Seller Reputation Research Articles

Consumer Feedback Sentiment Classification Improved Via Modified Metaheuristic Optimization Natural Language Processing

This study investigates the synergy between the virtual and real-world economies through e-commerce, where seller reputation is critical in guiding consumer decisions. As traditional businesses shift towards online retail, user reviews become essential, offering feedback to both sellers and potential buyers. Sentiment analysis through machine learning (ML) techniques presents significant advantages for consumers and retailers alike. This research proposes a novel approach combining bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) embeddings with an optimized XGBoost classification model to enhance sentiment analysis performance. A modified metaheuristic algorithm, derived from the firefly algorithm (FA), is introduced to optimize the model. Testing on publicly available datasets demonstrates that models optimized by this algorithm achieved a peak accuracy of .881336. Further statistical analyses substantiate these improvements, and SHAP interpretation on the best-performing model identifies key features impacting model predictions, shedding light on factors driving customer sentiment insights.

Investigating the determinants of consumer confidence and online impulse buying intentions: an experimental study

PurposeThis study examines the effects of risk reduction, seller reputation, eWOM and warranties on consumer confidence and online impulse buying intentions through the lens of the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model. It also explores the role of installment options in online impulse buying.Design/methodology/approachWe performed a between-subjects experiment (installment vs. no-installment option). Data were collected from 199 consumers and analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.9.FindingsThe results show that risk reduction, eWOM and warranty positively affect consumer confidence (CC) in online shopping and that CC positively predicts online impulse buying intentions. It was also found that the effect of CC on online impulse buying intentions was stronger when consumers were offered an installment option than a no-installment option.Practical implicationsFindings suggest that online sellers should invest more resources in building consumer confidence, which affects online impulse buying intentions. Moreover, online sellers should offer installment options to consumers, thereby reaping stronger effects of consumer confidence on online impulse buying intentions.Originality/valueEmploying the experimental approach, this study makes a novel attempt to examine the role of the installment option in fostering online impulse buying intentions among Pakistani consumers. Likewise, this is one of the early studies to explore the effects of risk reduction, seller reputation, eWOM and warranties on CC among Pakistani consumers using the SOR model.

Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Keputusan Pembelian Pakaian Bekas di Pasar Aurduri Kota Jambi

The secondhand clothing market has become a popular alternative choice among consumers, especially in big cities like Jambi. This study aims to explore the factors that influence purchasing decisions of secondhand clothing in Aurduri Market, Jambi City. With the growing interest in second-hand clothing, it is important to understand the variables that influence purchasing decisions to provide deeper insights for sellers and market stakeholders. This study used a quantitative method with a sample of 40 respondents who were randomly selected. Data was collected through a questionnaire designed to evaluate the influence of price, product quality, brand, and socio-cultural factors such as local trends and norms on purchasing decisions. The results showed that price was the dominant factor influencing purchasing decisions, followed by clothing quality and seller reputation. Socio-cultural factors also influence purchasing decisions, albeit with a smaller degree of influence. The findings provide valuable insights for used clothing sellers in Aurduri Market in formulating marketing strategies, as well as enriching the literature on consumer behavior in the context of the used clothing market in Indonesia.

Building consumer trust in secondhand fashion: A signaling theory perspective on how consumer orientation and environmental awareness shape engagement

The secondhand fashion market suffers from information asymmetry, creating consumer distrust and limited engagement in secondhand fashion (ESHF). The existing research on how sellers and product signals can mitigate this distrust is limited and produces conflicting results. This is particularly true in terms of understanding how signaling interacts with consumer-specific factors such as orientation and environmental awareness. Thus, this study contributes to understanding the factors driving consumer trust (CT) and ESHF through signaling theory and the nuanced role of consumer orientation and environmental awareness. Structural equation modeling, including multigroup analysis, is employed to test the proposed hypotheses with a sample of 203 Indonesian consumers from a secondhand market platform. The findings indicate that signals such as seller reputation, product history, and refurbishment details significantly enhance CT, with seller reputation being the most influential of the factors. The effectiveness of these signals varies by consumer orientation: functionality-oriented consumers respond more to remarketing information, whereas newness-conscious consumers are influenced more by refurbishment details. Additionally, consumer environmental awareness significantly strengthens the positive relationship between CT and ESHF, highlighting the importance of aligning environmental values with trust-building measures to enhance consumer ESHF. These insights enrich the theoretical understanding of signaling in secondhand markets and offer practical guidance for addressing the challenges associated with CT and ESHF.

