• Abstract

    Dynamic pricing and price fairness perceptions: a study of the use of the Uber app in travels

    Published date: 05/11/2019
    : Dynamic pricing is considered an efficient method of price management and has been used by hotels and airlines for decades. More recently, the urban mobility application (app) of Uber, present in more than 600 cities, has introduced real-time dynamic pricing to match supply and demand for the service. Although the literature highlights the benefits of dynamic pricing, behavioral economists argue that these price variations can be considered unfair. Thus, the objectives of this study are: to examine how consumers and tourists judge Uber’s price fairness; to investigate the perceptions of surge pricing and suppression of information about the price multiplier when requesting the service; and to examine the behavioral outcomes from perceived price unfairness. This study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach using focus group method. The main results suggest that the perception of price depends on the context and evaluation of service benefits; although dynamic pricing can be considered acceptable, under certain conditions it can trigger feelings of unfairness and negative emotions on the part of consumers; and that tourists can adopt behavioral strategies to minimize the uncertainty of dynamic prices.

Turismo: Visão e Ação

Turismo: Visão e Ação, linked to the Graduate Program in Tourism and Hospitality - Master's and Ph.D., is a scientific journal published in a continuous flow system, with an interdisciplinary and international scope. According to Qualis/CAPES criteria (2017-2020), it is classified as 'A3' in the fields of Administration, Accounting Sciences, and Tourism. Registered with ISSN number 1983-7151, Tourismo: Visão e Ação began its activities in 1998 with printed publications in English and Portuguese. In 2008, it transitioned to an online publication, expanding its reach to a broader audience. It maintains a policy of being an open-access journal without submission or access fees. The abbreviated title for the journal is Tur., Visão e Ação, commonly used in bibliographies, footnotes, references, and bibliographic captions.

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