The Advances in Consumer Research journal is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and rigor. All submitted manuscripts undergo a thorough review process to ensure the quality and relevance of published research.

1. Initial Submission and Editorial Review

•Submission Acknowledgement: Upon submission, authors will receive an acknowledgement confirming that their manuscript has been received.

•Editorial Screening: The manuscript will first be reviewed by the editorial office to ensure that it meets the journal’s basic requirements in terms of format, adherence to the journal’s scope, and compliance with ethical guidelines.

•Desk Rejection: If the manuscript does not meet these criteria, it may be desk rejected, and the authors will be notified promptly. Manuscripts that pass this initial screening are sent out for peer review.

2. Double-Blind Peer Review

•Reviewer Assignment: The editorial team assigns the manuscript to at least two independent experts in the field. The identities of both the authors and the reviewers are kept anonymous throughout the process (double-blind review) to ensure an unbiased assessment.

•Review Criteria: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on several criteria, including:

•Originality and significance of the research

•Clarity and coherence of the argument

•Methodological rigor

•Relevance to the journal’s scope

•Contribution to the field of consumer research

•Quality of writing and presentation

•Reviewer Reports: Reviewers provide detailed reports with their recommendations, which could be:

•Accept: The manuscript is ready for publication with minimal or no revisions.

•Minor Revisions: The manuscript requires small adjustments before it can be accepted.

•Major Revisions: Substantial changes are necessary, and the revised manuscript will undergo a second round of review.

•Reject: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in the journal.

3. Decision and Author Notification

•Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers’ reports and recommendations, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision on the manuscript. The decision will fall into one of the following categories:

•Accepted: The manuscript is accepted for publication.

•Minor Revisions Required: The authors are requested to make minor revisions before the manuscript is accepted.

•Major Revisions Required: The manuscript needs significant revisions. The revised manuscript may be sent back to the reviewers for further evaluation.

•Rejected: The manuscript is not accepted for publication.

•Notification to Authors: Authors will be notified of the editorial decision via email, along with detailed feedback from the reviewers and editor.

4. Revision Process

•Minor Revisions: If minor revisions are requested, authors are typically given 2-4 weeks to address the reviewers’ comments and resubmit the manuscript.

•Major Revisions: For major revisions, authors may have up to 6-8 weeks to make the necessary changes. The revised manuscript will usually undergo a second round of review to ensure that the issues have been adequately addressed.

5. Final Acceptance and Proofreading

•Final Acceptance: Once the revised manuscript meets all the necessary criteria, it is formally accepted for publication. The authors will receive an acceptance letter.

•Proofreading: Before publication, the manuscript undergoes a final proofreading stage. Authors will receive proofs for review and are responsible for checking for any typographical or formatting errors.

•Publication: After final approval, the manuscript is published in the upcoming issue of Advances in Consumer Research and made available online.

6. Appeals and Complaints

•Appeals: If authors disagree with the editorial decision, they may appeal by providing a detailed explanation. The appeal will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief, and a final decision will be made.

•Complaints: Any complaints regarding the review process should be directed to the editorial office. The journal strives to address all complaints in a fair and transparent manner.

This review process ensures that only high-quality, impactful research is published in Advances in Consumer Research, maintaining the journal’s reputation in the academic community.