A5b What Makes Refurbished Acceptable? A Two-Stage Study of Purchase Intention and Discount Thresholds

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 8:30 AM–10:00 AM PDT
Room 5
Short Description

This study examines consumer acceptance of refurbished durables in Korea using a two-part design that links behavioral intention to the minimum discount required to switch from new to refurbished. Using an online panel of adults and a massage-chair category frame, we model purchase intention with explainable machine-learning and report SHAP attributions for attitudes toward refurbishment and attribute-importance items (price, warranty, hygiene, seller credibility, reviews, performance, appearance). We then elicit willingness-to-accept (WTA) using a double-bounded dichotomous-choice sequence and estimate the discount distribution via interval-censored accelerated failure-time models. Results show attitudes toward refurbished products as the dominant positive driver of intention, while stronger concerns about hygiene and warranty increase the discount required. The model-based median WTA is approximately 15% off list price, with meaningful heterogeneity across segments. Findings provide actionable pricing, assurance, and labeling guidance for firms and policy makers seeking to expand trustworthy refurbished channels that improve affordability and sustainability without compromising perceived quality.

Type of presentation

Accepted Oral Presentation

Submitter

Youhyeon Seo, Chonnam National University

Authors

Yuhyun Seo, Chonnam National University
Eunjung Lim, Korea Consumer-centered Enterprise Association (KCEA)
Eunsil Hong, Chonnam National University
Jiyeon Son, Chonnam National University
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