Description
Abstract: In this paper, we propose a two-step semi-nonparametric estimator for the widely used random coefficients logit demand model. The approach applies to the same setup as Berry et al. (1995, BLP)-type of models with many products, but has the advantage of not requiring computing demand inversion. In particular, the first step of our approach estimates the fixed coefficients via a computationally very easy linear sieve generalized method of moments (GMM). The second step uncovers the distribution of the random coefficient via a sieve minimum distance or GMM procedure. We show identification and derive the asymptotic properties of the estimator in a large market environment. Monte Carlo simulations and empirical illustrations support the theoretical results and demonstrate the usefulness of our estimator in practice.