Introduction
Do you remember when big screen TVs first hit the market? Initially, there was a high demand for these devices, but only a few specialty retailers carried them. Today, almost every audio-video retailer and general merchandising department store has a section dedicated solely to large screen TVs. The supply and availability have certainly increased to meet the high level of demand, and prices today are a fraction of what they used to be.
Understanding Supply and Demand
Supply and demand are fundamental concepts in economics that lead to the determination of prices. In this article, we will delve into these concepts, explain what a market is, summarize the roles of buyers and sellers in the marketplace, and describe what demand and supply curves are and what causes movements along and shifts in these curves.
Defining a Market
A market is a social arrangement that allows buyers and sellers to carry out voluntary exchanges of goods and services. In everyday usage, the term ‘market’ refers to a location where goods are traded. Examples include shopping malls like the Rideau Centre, the Toronto Stock Exchange, auctions, flea markets, and more. In markets, buyers determine demand, and sellers determine supply.
Competitive Market
A competitive market is one where there are many buyers and sellers offering similar products, and no single buyer or seller can influence the market price.
Understanding Demand Curve
The demand curve shows what people are willing to pay for a product. For instance, if the price of oranges is $2.00 per kilogram, the quantity demanded would be 70 kilograms. However, if the price were to rise to $4, the quantity demanded would decrease to 60 kilograms. This illustrates a fundamental principle of economics: as the price goes up, the quantity demanded goes down.
Conclusion
The evolution of big screen TVs provides a practical example of how supply and demand work in real-world markets. When these devices first came out, there was a large demand, and over time, supply and availability have increased to meet this demand. As a result, prices today are significantly lower than they used to be. Understanding the dynamics of supply and demand is key to understanding economics and succeeding in the marketplace.