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Exploring online consumer behavior on fraudulent energy-saving products
Pingfei Li1,2, Dingwei Zheng1, Li Yan3
1School of Automobile and Transportation, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, China.
Scientific Reports
|June 21, 2024
Summary
Consumers often unknowingly buy fake energy-saving products online due to specific purchasing preferences. Understanding these "hidden energy savers" is crucial for promoting genuine energy conservation and environmental awareness.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Consumer Behavior
- Sustainable Development
Background:
- Energy-saving products are vital for public engagement in energy conservation.
- The proliferation of fraudulent energy-saving products online presents a significant challenge.
- Limited research exists on the demand for and characteristics of these fraudulent products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors influencing consumer purchases of fraudulent energy-saving products.
- To measure the impact of these purchases on environmental awareness.
- To identify consumer needs for authentic energy-saving solutions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sales data from four major online shopping platforms.
- Identification of purchasing patterns for fraudulent energy-saving products.
- A case study surveying freight companies and transporters on their demand for energy-saving products.
Main Results:
- Consumers unknowingly purchasing fraudulent products ("hidden energy savers") show distinct preferences.
- These preferences include moderate pricing, simple explanations, and a desire for multiple features.
- Perceived difficulty in installation and usage significantly impacts purchasing decisions.
Conclusions:
- Consumer demand characteristics for fraudulent products offer insights into developing authentic energy-saving goods.
- Addressing hidden consumer needs can enhance public interest in genuine energy conservation.
- Reducing the market for fraudulent products is essential for improving environmental awareness.
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