Readers Question: what is meant by consumer surplus? Can firms reduce or eliminate consumer surplus?
Consumer Surplus is the difference between the price that consumers pay and the price that they are willing to pay. It is the area between the equilibrium price and the demand curve
For example, if you would pay 76p for a cup of tea, but can buy it for 50p – your consumer surplus is 26p
Diagram of Consumer Surplus
Can Firms Reduce Consumer Surplus?
- Firms can reduce consumer surplus if they have market power. – This enables them to raise prices above the competitive equilibrium.
- In monopoly a firm will maximise profits by reducing consumer surplus. See monopoly diagram
- Another way to reduce consumer surplus is to engage in price discrimination. – Charging different prices to different groups of consumers. Those with inelastic demand will see their consumer surplus reduced. More on Price discrimination
- To gain market power, a firm could advertise to create brand loyalty, this will make demand more inelastic
Further Reading
Helpful
the defition is for those who wants to use during examination time, because it easy that is extra amount remained after purchasing commodies. diagramatically also simple just draw demand &supply curve then point of equilibrium above the line is consumer suplus
definition of consumer surplus is axact correct. thank you
nice definition,and a very simple e.g.
Very clear, concise and very helpful! Thank you, great work!
firms cant reduce it or may be.i have a doubt.consumer surplus is extra anount we pay ok.now we r reducing surplus then how firm can reduce and simultaneously maximize profit.this whole concept is wrong.
Good points,but what is the significance of consumer surplus in micro-economic analysis?
this a good defination.but i want consumer surplus by cardinal or ordinal approach or theory.