Itβs getting easier and cheaper to buy virtually anything online. Every day, more consumers are utilizing this platform for their purchases. Even though the initial price may be lower, buying online may cost much more in the long run. It may cost all of us more than we can imagine.
As we spend our money locally as opposed to online, every dollar circulates several times before finding its way out of our economy. As it circulates, each dollar flows through several different businesses in Southern Arizona. This revenue allows businesses to hire people and expand. As more Tucsonans are put to work, there is less pressure on social subsidies like unemployment and food stamps.
In addition, every dollar we spend locally generates taxes for schools, roads, fire, police and other services we all need. The additional tax revenues may allow municipalities to reinstate programs previously cut due to funding concerns. Schools could offer more sports and arts programs, and we could pay teachers enough to retain the very best. Municipalities could afford to offer tax incentives that attract quality companies. With these businesses come quality, high-paying jobs. The people with these new high-paying jobs would spend their money locally, too, and the benefits could continue exponentially.
Conversely, when we shop online, that money is gone from our local economy immediately. Our taxes go up as our roads deteriorate. The quality of our fire and police protection goes down. We cannot pay teachers what they are worth. New businesses have no incentive to relocate to Tucson. Meanwhile, established businesses close their doors and unemployment rates go up.
You might save money initially when buying online, but it costs all of us in the long run. Consider diverting some of your online spending in our local economy.
βBuying localβ might create a much better place for all of us to live.
