Re: Internet Taxes

Hi Samuel,

    This is a sensitive question in the Tennis community which includes the
tennis industry, tennis professionals, and consumers. Each group has a
vested interested in the answer.

    As a consumer, I don't mind paying state tax for instate purchases. I do
object to paying state tax for a purchase made out of state. I don't shed
one tear for lost state revenue. They get their cut by taxing everything we
buy in state including electricity, telephones, food, housing, property,
cars, taxes, licenses, etc....

    As a tennis professional, I think it is unethical for a consumer to come
to me for advice on tennis equipment such as racket, string, shoes, balls,
etc., and then to buy the stuff from the discount catalogs. But I realize
that consumers are going to look for the cheapest prices regardless of
ethics. They get what they pay for. When they buy from a catalog and there
is something wrong with the purchase, I don't help. I say, "Gee, where did
you buy it? I guess you have to send it back. Sorry I can't give you the
address to send it to or a mailing box." What most consumers don't realize
is that the Pro Shop may be able to meet the price of the discount places
when you consider string, postage and handling. The few dollars more that
they charge is more than worth the inconvenience of long distance
transactions and the absence of reliable advice and response to problems.

    I'm not in the trade, but I can understand them trying to make a living
and trying to be competitive in pricing. I can also understanding them not
wanting to be bothered with the added inconvenience and expense of keeping
track of each state's tax rates and mailing checks every month to different
agencies.
Joe Rill
HS10scoach_at_aol.com


Received on Thu Jul 27 2000 - 11:14:51 CDT