We have learned the definition of monopoly as a market with one seller. Let's take some time to understand what that means, and how it can come about. What are some of the reasons that a market could be a monopoly? What is giving the monopolist their exclusive position in the market? Everyone should discuss a few reasons and/or examples of how a monopoly can come into existence.  Typically the model of Monopoly predicts that all customers are charged the same price and that the monopolist selects the quantity and price combination from the market demand curve that maximizes profit. However, there are times where a monopolist may at least attempt to charge different prices for the exact same product depending on each consumer's willingness and ability to pay. In this case the monopolist might offer the product at a lower price to those who would otherwise not buy it, thus increasing quantity consumed in the market and reducing some of what is called the dead weight loss of monopoly. However, much of what is called "consumer surplus" is transferred to the monopolist as profit.  What determines whether or not a monopolist is able to charge different prices for the same product? Discuss the conditions necessary for successful price discrimination and offer a few examples where you think price discrimination is being practiced. Remember that the product has to be the same for it to be price discrimination. So if I pay more for overnight delivery of an item I am paying for that convenience and it is not price discrimination.  You may want to do a bit of research if you are having trouble thinking of examples. Please cite the sources of your information and post your replies to the Discussion.

We have learned the definition of monopoly as a market with one seller. Let's take some time to understand what that means, and how it can come about. What are some of the reasons that a market could be a monopoly? What is giving the monopolist their exclusive position in the market? Everyone should discuss a few reasons and/or examples of how a monopoly can come into existence. 

Typically the model of Monopoly predicts that all customers are charged the same price and that the monopolist selects the quantity and price combination from the market demand curve that maximizes profit. However, there are times where a monopolist may at least attempt to charge different prices for the exact same product depending on each consumer's willingness and ability to pay. In this case the monopolist might offer the product at a lower price to those who would otherwise not buy it, thus increasing quantity consumed in the market and reducing some of what is called the dead weight loss of monopoly. However, much of what is called "consumer surplus" is transferred to the monopolist as profit. 

What determines whether or not a monopolist is able to charge different prices for the same product? Discuss the conditions necessary for successful price discrimination and offer a few examples where you think price discrimination is being practiced. Remember that the product has to be the same for it to be price discrimination. So if I pay more for overnight delivery of an item I am paying for that convenience and it is not price discrimination. 

You may want to do a bit of research if you are having trouble thinking of examples. Please cite the sources of your information and post your replies to the Discussion.