Article: Effect of relationship bonds on perceived switching costs and patronage intention in coffee shops Journal: International Journal of Services, Economics and Management (IJSEM) 2026 Vol.17 No.4 pp.372 - 388 Abstract: Although relationship bonds and switching costs are crucial factors affecting engagement and patronage intention, the effects of the three types of relationship bonds (financial, social, and structural) on the three types of switching costs (financial, procedural, and relational) and patronage intention remain unclear. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study investigated the effects of relationship bonds on perceived switching costs and patronage intention. Questionnaires were distributed on social media, and 648 members of coffee shops participated. Structural equation modelling was used for data analysis. The finding showed that social bonds affected the perceptions of financial, procedural, and relational switching costs. Financial bonds exerted a positive and significant effect on financial and relational switching costs. Structural bonds affected procedural and relational switching costs. Financial and relational switching costs affected patronage intention, but perceived procedural switching costs did not affect patronage intention. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Effect of relationship bonds on perceived switching costs and patronage intention in coffee shops

Authors: Edward Shih-Tse Wang; Yi-Ting Lee; Yu-Ting Liao

Addresses: Graduate Institute of Bio-Industry Management, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist. Taichung City, 402, Taiwan ' Graduate Institute of Bio-Industry Management, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist. Taichung City, 402, Taiwan ' Graduate Institute of Bio-Industry Management, National Chung Hsing University, No. 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist. Taichung City, 402, Taiwan

Abstract: Although relationship bonds and switching costs are crucial factors affecting engagement and patronage intention, the effects of the three types of relationship bonds (financial, social, and structural) on the three types of switching costs (financial, procedural, and relational) and patronage intention remain unclear. Drawing on social exchange theory, this study investigated the effects of relationship bonds on perceived switching costs and patronage intention. Questionnaires were distributed on social media, and 648 members of coffee shops participated. Structural equation modelling was used for data analysis. The finding showed that social bonds affected the perceptions of financial, procedural, and relational switching costs. Financial bonds exerted a positive and significant effect on financial and relational switching costs. Structural bonds affected procedural and relational switching costs. Financial and relational switching costs affected patronage intention, but perceived procedural switching costs did not affect patronage intention.

Keywords: relationship bond; switching cost; patronage intention; coffee shop.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEM.2026.155290

International Journal of Services, Economics and Management, 2026 Vol.17 No.4, pp.372 - 388

Received: 08 May 2023
Accepted: 06 Mar 2024
Published online: 30 Jul 2026 *

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Title: Effect of relationship bonds on perceived switching costs and patronage intention in coffee shops

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