Perceived Risk in Online Purchase of Sporting Goods

스포츠용품 인터넷 구매의 위험지각에 관한 연구

As the number of Internet users increases, online shopping malls are gradually flourishing and sales are continuously growing. However, since consumers are not able to check what they purchase when buying products on the Internet, they are bound to have higher risk perception than buying directly from off-line stores. Especially, sporting goods require a special attention because a preliminary test is important. Therefore, the risk perception is much higher when people purchase sporting goods online. This study first identifies the multi-dimensionality of risk perception. Then, it investigates whether online purchasing experience of sporting goods makes differences in the level of risk perception. In addition, it examines whether the risk perception by those who had an experience in purchasing sporting goods online affects the customer satisfaction. This study has identified five dimensions in the concept of risk perception, such as financial risk, performance risk, security risk, delivery risk, and psychological/physical risk. A statistical analysis shows that people without an experience in purchasing sporting goods online have perceived significantly higher performance risk, security risk, and psychological/physical risk than those with online purchasing experiences. Finally, this study has found that delivery risk, financial risk, and psychological/physical risk have significant negative influences on the customer satisfaction.