Analisis Persaingan Pasar Tradisional dan Pasar Modern dalam Prespektif Daya Minat Beli Pengunjung

The development of the trade industry, the competition between the Traditional Market and the Modern Market has become increasingly significant in competing for the buying power of visitors. This study aims to find out the competition that occurs between modern markets and traditional markets based on the perspective of visitors' purchasing power. This research uses a descriptive approach which is an effort to understand social phenomena that occur through in-depth interpretation and analysis. Data collection was carried out through observation and direct interviews. Data analysis is carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the analysis show that the differences in characteristics between the two markets are that traditional markets offer unique cultural characteristics and traditional shopping experiences, while Modern Markets offer convenience, a wide variety of products, and modern facilities. Visitors' purchasing power is influenced by consumers' personal preferences, where traditional markets are more attractive to those who value interpersonal relationships and intimate shopping experiences, while modern markets are preferred by consumers who are looking for convenience and a diverse selection of products. The role of branding, marketing, and product innovation has a significant impact on the purchasing power of visitors in both types of markets. Traditional markets tend to rely on seller reputation and interpersonal relationships, while modern markets are more focused on digital marketing strategies and social media influencers

Exploring the effects of quality signals on search advertising performance: the moderating role of keyword attributes

PurposeIn online exchange platforms' sponsored search advertising, the array of product quality signals within a keyword search results list plays a crucial role in shaping buyers' purchasing decisions. This research seeks to explore the impact of various quality signals – namely, ranking position, seller reputation and product price – on ad clicks. Additionally, it examines the role of keyword attributes, such as specificity and popularity, in modulating the effects of these quality signals on advertising clicks.Design/methodology/approachA total of 5,763 effective data points were collected from a leading B2B electronic platform company, and we employed negative binomial regression with Heckman correction methods to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results indicate that in online exchange platforms, search ad clicks are significantly and positively affected by displayed signals such as ranking position, seller reputation and product price information. Notably, a U-shaped relationship emerges between product price and ad clicks. Furthermore, keyword specificity and popularity distinctly moderate the impact of these displayed signals on ad clicks within online exchange platforms.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the gap in existing research on search advertising by methodically analyzing the impact of various signals displayed in search results and how keyword attributes moderate ad clicks, all through a signaling theory lens.

RESEARCH ON FACTORS AFFECTING ONLINE SHOPPING INTENTION OF CUSTOMERS: THE EVIDENCE IN VIETNAM

Objective: The research clarifies the relationships among the four key factors: brand reputation, trust, customer service quality, and online shopping intentions. Theoretical Framework: The research adopted the E-S-QUAL four dimensions to measure e-service quality, customer trust, and purchase intention in virtual environments. The research explores the role of seller reputation in the relationship between trust and online shopping by building a model with four variables, six hypotheses, and 21 observed variables. Method: The snowball sampling technique was used. Quantitative research was used to evaluate and test the theoretical model with a sample size of N = 395 through the online survey. This study examined the scale through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results and Discussion: The results show that the research scales achieve unidirectional reliability, convergent validity, and high discriminant validity. Brand reputation has a positive impact on customer service through trust. Trust has a positive impact on online shopping intention through customer service. Research Implications: This study only examines the role of brand reputation in the relationship between trust, customer service quality, and online shopping intention. Other important factors that affect this relationship may not be mentioned in the research. Originality/Value: The article recommends improving Vietnamese consumers' confidence and online shopping intention by offering solutions for consumers, electronic sellers, and related associations and organizations.

Truth: A Blockchain-Aided Secure Reputation System With Genuine Feedbacks

E-commerce has changed the way of shopping and played an important role in the world. Therefore, e-commerce platforms require a secure reputation service, which provides genuine reputation of sellers so as to support potential buyers making the right decision while interacting with an e-commerce platform. Unfortunately, most current e-commerce platforms failed to do so because they fully control the reputation service, which make it easy for an adversary to violate the genuineness of the reputation. In this article, we focus on feedback anonymity and authenticity, which are two critical security properties to ensure a genuine reputation of sellers. We present Truth, a blockchain-aided secure reputation system to remove the trustworthiness of the e-commerce platform while ensuring the two security properties. To overcome the usability and security barriers of blockchain systems, Truth adopts a hybrid framework to rely on the centralized e-commerce platform to provide traditional trading services while the blockchain is only used to authenticate the correctness of feedbacks. To decouple the blockchain from the e-commerce platform, we anchor correctness of feedbacks to correctness of cryptographic tokens and leverage the blockchain to solely escrow the tokens. The Truth also proposes a new concept named purchasing endorsed feedback, which is enforced via a collaborative method to prevent injection of fake feedbacks. We have implemented a prototype to demonstrate that the Truth incurs second-level computation overhead and KB-level communication overhead, and achieves hundreds TPS-level thoughts.

