TIPS FOR INTERNET SHOPPERS.

TIPS FOR INTERNET SHOPPERS. Kids, economists teach how retailers find ways to charge different prices to different customers—“price discrimination”. The goal is to identify those customers who are willing to pay a higher price and to charge them the higher price. The Economist (June 30) has an editorial (or “leader) and an article about new software that internet retailers are using to identify customers who are willing to pay a higher price. For example, cookies may tell where you have been browsing, which gives hints about your age, sex and income. The Economist has tips for shoppers to make it look like you are looking for a lower price: Use a PC (Mac users are generally willing to pay more). Look at the cheaper items first. And take your time.