IMPACT OF WEBSITE DESIGN AND ONLINE INFORMATION SOURCES ON CONSUMER TRUST IN E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS: A STUDY OF CONSUMER DURABLES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18848/r1hccn20Keywords:
E-commerce, Online Buying Behaviour, Consumer Durables, Consumer Trust, Website Design, User Interface, Online Reviews, Social Media Influence, Purchase Intention, Perceived RiskAbstract
The rapid growth of e-commerce has fundamentally transformed the purchasing patterns of consumers, particularly within the high-involvement sector of consumer durables. Unlike low-cost convenience goods, consumer durables—such as electronics, furniture, and household equipment—require a more complex decision-making process due to higher perceived risk and significant financial commitment. This literature review synthesizes current academic research to identify the multi-dimensional factors influencing online buying behavior for these products.
Key findings from existing literature highlight that website design quality and online information sources (including user reviews and ratings) are primary determinants of consumer trust and purchase intention. Research indicates that an attractive and user-friendly interface significantly lowers perceived risk, while favorable online reviews act as critical social proof that moderates the relationship between website aesthetics and final purchase decisions Theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model, Information Adoption Model, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology are frequently employed to explain these behaviors, emphasizing the roles of perceived usefulness and ease of use in the digital environment.
Furthermore, demographic variables like age, gender, and geographic location (urban vs. rural) continue to moderate the adoption of online shopping for durables. Despite the advantages of convenience and wider selection, challenges such as the lack of physical product inspection and trust in delivery logistics remain significant barriers. This review concludes by identifying research gaps, particularly the need for more longitudinal studies on post-purchase satisfaction and the impact of emerging technologies like augmented reality on reducing product uncertainty in the consumer durable market (Bag et al., 2017; Islam, n.d.).
