(06-02-2011 11:09 AM)Motown Bronco Wrote:  

(06-02-2011 11:03 AM)RobertN Wrote:  Many states are going to this. I understand why everyone likes to not pay sales taxes(me too) but it really is unfair to small mom and pop brick and mortar stores. Also, the loss of revenue to the states causes tax rates to go up or important services(like teachers, fire fighters and police) to be cut back.

Actually, even though I'm typically favor lower taxes and am immediately skeptical of new taxes, these are reasonable points.

Yea, this is an existing tax (use tax) that the customers are not paying. And it's not just the mom and pops stores that get hurt.

Big Box Stores, even Walmart, struggle to keep up with the cost that Amazon can offer on products in states where the sales tax adds as much as 8-10% on the cost of a TV..

Walmart 26 inch tv: 268
Amazon 26 inch tv: 249

Amazon Plus is pretty brilliant. With a baby on the way my wife and I have signed up for plus to deliver things like Diapers.. Buy so much a month and shipping on everything is free.

But keep in mind that traditionally when you buy something from out of state (through the mail or crossing the border) it has been *your* responsibility to pay the taxes.

Amazon and EBay are taking advantage of that history and states need to make a decision. Are the *jobs* that these companies bring more valuable than the *sales taxes* they lose out on. Because for Amazon and Ebay price is what gives them an edge...

(06-02-2011 08:07 PM)Bull_In_Exile Wrote:  

(06-02-2011 11:09 AM)Motown Bronco Wrote:  

(06-02-2011 11:03 AM)RobertN Wrote:  Many states are going to this. I understand why everyone likes to not pay sales taxes(me too) but it really is unfair to small mom and pop brick and mortar stores. Also, the loss of revenue to the states causes tax rates to go up or important services(like teachers, fire fighters and police) to be cut back.

Actually, even though I'm typically favor lower taxes and am immediately skeptical of new taxes, these are reasonable points.

Yea, this is an existing tax (use tax) that the customers are not paying. And it's not just the mom and pops stores that get hurt.

Big Box Stores, even Walmart, struggle to keep up with the cost that Amazon can offer on products in states where the sales tax adds as much as 8-10% on the cost of a TV..

Walmart 26 inch tv: 268
Amazon 26 inch tv: 249

Amazon Plus is pretty brilliant. With a baby on the way my wife and I have signed up for plus to deliver things like Diapers.. Buy so much a month and shipping on everything is free.

But keep in mind that traditionally when you buy something from out of state (through the mail or crossing the border) it has been *your* responsibility to pay the taxes.

Amazon and EBay are taking advantage of that history and states need to make a decision. Are the *jobs* that these companies bring more valuable than the *sales taxes* they lose out on. Because for Amazon and Ebay price is what gives them an edge...

I think it's Amazon "Prime".