Maybe we need to factor in the cost to the economy as well..... losing businesses that are trying to compete with global central depots for seeing good to buyers around the planet costs local jobs, reduces Govt revenues and this reduces Govt ability to provide services.
Local business must factor in the costs of transport, the importers profit, land/air transport to outlet(s) and maintenance/rent of premises.
o/s email order increases the carbon footprint of individual goods while reducing cost to exporter in China as they can then negotiate a lower cost international courier service which then also takes a cut. Local courier services also take a slice.
Sure I'm overlooking many other costs and earnings in this brief.... but what it means essentially is the dehumanising of the buying experience./ Most prob don't give a damn about the human contact we have was we go to the local outlet and 'ave a chat about our purchase, and I buy email orders too.
shopping is changing rapidly over the last decades. Even the local computer shop is going missing. How this effects the trade figures, COGS to the consumer v. Cost of losing small business is only just beginning to appear relevant and important.
