What is the term for the competition among producers to attract consumers?

The term that describes the competition among producers to attract consumers is competition. This concept is fundamental to economic theory, as it involves various firms vying for the attention and purchases of consumers in a market. When producers compete, they may engage in strategies such as lowering prices, improving product quality, offering promotions, or enhancing customer service to gain a competitive edge. This rivalry encourages innovation and efficiency, ultimately benefiting consumers through better choices and lower prices.

Collusion refers to an agreement between firms to limit competition, often resulting in higher prices and restricted output, which does not describe competitive behavior. A monopoly exists when a single producer dominates the entire market, eliminating competition and often leading to higher prices and less variety for consumers. An oligopoly involves a few large producers controlling a market, but even in this scenario, competition still exists among those few firms, although it may be limited. Therefore, the term "competition" most accurately captures the essence of producer rivalry aimed at attracting consumers.