Influence of perceived risk on consumers’ intention and behavior in cross-border e-commerce transactions: A case study of the Tmall Global platform

Abstract

With the rapid development of economic integration and information technology, cross-border e-commerce has become the most important form of e-commerce. However, there are currently many uncertainties in cross-border online shopping, and the low physical proximity exacerbates the psychological distance, perceived risk, and lack of trust, all of which affect consumer decision-making to a considerable extent. This study adopts both quantitative and qualitative methods. A questionnaire survey was conducted among consumers using the Tmall Global platform in Chinese-speaking (433 individuals) and non-Chinese-speaking (379 individuals) regions, and structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. We also conducted a focus group discussion to interpret the quantitative results and provide recommendations for platform improvements. The results show that perceived risk has a negative effect on consumers’ intentions and behaviors to purchase and recommend the platform. Perceived risk can reduce the level of trust, whereas trust and intention can promote consumer behavior.