We use Nelson’s classification as a

We use Nelson’s classification as a starting point because it is the original and most widely used classification of search and experience goods and because Nelson validated it using a variety of secondary data sets.

We selected three types of search goods (Nelson 1970, p. 325)—shoes, home furniture, and garden
and patio implements—and three types of experience goods (Nelson 1974, p. 738–39)—automotive parts and accessories, health and beauty products, and camera equipment.

We selected these products for four reasons.
First, they are among the few in the ComScore product classification scheme that exactly match those in Nelson’s original classification of search and experience goods (see Nelson 1970,
Table 2; Nelson 1974, Table 1).

Second, they were quently purchased during our study period, resulting in a reasonable sample size.

Third, the product types represented a wide spectrum of price and product differentiation,
from relatively inexpensive (shoes) to more expensive(cameras).

Fourth, the products are not dominated by a few online sellers, which might limit consumers’ prepurchase search.