For which type of product would it be most beneficial for a consumer to wait before buying in order to maximize consumer surplus?

• A. A product with a fixed price and no expected changes
• B. A product with limited availability and increasing demand
• C. A product with a price set by government regulation
• D. A product with frequent price discounts or sales

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of consumer surplus, which is the difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a product and the actual price they pay.
2. Recognize that waiting to buy a product is beneficial when the price is expected to decrease, allowing the consumer to pay less and thus increase their consumer surplus.
3. Analyze the given options: products with fixed prices and no expected changes offer no benefit from waiting, as prices remain constant.
4. Consider products with limited availability and increasing demand, where prices are likely to rise, so waiting could reduce consumer surplus.
5. Identify that products with frequent price discounts or sales are the most beneficial to wait for, because consumers can purchase at lower prices during sales, maximizing their consumer surplus.