Cover via Amazon
It’s a sensational headline, isn’t it? This is the accusation that many small shops have been making against Amazon, which has been accused of stealing customers from smaller shops. How have they been doing such a thing? According to The Guardian, Amazon “offered customers a discount if they let Amazon know the prices of items for sale in traditional shops”.
From the point of the small business owner, I can understand the anger. I would’t be happy if a large company like Amazon was capturing some of my customers, either! That would mean less money in my own pocket.
However, the beauty of the free market is that it does not pander solely to business owners; indeed, the consumers are the ones that are winning, here! It may offend the sensibilities of some that they would prefer to patronize Amazon instead of these “traditional” bookstores, but ultimately, it is the choice of the consumer to decide where they want to spend their money.
I never understand the outrage. Amazon’s focus is to sell at the lowest price. If book stores focused their business in competing on adding value instead of price, Amazon wouldn’t be such a threat.
True! The book stores have cafés and ambience, but higher prices as a result. They shouldn’t complain if some customers choose the lower prices over these other factors.
Great post. I must admit this kind of thing doesn’t surprise. Everyone nowadays is trying to make a buck any way they can. You are right though- consumer choice is what drives things. I try to balance my purchases. There are a few local shops I like to support and I do but I also spend a fair bit on sites like Amazon.
I think that is the best way to look at it. It’s up to us to vote with our dollars and support for the things that we believe in.