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Michael Rushton on pricing the arts

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How quality differentials work

April 7, 2013 by Michael Rushton 1 Comment

only rock and roll

It is standard practice to offer to customers a range of quality levels. In clothing, electronics, and cars we see firms offer a range of products as a means of price discrimination: some customers are on a budget, or don't care so much about the luxury of the item, and are looking for something basic and low-price. Other customers really do care about distinctions of quality, and are willing to pay to get the best. It's not difficult then to see the logic in offering standard and premium goods. The rule of thumb is this: the quality … [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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