Four Basic Market Models

Pure/Perfect Competition

Monopolistic Competition

Oligopoly

Monopoly

No control over price

Easy to enter, no obstacles

Standardized products

No price competition

Very large number of firms

Ex: Agriculture

Some control over price, but with narrow limits

Relatively easy to enter

Differentiated products

Emphasis on non-price, rather advertising and trademarks

Many firms

Ex: Retail stores

Limited control over price (Collusion)

Significant obstacles to enter the market

Standardized/Differentiated

Price insensitive by means of differentiation

Few firms

Ex: Steel/Auto industry

Entry is blocked

Public relations advertising

Full price control

Unique products

Ex: Local utilities

One firm only