The Internet Revolution

In the old Trust Territory days, goods were in scarce supply. If you wanted to purchase a certain item, the local market may not have it in stock.

Indeed, if you wanted something bad enough, you probably had to go to Guam in order to get it. And if Guam did not carry it, you probably had to ask a relative to buy it for you in the U.S. and have it shipped back home.

Today, all of that has changed. The local market has grown, bringing more goods and services with it. As consumers, we now have more options available to us.

But even with our tremendous growth and development, the local market is still rather limited–until you consider free trade and the Internet revolution.

Today, virtually any product or service can be secured through the Internet. If you wish to purchase a product not available on island, merely type the name of that product in any Internet search engine. You will probably be amazed by the results (and the prices).

The Internet is a bonanza for local consumers. We are no longer forced to contend with outrageous local prices. The possibilities are endless.

Want a book, CD, video game, DVD or video tape? Click to Amazon.com, Buy.com, or Barnesandnoble.com.

Want a toy for a favorite niece or nephew? Don’t bother paying 100 percent Saipan retail mark-up. Go to etoys.com. Go to Amazon.com. Go to any one of a hundred possible sites.

Need to buy a watch or some cologne? Go to ashford.com.

In 1997, I saw the Omega Seamaster (James Bond) watch at the Duty Free Galleria in Garapan, selling for $1,395.00. I recently noted that it sells for only $906.00 at ashford.com–a savings of nearly $500.

Banking, insurance, stocks, mutual funds, and credit cards may also be had Online. Not to mention long distance telephone services, Internet service, and computers (Dell/Gateway).

Cars may also be purchased through the Internet. Why shop locally? Buy direct.

Want viagra? This, too, may be ordered online.

Want a wife? Get yourself an Internet-order bride from Russia, China, the R.P., and Latin America at blossoms.com.

In the future, there may be no further need to rent videos at your local video store. Merely download the movie directly into your T.V. or computer for the same price or even less.

Who knows? In the not-too-distant future, perhaps we will be buying Spam, rice and other household staples factory direct through the Internet. Why bother with the wholesaler and the retailer?

Never pay retail again.