Question

Joss is a marketing consultant. Iris and Daphne are potential customers interested in commissioning Joss to undertake a market survey and compile the findings in a report. Iris is willing to pay $500 for the service while Daphne is willing to pay $800. Suppose that the opportunity cost of Joss's time is $1,200. Assume that Iris and Daphne do not know each other. Which of the following statements is true?

a. only Iris will purchase Joss's services and Joss will undertake the job for her.
b. only Daphne will purchase Joss's services and Joss will undertake the job for her.
c. both Iris and Daphne will purchase Joss's services and Joss will undertake the job.
d. both Iris and Daphne will want to purchase Joss's services but Joss will not be willing to undertake the job.

Answer 1

Answer: d. both Iris and Daphne will want to purchase Joss's services but Joss will not be willing to undertake the job.

Explanation:

Iris will want Joss's services but they will be unable to afford them as Iris is only willing to pay $500 whereas Joss wants $1,200 for the job.

The same goes for Daphne who is only willing to pay $800.

Both of them will therefore want to hire Joss but will be unable to.

Joss could however charge both of them their willingness to pay and then sum the cash up and give them both the research whilst still making a profit.