Location, location … mailing location? The impact of address as a signal

Clark D. Johnson, Brittney C. Bauer, Katie Kelting, Nicolas Jankuhn and Woojong Sim

Journal of Business Research, 2021, vol. 128, issue C, 326-337

Abstract: Recently, service providers have begun offering an innovative option for consumers seeking to rent an address. While the traditional option was for a post office box (e.g., PO Box 203, Chicago, IL 60654), the new option features a real street address with a unique suite number (e.g., 301 West Grand Avenue, Suite 203, Chicago, IL 60654). Service providers claim that addresses affect consumer perceptions of credibility and professionalism; however, these arguments have never been substantiated. Therefore, this research aims to examine the relationship between addresses and consumer evaluations of small businesses. Across a series of five experiments, we find evidence in support of the service providers’ claims and apply signaling theory to show why consumers evaluate a small business with a street and suite address more favorably.

Keywords: Firm address; Signaling theory; Signal quality; Attitudes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:128:y:2021:i:c:p:326-337

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.02.013

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