A consistent semiparametric estimation of the consumer surplus distribution

In this paper, we examine the consequences of demand-function heterogeneity for the estimation of the consumer surplus. In particular, we show that, given a linear demand function with random coefficients, one can consistently estimate the consumer surplus distribution without making parametric assumptions about the coefficient distribution. The approach is illustrated using data on gasoline consumption. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.