The Hidden Market Dynamics Behind Everyday Fads

Knowledge at Wharton

Episode Description

In this excerpt from a full-length Ripple Effect episode, Wharton Professor Judd Kessler discusses “hidden markets,” or situations where a market is not dictated by prices, including college admissions, exclusive restaurant reservations, and product fads. Kessler explains how scarcity and selectivity can strategically create demand and value far in ways that are different from traditional pricing.

EPISODE OVERVIEW Wharton professor and economist Judd Kessler shares insights from his new book, "Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want," which helps readers strategize how to gain an advantage in the hidden markets affecting our daily lives. This episode is part of our Ripple Effect podcast's “Meet the Authors” series.

PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.

#Economics #HiddenMarkets #BehavioralEconomics #MarketPsychology #ConsumerPsychology #BehavioralScience ----- The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is committed to sharing its intellectual capital through Knowledge at Wharton, the school’s online business analysis journal.

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Brief Summary

This episode covers hidden markets, elite admissions, and consumer demand dynamics.

Key points

  • The Concept of Hidden Markets. Exploring why firms don’t always lower prices to fill demand, focusing on elite institutions and labor markets.
  • Fad Crazes and Demand. Discussing the phenomenon of Laboos and how scarcity creates excitement and demand.

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