A Dynamic Model of Rational 'Panic Buying'
76 Pages Posted: 2 Nov 2020 Last revised: 8 Apr 2021
Date Written: October 29, 2020
Abstract
This paper analyzes panic buying of storable consumer goods, using a dynamic inventory-adjustment model with heterogeneous consumers. Even if consumers are fully rational, the anticipation of a temporary increase in consumer shopping costs (caused by a disaster itself or a state of emergency) can trigger an upward spiral of demand for stockpiling and result in serious panic buying. Our model articulates how panic buying prevents an efficient allocation of storable goods due to a coordination failure and significantly harms the consumers' welfare. Government policies such as taxes on purchases and direct distribution of necessities can curb panic buying and enhance social welfare. We also find that the timing of government interventions crucially influences their effectiveness.
Keywords: Disaster, COVID-19, Hoarding, Optimal stopping time, Sticky price
JEL Classification: D45, E21, E69, H84, Q54
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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