This paper studies equilibrium selection in the generalized second price auction, employed by major search engines to sell online advertisement positions. We perturb the baseline model by introducing a bidder whose bid and participation are random (noise bidder). In this model, an efficient...

The failure of many paintings to sell in art auctions indicates the presence of reserve prices set by sellers. This paper examines the relationship between sale rates and price surprises over time in art auctions. Using data on contemporary and impressionist art, we show that while sale rates...