How are prices determined differently in a free-market economy versus a command economy? In a command economy, consumers control prices, while in a free-market economy, the government controls prices. In a command economy, manufacturers control prices, while in a free-market economy, consumers control prices. In a command economy, the government controls prices, while in a free-market economy, the market controls prices. In a command economy, the market controls prices, while in a free-market economy, manufacturers control prices.