Few things could make me happier than to ditch Amazon forever. To buy everything local. I don't mind paying a small premium if it goes to a fellow boricua.

But that isn't as easy here. (Fellow boricuas please correct me if I am wrong)

You see, by law, we have to import everything through US Merchant Marine. The costliest in the world.

Shipping stuff here is bonkers pricy.

And so Prime free shipping feels almost like a cheat code.

Freezer door handle has planned obsolescence feature. It's a metal handle but has plastic end caps. Both end caps broke.

Original part price is (whole handle, manufacturer does not sell just the end caps!) $60

Part is not available locally in the island. I'll expand on this later.

There are a couple "American" online stores that carry the part. None of them ship to Puerto Rico.

Who does ship? Amazon.

Price of the part? $120 but hey free shipping, and it'll get here in 2 weeks. yay!

PS: I am not looking for a solution, but thanks everyone for the suggestions.

The problem is not sourcing or buying this particular part. I have already solved that.

The problem is the larger one of capitalism's influence on how, why, where you can buy things (specially for a colony which includes a captive market).

Any things, not just a handle.

It's great if you can say, "I don't buy from Amazon" but that is not a feasible thing to do for everyone. That is my point.