Then researchers including Sheth and Parvatiyar (1995) and Hennig-Thurau et al. (2002) provide evidence that the
commitment-trust model also applies to service brand marketing. Relationship commitment refers to the persistent state of mind to maintain a worthwhile relationship, and relationship trust is conceptualized as confidence in the relational
partner’s reliability and integrity. The two constructs mediate the effects of relationship termination cost (monetary and psychological cost incurred by terminating the relationship), relationship benefits (functional and affective benefits
provided by the relationship), shared values (personal values shared by the relational partner) and opportunistic behavior (violation of behavioral norms for responsibilities and obligations of the relational partner) on the formation of brand loyalty. Briefly, commitment and trust are central to successful relationship-building because they: