Difference between revisions of "Perfect competition"
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'''Perfect competition''' is an economic term referring to the condition when there is so much competition between vendors that a [[seller]] would lose customers if he raised prices at all. Firms that are in a perfectly competitive market are thus referred to as "Price takers". In essence, a perfectly competitive market structure has no market power. Such a market is good from the [[consumer]]'s perspective. A perfectly competitive market must: | '''Perfect competition''' is an economic term referring to the condition when there is so much competition between vendors that a [[seller]] would lose customers if he raised prices at all. Firms that are in a perfectly competitive market are thus referred to as "Price takers". In essence, a perfectly competitive market structure has no market power. Such a market is good from the [[consumer]]'s perspective. A perfectly competitive market must: | ||
| − | *Have products which are perfect [[ | + | *Have products which are perfect [[substitute]]s for each other. |
*Have many companies in the market. | *Have many companies in the market. | ||
*All the companies must have identical costs for their supplies. | *All the companies must have identical costs for their supplies. | ||
Revision as of 04:02, January 1, 2009
Perfect competition is an economic term referring to the condition when there is so much competition between vendors that a seller would lose customers if he raised prices at all. Firms that are in a perfectly competitive market are thus referred to as "Price takers". In essence, a perfectly competitive market structure has no market power. Such a market is good from the consumer's perspective. A perfectly competitive market must:
- Have products which are perfect substitutes for each other.
- Have many companies in the market.
- All the companies must have identical costs for their supplies.
- The consumers must be fully informed about the products.
- Free entry and exit (No barriers to entry) - it is relatively cheap for both new firms to enter the industry and for old firms to leave.
The market for dairy products is close to perfect competition.