The pursuit of conversion: Effects of mediating channels on product choices and purchase propensities in social commerce platforms

Abstract

This study elucidates the effectiveness of intermediary channels in driving sales at social commerce sites (SCSs). Using a panel data, we investigate how the external intermediary channels through which consumers arrive at SCSs influence product choice and purchase likelihood. In addition, we scrutinize the extent to which product categories with varying quality moderate the relationship between consumers' channel-related behaviors and purchase propensities. Furthermore, we examine how external channels