Vol. 14(2), pp. 227-242.

* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.


Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Price Discrimination and hundreds of other essential business management techniques

Other members were also interested in...

Related Concept: Embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Embracing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is crucial for leaders who want to create innovative, inclusive workplaces. The Equality Act 2010 protects key characteristics, but EDI goes beyond compliance. Leaders who champion these values foster a culture of diverse perspectives, improving collaboration, trust, and team dynamics.