When consumers have heterogeneous perceptions about product quality,
traditional parametric methods may not provide accurate marginal valuation
estimates of a product's characteristics. A quantile regression framework
can be used to estimate valuations of product characteristics when quality
perceptions are not homogeneous. Semiparametric quantile regressions provide
identification and quantification of heterogeneous marginal valuation
effects across a conditional price distribution. Using purchase price data
from a bull auction, we show that there are nonconstant marginal valuations
of bull carcass and growth traits. Improved understanding of product
characteristic valuations across differentiated market segments can help
producers develop more cost-effective management strategies.