An Examination of the Factors Influencing Consumers’ Visit of C2C Websites

Abstract

Few research studies have tackled the topic of commercial C2C (Consumer-to-consumer) Websites while online C2C exchange are having huge success and attract ever-increasing Internet users. Organisations need to understand the critical success factors for attracting the Internet user’s attention. This article sheds the light on the usage background of Tunisian C2C websites. The main outcome of this work results from a netnographic study followed by twenty three semi-structured interviews with C2C websites’ users. Contrary to the results of other researches which connect the use of C2C Websites to electronic factors, this research provides a framework to add “offline” determinants related to perceptions that are acquired prior to or following the C2C websites’ visit. The factors influencing consumers’ visit of C2C Websites were classified into three major categories: before, while and after visiting the C2C Website. Each category includes factors that were discussed to make managerial recommendations. The authors also expose the major personal and situation factors that may characterize C2C Websites’ users.