Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회지)

The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (한국의류학회)
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Tone in Text and the Effect on Trust and Choice Confidence in Online Fashion Shopping

  • Lee, Eun-Jung (Dept. of Fashion Design, College of Design, Kookmin University) ;
  • Kim, Hahn (The Fashion School, Kent State University)
  • Received : 2015.03.31
  • Accepted : 2015.07.13
  • Published : 2015.10.31
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Abstract

Consumers' psychological demands for e-tail shopping have increased as websites have become one of the most dominant retail outlets for various fashion products. The lack of realistic social stimuli in virtual contexts (websites) has been a major limitation for many online shoppers. Prior research has focused on the viable role of technology to improve positive social factors in e-tailing; however, this study tests the role of tone in text in fashion e-tail sites on consumers' trust and choice confidence. We conducted a self-administered online survey with 309 individuals from the U.S.. The results indicated positive effects of casual tone in text-based content of a fashion e-tail site on trust and confidence. Trust also has a significant positive effect on confidence. Both trust and confidence improved purchase intention. Given the high price of employing an avatar or simulated salesperson online, using tone in text to increase positive social effect on shoppers can be a positive alternative when managers plan e-tail strategies contributing to consumers' positive shopping experience online. Discussions and study limitations are provided.

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