More importantly, this research design
permits subsequent substantive analyses to control for a
number of factors that may influence the relationships in
the propositions. Restricting the analysis to eBags.com
ensures uniformity across exogenous service dimensions
that might influence or bias the willingness of customers to
pay a premium in transacting online (Zeithaml et al., 2002).
Also, eBags.com provides all online customers with uniform
and consistent information pertaining to both
fulfillment issues and product return policies, with such
information being provided prior to the placement of
customer orders. By constraining the empirical evaluation
of the propositions to a single Internet retailer and its
customers and suppliers, we reduce inconsistencies with
respect to differences in information content and presentation
across multiple Internet retailers that might
consequently influence customers’ buying preferences and
behavior (Esper et al., 2003).