Analyzing Car Wash Demand in Whoville: Pricing and Consumer Behavior
This analysis explores the car wash market in Whoville, where 100 identical consumers each have an income of $24 and 50 identical car washes operate in the area. The initial price of a car wash is determined based on consumer demand, which varies with pricing. At $2, demand rises to 400 washes, while at $3 and $6, demand decreases. The relationship between price, demand, and marginal costs showcases potential market equilibrium, revealing insights into economic profits and fixed costs for the firms.
Analyzing Car Wash Demand in Whoville: Pricing and Consumer Behavior
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Presentation Transcript
On the next slide there is a problem that has the initial statement: The town of Whoville has 100 identical consumers and 50 identical car washes. Each consumer has income of $24. The diagram and chart below show the indifference curves of a typical consumer and the marginal cost curve of a typical car wash. Note the vertical axis should say All Other Goods.
To get the price of a car wash today: Note in the graph if all $24 of the consumer is spent on car washes then we see 12 car washes could be purchased. On this budget line it means the price of a wash is $2. We see the typical individual would actually take 4 washes at a price of $2. The quantity demanded would be 4 times 100 = 400 washes. If the price is $2 the firm would have MC = MR at a Q less than 1. With 50 firms the quantity supplied would be less than 50. With Qd > Qs price will rise. If the price rises to $3, note if all $24 of the consumer is spent on car washes then 8 car washes could be purchased. We see the typical individual would actually take 3 washes at a price of $3. The quantity demanded would be 3 times 100 = 300 washes. If the price is $3 the firm would have MC = MR at a Q = 1. With 50 firms the quantity supplied would be 50. With Qd > Qs price will rise. If the price rises to $6, note if all $24 of the consumer is spent on car washes then 4 car washes could be purchased. We see the typical individual would actually take 2 washes at a price of $6. The quantity demanded would be 2 times 100 = 200 washes. If the price is $6 the firm would have MC = MR at a Q = 4. With 50 firms the quantity supplied would be 200. With Qd = Qs we see the price in the market = 6.
Part b If there is no entry or exit then it must be that economic profit = 0. With revenue of $24 (which is $6 times 4 units) and variable costs of 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 = $18, The fixed cost must be $24 - $18 = $6.