The Roles of Brand Loyalty and Switching Costs in the Purchase of a New Smartphone

Abstract

Purpose Although many users change their smartphone, most may be inclined to continue using incumbent smartphone series instead of switching to new brands. Brand loyalty and switching costs are major determinants of inclinations toward incumbent smartphones. This study addresses the research question, "what roles brand loyalty and switching costs play in the purchase of new smartphones?". Design/methodology/approach A research model consisting of six hypotheses for explaining purchase intentions toward new smartphone was proposed considering inclinations toward incumbent brands. The research model was empirically tested based on purchase intentions toward the LG smartphone brand G4, employing a sample of 177 university students in Korea. The data were analyzed using the PLS technique. The results provide support for all hypotheses. Findings First, perceived inclinations toward incumbent smartphone, brand loyalty and switching costs, explained the purchase of new smartphones as well as the perception of new smartphone. Second, brand loyalty was found to play the role of moderator between switching costs and relative advantage in the purchase of new smartphone. Third, perceived aesthetics and price value had considerable influence on the purchase of brand-new smartphone.