Key factors driving reuse intention on online food delivery platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose This study investigates how perceived threat, response efficacy, switching costs, attributes of online food delivery platforms (OFDP) and food safety risk perception influence consumers’ reuse intention of OFDP. It also integrates the push–pull–mooring theory, protection motivation theory and technology acceptance model to construct a robust framework for assessing consumer behaviour towards OFDP during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 585 Taiwanese consumers. The proposed conceptual framework was tested using structural equation modelling in AMOS. Findings During the pandemic, response efficacy emerged as one of the most critical factors influencing consumers’ attitudes towards switching to OFDP. In contrast, relational and financial switching costs acted as barriers that discouraged consumers from adopting such platforms. Conversely, food safety risk perception did not have a positive influence on consumer behaviour during this period. Originality/value This study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the reuse intention of OFDP, emphasising the nuanced roles of response efficacy and switching costs, while revealing the limited impact of food safety risk perception during the pandemic.