Abstract
The number of international surrogate shoppers as the career in Taiwan has been increased as the widespread internet has allowed internet users to freely browse the shopping websites situated overseas and stimulated the demands for overseas merchandise. However, little empirical research has reviewed the model of international surrogate shopping business, nor explored the possibilities of combining international surrogate shopping and online store running. Therefore, this article provides an attempt to verify the modified business model by undertaking an empirical experiment on international surrogate shopping groups and online store running. Three international surrogate shopping activities are conducted, and one online store is operated to examine the proposed framework. In addition, social networks are also applied to examine the impacts of social networks on customers, and present the positive correlations between customers’ review and sales result. A case study regarding the influence of social networks to international surrogate shopping business will be given accordingly. This study is concluded that international surrogate shoppers still need to deal with certain risks at greater or less extent in this modified model. In addition, this empirical study can be extended as the practical reference for anyone interested in undertaking international surrogate shopping business.