In: Economics
How is it possible that in some markets the income elasticity of demand for motorhomes is 3.5 and in other markets it is -1.25?
Motorhomes are mechanized coaches
with living facilities are it is perceived differently in different
market. Income elasticity of demand of 3.5 for the motorhomes,
means that, with increase in the income, then demand for the
motorhomes increase sharply. Since the elasticity is more than 1
then, it is perceived as a luxury good or the good that increases
the status of individuals. In these markets, the traditional homes
are cheaper and people want to buy motorhomes with the increase in
income.
In some markets, the income elasticity of demand is -1.25 and it
means that motorhomes are inferior good. In these markets, the
traditional homes are expensive and people want to buy a
traditional home when the income rises. So, for motorhomes, the
income elasticity in negative.
So, it is the type of good perceived, the trends and preferences
and the value perceived from the other products that affect the
income elasticity of demand in different markets.