Factors Influencing Young Consumer Trust in Online Purchase Decision of Luxury Perfume in Malaysia: A Preliminary Qualitative Study

This qualitative study aims at investigating the factors influencing young consumer trust towards purchase decision of luxury perfume online. Data were collected through interviewing 5 consumers via real time online chatting method. Data were examined based on content analysis. A preliminary model was then developed as a basis to explain the relationship between the factors extracted, consumer trust and purchase decision. The findings of the study reveal crucial factors which influence consumer trust in purchasing luxury perfume online namely reputation of online sellers, peer customer reviews, recommendation from experts, proof of product authenticity and past experience. The study also incorporates in depth discussion regarding the criteria of reputable sellers. This study discloses meaningful consumer insights regarding motivation towards online shopping, the risks encountered and suggestions for making better purchase decisions. The findings provide invaluable insights for marketers especially those in the luxury perfume industry in Malaysia to devise effective marketing strategy for gaining consumer trust. This study contributes to implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) item 12 emphasizing responsible consumption and production. Findings from this study provide guidelines for consumers in making purchase decisions and to avoid being scammed by online sellers; the findings benefit regulatory bodies in revising policies for protecting consumer rights in Malaysia.

The Effect of Trust on Behavioral Intentions: An Empirical Investigation among Malaysian Online Shoppers

Today, e-commerce has experienced significant growth and transformation. Despite the continued growth of e-commerce, marketers have begun to face challenges in online purchasing. The most critical issue in online purchasing is trust, which contributes to customers' behavioural intentions. Thus, this research is conducted to test the effect on behavioral intentions in online purchasing. Internet users who had engaged in online purchasing were selected as the research's respondents. A questionnaire was used as the research instrument. The trust variable was operationalized based on four underlying dimensions: website trustworthiness, seller reputation, payment security, and transparency. A total of 375 completed questionnaires were proceeded for data analysis. The data gathered were analyzed using the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The results reveal that trust has a significant effect on behavioral intentions in online purchasing (p-value: 0.000; Beta: 0.795). This indicates that trust is a fundamental driver of behavioral intentions in online purchasing. Establishing and maintaining trust is crucial for online retailers and marketplaces to attract and retain customers.

In platform we trust: How interchangeability affects trust decisions in collaborative consumption

Collaborative consumption describes exchanges among individuals mediated by an internet platform. This study examines the conditions under which individuals are likely to make a trust decisions in a complex triadic relationship involving a seller, a digital platform and a buyer. Building on relevant research, we propose that the interchangeability of buyers (e.g., where a buyer has been a seller) has an effect on their trust decisions because it leads them to engage in other-focused perspective taking. Through a quantitative study (N = 908), this research reveals the moderating effects of interchangeability. For noninterchangeable buyers (buyers who do not have experience as sellers), trust decisions are based on reputational cues (platform and seller reputation) and credibility trusting beliefs. For interchangeable buyers, trust decisions are primarily based on credibility and benevolence trusting beliefs rather than reputational cues. The findings also indicate that for both parties, there is a hierarchy of trust or a transfer effect from trust in the platform to trust in the sharing partner. Accordingly, we contribute to the literature on trust by examining hierarchical trust in terms of consumer-to-consumer platforms, identifying the significant role of interchangeability and revealing that other-focused perspective taking is a key mechanism in trust decisions.

Investigating factors influencing trust in C2C e-commerce environments: A systematic literature review

The continued growth of e-commerce has seen several studies focusing on the business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce market, while research on the consumer-to-consumer (C2C) market is relatively limited. C2C e-commerce has also experienced significant growth in the last few years, specifically in the second-hand goods market. Consequently, trust remains a key determinant of e-commerce adoption; hence, understanding the elements that impact trust in the C2C market remains important.This research aims to uncover factors influencing trust in the C2C e-commerce market and identify areas for future research. A literature review from five databases, focusing on peer-reviewed articles and empirical studies from 2013 to 2023 was conducted. The PRISMA flow diagram guided the process. A defined search criteria initially yielded 382 articles, but after thorough analysis, only 44 were suitable for synthesis and reporting.The Mendeley referencing tool and MS Excel were instrumental in facilitating the analysis. The findings uncovered a persistent shortage of empirical studies within the realm of C2C e-commerce, particularly in the context of trust. The identified factors were categorised into those affecting buyers and sellers. Various elements, including seller reputation, product reviews, pricing, and the presence of profile photos, emerged as notable influencers on the buyer's side. On the other hand, aspects like structural assurance and website quality played a significant role in influencing trust in the platform from the buyer's perspective. Future C2C e-commerce research should diversify methods, contexts, and factors, like culture and reviews. The study's identified factors can guide researchers and aid practitioners in enhancing trust and C2C adoption.

