Have an omnichannel seamless interaction experience! Dimensions and effect on consumer satisfaction

Abstract

The challenge for omnichannel retailers is to offer a seamless experience across all touchpoints. However, there is a lack of research that provides theoretical and empirical evidence about how firms can create such experiences. The aim of the current research is to analyse: (1) the concept of omnichannel seamless interaction experience (OSIE) and (2) its effect on customer satisfaction with the interaction. Based on a systematic literature review and running a content analysis, consistency, freedom in channel selection, and synchronisation across channels were identified as OSIE dimensions. In two studies and using two methods, a survey and a controlled experiment, these OSIE dimensions and downstream effects were tested. The findings confirm the multidimensionality of OSIE – composed of consistency, synchronisation, and freedom in channel selection – and its positive effect on customer satisfaction with the interaction.