A network analysis of factors influencing the purchase intentions for refurbished electronics

Abstract

Refurbishment can extend the lifetime of an electronic product and reduce its environmental footprint. However, consumers often perceive refurbished electronics as less attractive than new ones, resulting in lower purchase intentions. While prior research has identified several factors that influence consumer choices regarding refurbished electronics, we lack understanding of the interrelations between the different factors related to the consumer, product and context. To model the complex interplay of the factors involved in the intention to purchase refurbished speakers and earbuds, we conducted a survey with 1801 participants. A network encompassing both product categories revealed that the most central factors influencing the intention to purchase refurbished electronics were the product category, the perceived risk and the perception that refurbished electronics are uncomfortable to use because they remind the consumer of their prior user (territorial contamination). For refurbished earbuds, participants' concerns about territorial and hygienic contamination had the strongest negative relations to purchase intentions. For refurbished speakers, the purchase intentions were most negatively related to their perceived risk and positively related to their financial attractiveness. Hence, strategies aiming to enhance the consumer acceptance of refurbished electronics should aim at reducing risks and contamination concerns. Potential strategies to reduce the risks associated with refurbished electronics are discussed.