Transaction costs of exchange: impact on consumption

The theoretical basis of transaction costs is studied. It is shown that among Russian scientists there is no unambiguous interpretation of the concept of transaction costs, as well as there is no legislative consolidation of them in the accounting plan of accounts. It is revealed that in the trade industry, a specialized methodology should be used to analyze and quantify transaction costs. It is established that in retail enterprises, transaction costs are included in commercial and management expenses, but there is no clear definition of them. A high share of commercial and management expenses in relation to the gross profit of organizations that sell food products, especially food, beverages and tobacco products, was determined, and the low efficiency of such organizations was revealed. The unstable nature of the trade mark-up has been shown to fluctuate over time. Its relationship with consumer prices for population groups with different levels of disposable resources is indicated. It is noted that the problem of reducing transaction costs is of paramount importance and should be solved at the state level in the interests of firms and the population in order to increase the efficiency of doing business and reduce prices to increase consumption and equalize social stratification.