Comment on “Multi-Object Auctions: Sequential vs. Simultaneous Sales”

Abstract

The purpose of this brief comment is to provide some empirical data to support the relevance of the theoretical arguments put forward in Donald Hausch’s paper (Hausch, Donald B. 1986. Multi-object auctions: sequential vs. simultaneous sales. Management Sci. 32.). There are two different kinds of evidence. One is the results of a small “natural experiment” that occurred in 1965. The other is the first-hand report by one of us of the considerations taken into account in the design of outer continental shelf (OCS) oil auctions.