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Michael Rushton on pricing the arts

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Why Is Dynamic Pricing So Rarely Used?

February 28, 2013 by Michael Rushton 9 Comments

one price

As technology has come available that allows performing arts organizations to adjust prices in light of demand, the question has arisen: is it appropriate for nonprofit theaters to employ dynamic pricing? See here and here for example. Let's consider the issue from a different angle: why is dynamic pricing so rarely used in the for-profit sector? For example, at my local multiplex cinema, I will pay $5 for a weekday matinee, $7.50 for  weekday evening or weekend matinee, and $10 for a weekend evening. It doesn't matter whether the film I … [Read more...]

Michael Rushton

Michael Rushton taught in the Arts Administration programs at Indiana University, and lives in Bloomington. An economist by training, he has published widely on such topics as public funding of the … MORE

About For What It’s Worth

What’s the price? Everything has one; admission, subscriptions, memberships, special exhibitions, box seats, refreshments, souvenirs, and on and on – a full menu. What the price is matters. Generally, nonprofit arts organizations in the US receive about half of their revenue as “earned income,” and … [Read More...]

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Recent Comments

  • Michael Rushton on Should there be a tax deduction for donating to the nonprofit arts?: “Hello Antonio, I appreciate your comments. I’ll tackle your questions in order. First, here is the IRS: “It has long…” Mar 15, 13:46
  • antonio c. cuyler on Should there be a tax deduction for donating to the nonprofit arts?: “I appreciate the systematic simplicity of your analysis, Michael. I take it that you believe conserving the system, with a…” Mar 15, 08:21
  • antonio c. cuyler on Equality, the arts, and the problem of expensive tastes: “I applaud your courage in dissenting, Michael, even if it may place you at odds with the sector. I also…” Feb 2, 10:57
  • Michael Rushton on Equality, the arts, and the problem of expensive tastes: “Thank you David. In terms of costs, the quick, and I think too-easy answer, is cost-disease, which affects any sector,…” Feb 1, 15:04
  • David E. Myers on Equality, the arts, and the problem of expensive tastes: “Hi Michael, Always grateful for your perspectives, though as you know, I do not always agree. At the risk of…” Feb 1, 11:16
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