Perfect competition – table of contents:
What is perfect competition?
The perfect competition model serves as a benchmark against which we can compare our business. Although it is not a common structure, understanding it provides valuable information about the impact of supply and demand on the market.
The opposite of this model is a monopoly, which is a company that dominates a particular market and dictates the price of goods or services. It attracts all customers who have no other alternatives in this situation. It is usually very difficult for new entrants to enter such a market, so a monopoly company does not have to worry about its competitive advantage.
Features of perfect competition
The attributes that distinguish perfect competition are as follows:
- Low barriers to entry and exit
- Information availability
- A homogenous and extensive market
- Firms are price-takers
Entry barriers refer to, among other things, regulatory requirements that must be met for a firm to enter an industry (permits, licenses, concessions, etc.), start-up costs, and technological requirements. Exit barriers, on the other hand, refer to factors that reduce the profitability of leaving an industry while increasing the costs associated with such an activity. If we’re talking about low barriers to entry and exit, it means that we can set up a business easily and quit without much loss.
Producers, sellers, and customers have access to information about prevailing market conditions – pricing strategies, demand and supply of goods, and their quality. Consumers realize that the goods and services offered are homogenous. They make rational purchasing decisions.
It means there are a lot of companies in the market selling similar products. Since the products have similar features, customers mainly rely on price. Demand and supply are equal, and all companies that fit this model have relatively small shares.
Therefore, companies must accept the prices that prevail in the market. They also have no control over their formation – they cannot lower or raise them.
Pros and cons of perfect competition
Pros:
- Low barriers to entry and exit,
- Customer focus (they have strong bargaining power),
- Companies compete by lowering prices and to be profitable, they must strive to optimize costs and reduce waste.
Cons:
- It usually exists only in theory and does not accurately define economic realities,
- Lack of innovation – companies’ offerings are almost identical, so there is no room for improvement and development,
- The break-even point of businesses is less than 0 (there are too many competitors in the market), which means lower profits,
- It’s impossible to scale the business, i.e., to maximize the benefits of the company,
- High competition – customers have many choices.
Examples of perfect competition
Several industries in the market are close to the described model of perfect competition. Take a look at the following examples.
- Agricultural market
- Currency markets
- E-commerce industry
In some countries, agricultural products are similar, e.g., wheat, rye, barley, and soybeans. Starting such a business is quite easy – it requires buying land and starting to grow crops (assuming you know how to do it). The prices of the products are comparable to each other and are mainly influenced by factors beyond the farmers’ control – weather conditions, imports and exports, yields, and demand.
The value of any currency depends on external factors. Access to information about the stock market is widespread, and transactions are uniform. Barriers to entry are also low – if you want to start investing, all you need to do is set up a brokerage account. You don’t need much money to get started.
Another example is e-commerce, which is growing rapidly. The barriers to entry and exit for sellers are low – with little investment, virtually anyone can start or quit this type of business. The availability of different offers, the best prices, and the necessary information about products and services is very wide. In addition, there are several people engaged in this business and consumers who choose this form of shopping.
Summary
You should remember that the model of perfect competition is a construct that represents an idealized market situation. The reality is quite different, and not all of its features are observed in various companies, which shows the imperfection of the modern economy. Nevertheless, it can be an interesting way to analyze your market environment.

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Author: Andy Nichols
A problem solver with 5 different degrees and endless reserves of motivation. This makes him a perfect Business Owner & Manager. When searching for employees and partners, openness and curiosity of the world are qualities he values the most.