[sokoloff]

> If there's not a single, global rate for a nondifferentiated good, it means it's not a competitive market and a cartel or monopolist is imposing segmentation.

Much of the work of product development and marketing is creating differentiation (real and perceived). Is a Mercedes E-class different from Toyota Camry? Is 90% lean ground beef from Whole Foods different from 90% at Trader Joe’s?

Is economy class 21-day advance, Saturday night stay required travel different from a walk-up ticket out Tuesday back the same Thursday?

[dragonwriter]

> Much of the work of product development and marketing is creating differentiation

Sure, and that's definitely an important phenomenon, but it is not really germane to hiring for a role and paying differently for the exact same role depending on where the successful applicant lives.

[lotsofpulp]

> Is a Mercedes E-class different from Toyota Camry?

For this example, obviously they are different. The job of marketing is to justify the difference in price for whatever differences the Mercedes offers.

> Is economy class 21-day advance, Saturday night stay required travel different from a walk-up ticket out Tuesday back the same Thursday?

Yes, for the seller, guaranteed payment 21 days before is different than a volatile payment minutes before the goods expire.