Before reviewing literature regarding linkages between
individual dimensions of e-servicescape and trust, it is
worthwhile to clarify why trust is presented as the
“outcome” of online physical environments and
fundamental to e-shopping. First, recent theory has argued
that not only is trust pivotal to online exchange (e.g. Yen and
Gwinner, 2003) but also that trust is central to online service
dynamics (see Harris and Goode, 2004). Second, consistent
with the general consensus of theorists, practitioners have also
positioned trust as highly important; a fact evidenced by the
wide range of programs designed to build trust – TRUSTe
and BBBOn-Line being especially well known – see Luo,
2002). Finally, studies of consumers find that the most
important issue that consumers evaluate when contemplating
online exchange is trustworthiness (see Fusaro et al., 2002).
Thus, while recognizing that online exchange is affected by a
wide range of factors, theorists, practitioners, and consumers
appear consistently to present perceived trust as essential to
online shopping intentions.