2026/05/12 by Yuji Nagaoka · 1 voice
Business, Management and Accounting · Decision Sciences · #Auction Theory and Applications #Consumer Market Behavior and Pricing #Supply Chain and Inventory Management
paper · doi:10.1163/18696945-bja00038
openalex publication_date 2026/05/12 · openalex created_date 2026/05/14 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Abstract This exploratory study examines whether the need for speed shapes auction format designs in perishable goods markets, using Tokyo’s Toyosu shrimp auction as a case study. Combining historical evidence on Japan’s central wholesale markets with direct observation, the study identifies speed-enhancing features of the current format: a sequential first-price procedure without bid updates, hand-signal bidding, advance information provision, simultaneous auction blocks, and discretionary winner selection. By theoretically inferring these features’ properties, the analysis highlights inherent trade-offs between auction speed, efficiency, and seller revenue. Findings suggest the current format is designed to enhance transaction speed.