Mediator and regulatory effects of word of mouth on the effect of electronic servicescape on brand equity

Electronic commerce retail brands such as Amazon and Tmall are among the strongest global brands published by the international brand valuation company Brand Finance in 2021. In this context, the study is important in terms of examining the service environments and brand equity of only online-marketplace and business-to-consumer websites in the electronic commerce sector. The main purpose of this study is to determine the mediator and regulatory role of electronic word-of-mouth communication in the effect of service environments of online-marketplace and business-to-consumer websites on the brand equity. In addition, it is to determine the effect of electronic servicescape on electronic word of mouth communication and brand equity, and the effect of electronic word of mouth on brand equity. In the research, 402 usable questionnaires were obtained from consumers who purchased products from the internet in the last six months. SPSS and AMOS programs were used to test the reliability, validity and research hypotheses of the electronic servicescape, brand equity and electronic word of mouth scales. As a result, it has been determined that electronic servicescape affects brand equity and electronic word of mouth, and electronic word of mouth has a partial mediation role in the positive effect of electronic servicescape on brand equity. It has been determined that electronic word of mouth has a moderator role in the effect of electronic servicescape (entertainment value, usability, relevance of information, customization and interaction) on brand equity. Within the framework of these results, it can be said that with the development of the electronic servicescape, both brand equity and electronic word of mouth communication can be positively affected. At the same time, electronic commerce brands can organize electronic servicescapes and make up for their deficiencies by taking into account the suggestions and requests of the consumer.