The sample size, while adequate, is still relatively small and focused on five major Chinese cities. This limits the generalizability of the findings to the broader Chinese consumer population, especially considering the vast cultural and economic diversity within China.
The study relies on self-reported data, which can be subject to social desirability bias and other reporting inaccuracies. Actual purchase behavior might differ from stated intentions or perceptions.
The cross-sectional design only captures a snapshot in time. Consumer behavior, especially towards luxury goods, can be influenced by trends and economic fluctuations, thus longitudinal research would provide more robust insights.
The study focuses on only two Korean luxury cosmetic brands. While popular, these brands may not fully represent the entire K-beauty market, and the findings may not be generalizable to other luxury cosmetic brands, Korean or otherwise.
The study doesn't consider other potential mediators or moderators, such as cultural influences, social media marketing, or individual differences in susceptibility to FoMO. These factors could play a significant role in herd consumption behavior.