The prediction, in brief:

Many products will cost less, as overhead expenses shrink.

Predictor: Eager, Bill

Prediction, in context:

In his 1994 book “The Information Superhighway Illustrated,” Bill Eager writes about his view of the future:”Consumers, stores and companies all realize benefits as the Information Superhighway transforms the process of shopping, retailing, and manufacturing. You need a new suit, light blue with an accent of gray. Your measurements, stored in a computer chip in your television or PC, transmit with your order directly to an online retail outlet. From there, the data travels to a manufacturer that downloads the specifications into a computer-aided manufacturing process. Within days, the custom-tailored clothes you want arrive at your doorstep. This speed-to-market process simplifies your life; it also helps retailers sell more clothing and benefits manufacturers who no longer produce products that sit idle on store shelves. In fact, many products will cost less, as overhead expenses shrink (for example, warehouse storage is no longer necessary).”

Biography:

Bill Eager, an Internet marketing pioneer, wrote many books about the field, including the best-sellers “The Information Payoff” and “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Marketing.” He was also known for his presentations and workshops about technology at national conferences. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)

Date of prediction: January 1, 1994

Topic of prediction: Economic structures

Subtopic: Shopping

Name of publication: The Information Superhighway Illustrated

Title, headline, chapter name: Introduction

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 4

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Cooley, Theresa M.