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Is cost the only variable to optimize for? The commodity is the same in both places (barring some reports of counterfeits in Amazon's stock), but is the labor?
by Pfhreak 7y ago
Is cost the only variable to optimize for? The commodity is the same in both places (barring some reports of counterfeits in Amazon's stock), but is the labor?
I'd argue that buying from Amazon has some externalities that aren't captured in the price (particularly in their treatment of labor). I pay more for some times of food that avoids things I consider negative externalities, I'd do the same for books and other commodities. That's just an opinion, though, feel free to disagree.
- dahdum 7y agoThe cost is a factor, but the 7-10 day delay is far worse for me and it’s ~$10 shipping to get 2-3 day delivery. Also, do we know for sure the Ingram warehouse employees are better treated than Amazon?
- beaunative 7y agoTo be honest, Amazon shipping works because it's a monopoly. They don't care how much you buy, it's almost the same for the company, they have to hire the same amount of staff, and same paid hours, at least in urban area. But for any independent store, they have to negotiate a rate with a shipper, which would charge a flat base rate, and overweight if there are any. So it can be difficult for them to offer quality and fast shipping in terms of cost. In a way, they are less efficient than Amazon.
- anamexis 7y agoBookshop fulfillment is handled by Ingram Content Group, a massive book distribution and logistics company, and itself the biggest distributor to independent bookstores. Disclosure: I work for a child company of Ingram
- celeritascelery 7y agoThe reasons makes no difference to an end consumer. They just care about the services provided.
- khabibthyme 7y agoI don't disagree in theory, but I don't understand how Bookshop protects indies from Amazon in a way that selling their books directly doesn't, especially if they don't offer an advantage on price or convenience.