The Influence of Seller Reputation and Trust in Streamers on Live Stream Shopping Purchase Intention: The Moderation Effect of Country Image

Purpose - Live streaming e-commerce continues to increase Chinese consumer enthusiasm for purchasing foreign products. The current research focus in the field of live streaming e-commerce is on exploring the impact of various factors on consumer purchase attitudes and intentions. This study aims to investigate the effects of seller reputation in traditional e-commerce and trust in streamers in live streaming e-commerce on consumer purchase intentions. Additionally, it aims to analyze how the country image of Korea moderates the effects of seller reputation and trust in streamers on purchase intentions.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - This study used the SmartPLS statistical software package to analyze a sample of 341 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to conduct path analysis and moderation effect analysis
 Findings - This study found that in live streaming e-commerce, seller reputation and trust in streamer significantly influence consumer purchase attitudes. Country image plays a moderating role in the relationship between seller reputation and attitude. However, country image does not moderate the relationship between trust in streamer and attitude. These findings contribute to our understanding of the factors that shape consumer attitudes, and illuminate the role of the country image as a moderator in e-commerce.
 Research Implications - This study has found that product country image plays a moderating role in the relationship between seller reputation and consumer purchase attitudes. It makes a theoretical contribution to existing e-commerce research, and explores the positive impact of product country image in cross-border e-commerce.

How does platform certification affect the marketing performance of sellers in food e-commerce? Interaction with reputation mechanisms

PurposePlatform certification constitutes an effective mechanism for managing the lemon problem concerning food e-commerce. This work aims to evaluate the market effect of platform certification and analyzes its correction mechanism for lemon problem combined with reputation mechanism.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing the Gold Seller certification of Taobao.com to serve as an illustration, the authors conducted an empirical study based on the sales data of hairy crabs among 2,239 sample sites over six points in time from October to December 2019, systematically examining the market effect of food e-commerce platform certification along with the interaction between food e-commerce platform certification and reputation mechanisms, followed by a heterogeneity test by product price.FindingsThis study finds that sellers with platform certification can significantly increase their sales. The market effect of platform certification is more easily observed in the low-price product market. In addition, platform certification and reputation mechanisms have complementary effects. In a low-price product market, the complementary effect of platform certification and product reputation diminishes, while the complementary effect of platform certification and seller reputation disappears.Originality/valueThis study explores the market effect of food e-commerce platform certification, reveals the market effect of certification mechanism when multiple signaling mechanisms exist simultaneously and conducts an empirical test based on real market data. It provides a better comprehension of how platform certifications work in food e-commerce.

E-commerce enterprise brand image, seller's reputation and consumers' purchasing intention: Basis for online buying platform improvement framework

E-commerce enterprise brand image, seller's reputation and consumers' purchasing intention: Basis for online buying platform improvement framework

The effect of Ease of Use, Seller Reputation, and Perceived Usefulness On Brand Loyalty with Satisfaction as a Mediating Variable

This study is to determine the effect of customer satisfaction in building brand loyalty through customer satisfaction, ease of use, seller reputation, and perceived usefulness. The population of this study, which employs quantitative research techniques, consists of Surakrarta-based customers of online marketplaces. Purpose Sampling was the method of sampling employed in this investigation. They employed 127 respondents. The information used in this study came through the distribution of questionnaires. Partial Least Square (PLS) data analysis using SMARTPLS software is the method used in this study. According to the findings of this study, Brand Loyalty is not positively and significantly impacted by Seller Reputation, Perceived Usefulness, or Ease of Use. A favorable and considerable impact on satisfaction is provided by the ease of use, seller reputation, and perceived usefulness. Brand Loyalty is positively and significantly impacted by satisfaction. Ease of Use, Seller Reputation, and Perceived Usefulness cannot be mediated by satisfaction in determining brand loyalty.This research contributes to increasing knowledge in the sector of selling used products through online platforms, because one of the challenges faced by the MSME industry is the use of technology in its business processes. The use of technology can facilitate business activities such as, means of promotion and facilitate transactions because this convenience is used by umkm industry business actors and consumers in the use of technology.

