How can I determine if two goods are in the same market or market segment? I am not sure how to determine if they have the same demand curve. For example I need to determine if a movie rented from Redbox is or is not in the same market as a movie seen at a Movie Theater. I know both items are related because they deal with the same product movies and I know people rent movies to save money on high movie ticket prices but does that make them be in the same market?

To determine if two goods are in the same market or market segment, you can consider the following steps:

1. Define the market: Identify the specific market you are interested in. In this case, it would be the market for movie consumption.

2. Evaluate substitutability: Determine if the goods are substitutes for each other. Are they alternative options that fulfill similar needs or desires? In this case, both renting a movie from Redbox and watching a movie at a theater are alternative ways to consume movies.

3. Assess demand factors: Consider the factors that influence consumer demand for the goods. These factors can include price, availability, convenience, and consumer preferences. Are the demand factors for the goods similar or different? For example, while both Redbox and movie theaters offer movies, their prices, availability, and convenience factors might differ. People may use Redbox to save money, whereas others may prefer the cinema experience.

4. Analyze cross-price elasticity of demand: Measure the responsiveness of the quantity demanded of one good when the price of the other good changes. If the cross-price elasticity of demand is high, it suggests that the goods are substitutes and likely belong in the same market. If it is low, they may belong in different markets. Market researchers often conduct surveys or analyze historical data to estimate cross-price elasticity of demand.

5. Consider market boundaries: Evaluate the physical or geographic boundaries within which the goods are available. Are the goods typically accessible to the same group of consumers? Do they cater to the same regional or local markets?

By considering these steps, you can determine if two goods are in the same market or market segment. However, it's important to note that market definitions can be subjective and may vary depending on the context and perspective of the analysis.

To determine if two goods are in the same market or market segment, you need to consider various factors, including their characteristics, target customers, and substitutability. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow to determine if a movie rented from Redbox is in the same market as a movie seen at a movie theater:

1. Define the market: Start by clearly defining the market you are analyzing. In this case, the market could be defined as the market for movie consumption.

2. Analyze the goods:
a. Characteristics: Assess the characteristics of the goods. Determine if both Redbox rentals and movie theater experiences belong to the same category of goods, in this case, movies. They both involve the same product, which is a movie, so this suggests they could be related.
b. Consumption pattern: Consider the consumption pattern of the goods. Are they typically consumed in a similar manner? In this case, both Redbox rentals and movie theater experiences involve watching movies, so there is a similarity in consumption patterns.

3. Identify the target customers: Determine the target customers for each of the goods. Consider who typically uses Redbox rentals and who prefers movie theater experiences. If the target customers overlap significantly, it suggests that these goods may be in the same market.

4. Assess substitutability: Examine the level of substitutability between the goods. Are Redbox rentals and movie theater experiences considered as alternatives to each other? If customers perceive them as close substitutes and frequently interchange between the two, it indicates that they could be part of the same market.

5. Consider pricing and demand: Evaluate the pricing and demand dynamics of both goods. Are they affected by similar factors and market conditions? If Redbox rentals and movie theater experiences have similar demand drivers and price sensitivities, it suggests they may be within the same market segment.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed determination of whether Redbox rentals and movie theater experiences are in the same market or market segment. It's important to note that market definitions can sometimes be subjective and may vary depending on the context and purpose of the analysis.