Electronic Commerce Research, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
This study applies game theory to examine strategies for cross-border e-commerce enterprises considering independent website deployment amidst platform restrictions. We constructed a model to analyze the impact of channel preferences, pricing, and commission rates on the decision to establish an independent online presence in China. Findings reveal that channel choice and sales costs significantly influence this decision, with platform commission rates dictating operational modes—lower rates favor traffic acquisition, while higher rates encourage brand building. Expansion through independent websites emerges as a superior strategy over platform reliance alone. The study offers clear recommendations, suggesting that platform providers should reduce commissions to incentivize independent channels, benefiting both parties. Limitations include model assumptions and the specificity of findings to the Chinese market, offering a balanced view of the research’s scope.