When it comes to convenience, it’s hard to beat Amazon. And that rationale isn’t limited to consumers: Many local districts shopping for supplies with public funds apply the same logic. But the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) class=”link ” href=”https://ilsr.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ILSR-AmazonProcurementReport.pdf” data-i13n=”cpos:1;pos:1″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:published a study;cpos:1;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas”>published a study earlier this month (via class=”link ” href=”https://prospect.org/2025/12/17/amazon-conning-school-districts-out-of-millions/” data-i13n=”cpos:2;pos:1″ rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:The American Prospect;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas”>The American Prospect) that illustrates the cost of that bargain. It suggests that Amazon’s “dynamic pricing” has led many schools and other localities to overpay for supplies.
Public schools and local governments have…
