MINDSETMonths to result

A Burqa for Prices

Hidden prices and competition

Problem it solves

limiting beliefs

Best for

Businesses, economists, and policymakers

Not ideal for

Individuals who are not familiar with game theory and economics

Overview

Why this framework exists

This framework discusses how hidden prices and competition can lead to a bad equilibrium, where companies advertise only one component of the total price and hide the rest.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Hidden prices can lead to a bad equilibrium
  2. Competition can drive companies to hide prices
  3. Transparency is key to avoiding hidden prices

Steps

1 steps
  1. Analyze the market
    Analyze the market and identify potential hidden prices and competition.
    Pro tipLook for patterns and structures in the market
    WarningBe aware of the potential risks and consequences of hidden prices

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Car rental companies

Car rental companies advertising low prices but hiding additional costs is an example of hidden prices and competition

OutcomeThe practice leads to a bad equilibrium and a lack of transparency

Common mistakes

1 traps
Not being transparent
Not being transparent can lead to a lack of trust and a bad equilibrium

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework is inspired by the practice of car rental companies and cell phone providers advertising low prices but hiding additional costs.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
Open source →

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