Price dispersion persists in online retail markets

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

2 sources for · 1 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that price dispersion persists in online retail markets?

Yes. Empirical evidence generally supports the persistence of price dispersion in online retail markets due to factors like product differentiation and search frictions, though some studies emphasize that actual transaction prices can approach the law of one price.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 2 sources for, 1 against · Last checked 31 Jul 2026

The analysis

The claim is specific and testable. Multiple provided papers directly document persistent price dispersion in online markets (e.g., travel, consumer electronics), whereas one study suggests lower dispersion when analyzing transaction rather than posted prices. The weight of the provided evidence leans clearly in favor of persistence.

Evidence for · 2

Price Dispersion and Differentiation in Online Travel: An Empirical Investigation

2002

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Clemons, . K., Hann, I., & Hitt, L. M. (2002). Price Dispersion and Differentiation in Online Travel: An Empirical Investigation. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.48.4.534

Evidence against · 1

Using Transaction Prices to Re-Examine Price Dispersion in Electronic Markets

2010

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Ghose, A. & Yao, Y. (2010). Using Transaction Prices to Re-Examine Price Dispersion in Electronic Markets. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1287/isre.1090.0252

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More for · 1

Persistent Price Dispersion in Online Markets

2006

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Baye, M. R., Morgan, J. W., & Scholten, P. (2006). Persistent Price Dispersion in Online Markets. openalex.org. https://openalex.org/W3145912205

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What does the evidence say?

Receipt History

first checked31 Jul 2026

judged → SUPPORTED · 6431 Jul 2026

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