PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate whether self‐service technology (SST) can enhance customer value (CV) and customer readiness (CR). In addition, it is proposed to inspect the effects of CV and CR in customers' continued use of Internet banking.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was used with a sample of 771 respondents. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to examine 11 hypotheses in the theoretical framework.FindingsSST characteristics (i.e. ease of use, usefulness, costs saved, and self‐control) demonstrated positive effects on CV and CR. CR is positively related to CV. Furthermore, customers are willing to use Internet banking when CV and CR are high.Research limitations/implicationsThe study examines the factors contributing to positive effects on customers' continued use of Internet banking. Further research is recommended to investigate the effects of negative factors, such as risk and complexity. In addition, the same methods should be used to reproduce the survey in other industries to support generalizability.Practical implicationsManagers should reinforce SST in order to increase CV and CR, which would influence customers' willingness to continue using Internet banking.Originality/valueUnlike previous research, the study focuses on consumers' continued use of Internet banking as opposed to initial use. It concentrates on customer retention rather than customer acquisition. It is the first study to conclude that CV and CR significantly affect continued use of SST.

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 Customer compliments, the positive responses, imply the successes of firms in serving their customers. However, researchers and practitioners devote themselves to the negative responses, complaints, and neglect the more valuable profit-generating element, customer compliments. This research explores customer complimentary behaviours and discloses the importance and power of customers' positive responses. With companies' training programmes, the front-line service providers still often find it difficult and feel frustrated in distinguishing customer characteristics. Gender as a salient indicator could help employees feel much more comfortable in their jobs and be able to provide better services. We investigated whether men or women react differently when they receive satisfactory services. The different responses between men and women disclose the references of male and female customers as well as the potentials of customer recommendation power. Service quality and company profits can be improved by customers' positive responses. This research helps companies to become capable of managing better service quality and effective training programmes by analysing the essential differences in complimentary behaviours between male and female customers.

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