[Elecraft] INTERNET PURCHASING

[KENT TRIMBLE]

David is absolutely right (frighteningly right) and unless people start 
understanding the ramifications of what they are creating each time they 
purchase something over the internet they will find themselves living in 
communities as blighted as Detroit.

Internet sales are almost universally tax-free which means local 
communities are deprived of revenue crucially needed to maintain quality 
living for their citizens.  Every time you think you save a buck by 
ordering online, you actually hurt your local schools, hospitals, fire 
departments, special learning centers, and all manner of charities.  
Every locally owned business in your town, whether you live in a 
metropolis or a village, contributes a sizable portion of its 
sales-revenue to other people.  Just outright gives it to them . . . 
whether in the form of taxes or in the form of donations.  The fewer 
sales they have (because you have taken your business to anonymous 
internet vendors), the less money they have available to give to 
anybody.  In the end, YOU suffer.

You want new uniforms for your kid's t-ball team?  The first place you 
go is not to your own pocket.  Heaven forbid!  No, the first place you 
turn are to your local businessmen and businesswomen.  You say to them, 
"can you help us out" and suddenly you are taken aback when they reply, 
"With what?"  We have no discretionary funds this year.  We're doing all 
we can to keep our heads above water as it is.  Sorry about the kids."

In the end, YOU suffer.

The people who sell you flowers through an 800 number or over the 
internet will NEVER help you buy uniforms for your boys.  They will 
NEVER contribute to your local rescue squad's extrication equipment.  
They don't give a darn about your community.  They are faceless, 
nameless, and do their banking in THEIR home town where, if they even do 
so, they get credit for charitable donations in their name with YOUR 
money!  But not so for your local florist who is nickeled and dimed  (by 
you and me)  month after month, year after year, for worthy hometown 
projects, and who gratefully gives back to your community a portion of 
the money you have spent with him.  Likewise for every locally-owned store.

I buy nothing over the internet except those items I simply cannot buy 
here in town.  I WANT my local businesses to survive.  I am HAPPY to pay 
a few bucks more to make that happen.  I am THRILLED when I see boarded 
up store-front buildings . . . that are no longer boarded up.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV




On 5/30/2012 6:32 AM, David Christ wrote:
> This is considered bad form in the bicycle world and I assume it is
> the same in the Ham world as well.  It is unfair to the dealer who
> has invested money in having stock on hand to for you take advantage
> of his investment and then give him nothing in return.  At least buy
> something else from him even if small.
>
> If you want a local shop to be there when you need something at a
> moment's notice you need to spend money there at other times.  If it
> costs a little more, that is the price of keeping him in business.  I
> will admit that if the price difference is too great you are
> justified in taking your business elsewhere.
>
> Disclaimer: I was a shop owner once so this is a sore point.
>
> David K0LUM
>
>
>> The advantage is you can go to W&S, look at and try the rig, then
>> purchase it direct from Elecraft!
>>
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