5. Behavioral model of online purchaser
Based on the research results, the behavioral aspects of an online purchaser could be put into three groupings. This was carried out using the affinity diagram method [Straker, 19]. In turn, the three groupings could be an indication of different phases in which an online purchaser experienced when making an e-purchase. The behavioral aspects and the purchasing phases could be integrated to form a behavioral model of an online purchase. The purchasing phases could be classified as "Building Trust and Confidence," "Online Purchase Experience," and "After-Purchase Needs." The behavioral model is shown in Figure4.
In the first phase, Building Trust and Confidence, the potential purchaser is checking to
ensure that an authentic and reliable organization is behind the website and he/she will be
searching for information that will develop the needed trust before proceeding further. It is in this phase where purchaser requires adequate background information about the com pany behind the website. The purchaser also wants good description of product offerings. He/she wants to know the accuracy of the information, probably doing some cross-checks with other sources and making sure information posted on website is current. Lastly, an other major behavioral pattern here is to search for indication on guaranteed protection of privacy of personal information that is given to the website. E-commerce businesses could employ logo assurance services to bring credibility to their websites. Security has always been a major fear for online consumers. E-commerce businesses should employ the latest state-of-the-art technology in dealing with web and transactions security. These security features should be made known to purchasers as soon as possible and therefore should be part of the requirement of the first phase of the model.
In the second phase, Online Purchase Experience, the purchaser is acting like a typical shopper in any physical shop. He/she browses the product offerings. The significant differ ence between virtual and reality shopping is that the former could not afford the purchaser the sense of touch while the latter does not give the purchaser much opportunity to compare prices for the same product. An online shopper cannot try out products but he/she could have extensive price comparison by going to other websites that offer a similar product. However, price difference is quite minimal since the same opportunity is also been ac corded to the online sellers to compare prices and make adjustments quickly. In this phase, the online purchaser wants fast search capability and intuitive navigation so that he/she could move back and forth with ease within the different web pages of the company. The purchaser is looking for ease of buying experience, inspecting product information, look ing at payment modes (which is like checking out the cashier counter in physical store), quick check at company information and sales policy, and also been able to go back and forth to look at other products. These behaviors require website to cater to flexibility in web navigation and providing adequate instructions in guiding the purchaser through the maze he/she has created for himself/herself. Lastly, the purchaser wants convenience in the form of minimal search of product as well as short and flexible payment routine.
In the last phase, After-Purchase Needs, the purchaser wants fast delivery after making the purchase, especially given the fact that he/she has yet to touch and feel the product. Another reason why purchaser would always hope for fast delivery is that they would like to get confirmation that the online transaction is reliable and he/she is getting what has been paid for. They also want sufficient service standards to guarantee that there is recourse if product is unsatisfactory or if there is problem in billing and delivery. They want all queries to be answered. The purchaser requires that the company offers good refund policy if products are unsatisfactory and good after-sales service such as providing efficient technical support, swift response to queries, and parts availability. E-commerce businesses should have policies that make customers feel that are ample avenues to return products, get a refund, or exchange products, all done within a reasonable time frame after initial purchase. Product warranty, full refund, and other customer service policies should be clearly stated on the websites.