Trust, reputation, and the value of promises in online auctions of used goods

Buyers in online markets pay higher prices to sellers who promise a high-quality product in auctions of used goods, even though they cannot assess quality until after the sale. The principal argument offered in prior work is that reputation systems render sellers’ ‘cheap talk’ credible by allowing buyers to publicly rate sellers’ past honesty and sellers to build a reputation for being honest. We test this argument using both observational data from online auctions on eBay and an internet experiment. Strikingly, in both studies we find that unverifiable promises are trusted by buyers regardless of seller reputation or the presence of a reputation system, and sellers mostly refuse to take advantage. We conclude that the prevailing conception of markets in economic sociology as made possible by opportunism-curtailing institutions is “undersocialized”: Reputation systems may be used to identify more reliable providers of a product, but that they would be needed to prevent otherwise rampant deceit relies on a cynical assumption about human behavior that is empirically untenable.

Is nicotine vaporization a better alternative to traditional cigarette smoking? E-cigarettes harmful effects summary and the management of EVALI based on the latest literature

Introduction: Electronic cigarettes are battery-powered devices that allow users to inhale vapor produced by heating a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine and other substances. The first such devices were introduced in China in 2003, and subsequently approved for use in the European Union in 2006 and the United States in 2007. The number of e-cigarette users is constantly growing, with the largest increases observed in the 18-24 age group. Various modifications led to the emergence of a new disease entity in 2019 called EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury).
 Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge about harmful substances contained in e-cigarettes and to systematize the latest methods of management in cases of suspected EVALI.
 Methods and materials: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, including publications from the last 8 years, using the following keywords: "E-cigarette," "Electronic cigarette," "EVALI," "THC," "Vitamin E."
 Results: Electronic cigarettes contain a number of substances harmful to health. E-cigarettes have not been approved as nicotine replacement therapy. The presence of vitamin E breakdown products in the respiratory tract of EVALI patients has been confirmed. Vitamin E was primarily used to increase the volume of e-liquids containing THC.
 Conclusions: Electronic cigarettes should not be used due to the numerous harmful substances they contain. When using e-cigarettes, both the devices and the e-liquids should be purchased from reputable sellers approved in the respective country. EVALI is a potentially fatal disease, and prompt diagnosis facilitates treatment

Solving the product uncertainty hurdle in social commerce: The mediating role of seller uncertainty

Social commerce, which combines the transactional side of e-commerce with social interactions, has grown in popularity throughout the last years. Despite the fact that the issue of uncertainty in e-commerce has been extensively discussed, little is known about the mechanisms that customers of social commerce employ to lessen their perceptions of uncertainty. The role of various factors, including return policy leniency, information quality, seller popularity, seller reputation, and number of positive comments, in product uncertainty in social commerce is still little understood. Additionally, the social commerce literature indicates that more research is required on the mediating role of seller uncertainty. According to the empirical evidence from 471 customers, return policy leniency, information quality, seller popularity, seller reputation, and number of positive review comments all have significant negative effects on seller uncertainty. In addition, the results demonstrate that seller uncertainty partially mediates the relationships between these factors and customers’ perceptions of product uncertainty in social commerce. These findings reveal important implications for both practice and theory.

Competition or Authorization—Manufacturers’ Choice of Remanufacturing Strategies

In the face of the cannibalization of remanufactured products produced by independent remanufacturers (IRs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can produce remanufactured products themselves to compete with independent remanufacturers (IRs), or they can authorize the IRs to cooperate because of their seller reputation. This paper studies the key factors that influence OEMs’ choice of remanufacturing strategies. By establishing three two-stage models and comparing them, the thresholds for OEMs to choose different remanufacturing strategies were obtained. There is also an interesting finding that when the authorization fee is higher than a certain value, even if the remanufactured product poses a competitive threat to the new product, the OEM will help the IR improve their remanufacturing technology to save costs and achieve a win–win situation. With the increase in authorization fees, OEMs’ profits will increase first and then decrease, so it is not always better for OEMs to charge higher authorization fees. Whether it is an authorization or a competitive scenario, the improvement in remanufacturing technology by OEMs can increase the output of remanufactured products, which is conducive to environmental protection.