Price discrimination is a pricing strategy where a firm charges different prices to different consumers for the same product or service, not due to differences in production cost but based on differences in consumers’ willingness to pay, demand elasticity, or other market characteristics. In essence, it allows firms to capture more consumer surplus and convert it into additional revenue. This concept is central to managerial economics as it helps managers understand how pricing strategies can optimize profits while considering market segmentation and consumer behavior. Price discrimination is distinct from differential pricing that arises due to cost variations; here, the variation is purely strategic, aiming to maximize revenue or profit. There are typically three main types of price discrimination: first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree. First-degree price discrimination, also known as perfect price discrimination, occurs when a firm charges each consumer exactly what they are willing to pay. This method requires detailed knowledge of each consumer’s maximum willingness to pay, which is often impractical but conceptually maximizes a firm’s profit because no consumer surplus is left unexploited. Examples can be seen in some negotiation-based markets, such as car sales or art auctions, where prices can be individually tailored. Second-degree price discrimination involves charging different prices based on the quantity purchased or the version of the product chosen, rather than on consumer characteristics. It often manifests through bulk discounts, tiered pricing, or product versioning. For instance, utility companies may charge lower rates per unit of electricity for higher consumption levels, or software companies