Do Buyer's Characteristics Influence How They Behave when Facing Missing Products in Local E-tailing and E-auction Websites?

摘要

Online shopping is already a common feature in the Internet world. Under certain circumstances, they are not able to satisfy a small group of consumers who actively pursue new technologies, products and fashions that are not yet available in the local mainstream retail (both physical and virtual) market. They either have to purchase via overseas websites or engage the service of e-purchasing/auction service agents to purchase or bid products on their behalf on overseas websites. This research is to investigate whether this group of consumers has the characteristics common to innovators and early adopters. This study shows that this group of consumers has some of the characteristics common to innovators and early adopters. It is especially evident in consumers who use overseas websites. As the market of e-purchasing/auction service agents is inherently small, the operators will need to offer value-added services to attract customers.