What term describes an action that stops or inhibits the public from negotiating special price arrangements?

The term that accurately describes an action preventing the public from negotiating special price arrangements is indeed price fixing. Price fixing occurs when companies agree, either explicitly or implicitly, to set prices at a certain level, rather than allowing the market to determine prices through supply and demand. This practice reduces competition and can lead to higher prices for consumers, as it inhibits their ability to negotiate better terms or prices.

In the context of real estate, if brokers were to engage in price fixing, they would be colluding to set standard prices for services instead of competing with one another. This limits consumer choices and hinders the natural fluctuation of prices based on market conditions.

Price gouging, on the other hand, typically refers to the practice of raising prices on essential goods during emergencies or shortages and is not directly related to the negotiation of price arrangements. Price discrimination involves charging different prices to different buyers for the same product, which also doesn’t align with inhibiting negotiation. Market manipulation refers to attempts to artificially influence the price or supply of an asset and does not specifically relate to price arrangement negotiations.