What Happens When You Buy Locally VS. Amazon

If I haven’t already convinced you to buy from your local bookstores (and other local stores as well), then this post might be the one do it. I am almost afraid Big Brother will pluck my site from the internet for discouraging their consumers, but a girl has got to try.

Where was the last place you bought a book? New shoes? Toiletries? Craft Materials? Home supplies?

If the answer to any of these is Amazon (which seems inevitable at this point) then I ask you to step-back and consider your decision. Sometimes convenience, which Amazon has going for them, is not the best option or even the right one.

I want to lay out the facts, not only for acquiring books but how buying from your local stores can transform your local economy as well as your personal one.

Here are just a few data points to consider before clicking away!! $$

The Case Against Amazon

Unfair Competition

This may be the most obvious out of all the arguments, but nonetheless an extremely important point. Amazon is under investigation for breaking anti trust laws. It functions as a monopoly, dominating over 50% of online retail sales. According to the American Booksellers Association,

Civic Economics estimates that Amazon’s total retail sales in the U.S. in 2016 exceeded $130 billion and represent 44,000 empty storefronts and 637,000 displaced retail workers, only minimally offset by Amazon’s employment in distribution facilities.

Less Than Living Wages

There has been much scrutiny over Amazon not paying their employees a living wage. In addition, the working conditions inside the warehouse are way below standards. Check out articles on employee conditions here.

Trademark Infringement

Multiple cases have been filed against Amazon for trademark infringement, including William Sonoma. Odds are that you have bought a product from Amazon that is not actually from the brand you believed you were buying. Amazon has no way of regulating these third party sellers. In addition, products are sold for cheaper and in larger quantity, directing traffic away from the original brand. In an article in Forbes, a researcher recites based off ongoing investigation:

Amazon can (1) predict what its customers want based on its vast and proprietary database of prior purchasing and search behavior on the Amazon site; and (2) offer similar products to those of an independent merchant and steer customers to its private label via its discriminatory search algorithm.

The Case for Independent Bookstores

As a locally owned business, bookstores actually contribute to the growth of local economies.

According to IndieBound.org, “spending $100 at a locally-owned business and $52 of it stays in the community” and spending money online keeps no money in your community.

You also help reduce carbon footprint by buying at your local stores. It is the environmentally friendly choice and retains money in your community.

Lastly, local stores give back to charities and non-profits more than twice what larger retail stores do.

While it is easier to click a button and receive your package the next day, we have to step back and consider the ramifications of our decisions. Think before you buy.