[Elecraft] INTERNET PURCHASING

[Edward R. Cole]

There are NO = NONE = NADA ham radio equipment dealers in 
Alaska.  Sooooo - ordering equipment is either On-Line or by 
Land-Line (telephone), according to one's preference.

Of course our "Local Dealer" is only 2400 miles away in Seattle!  No 
problem 12-days RT drive (or $500 air-fare) and only $540 worth of 
gasoline later you are supporting the tax-base of Washington (and 
communities in Canada) instead of your home town.  Oh, better add 
hotel and meal costs in there.

BTW there is no state sales or state income tax in AK.  Schools are 
financed thru property tax, so buy your home locally and not thru the 
internet!  HA!  Oh, senior's are forgiven property tax up to $250K 
valuation.  I guess 45-years of taxes raising a family is adequate.

Regarding dealers:  The whole deal of stocking inventory is to get a 
"wholesale" price which gives the retailer a mark up (called gross 
profit).  Some manufacturers subscribe to "Fair-Trade" which means 
the price is fixed by the manufacturer so it will not vary from 
dealer or direct. I particularly dislike this practise since it is 
anti-competitive.  (sort of like all gas stations having the same 
price on their pumps).

The buyer "votes" with his dollars!  Why should he pay more than need 
to?  POS outfits offer immediate gratification - at a 
price.  Certainly one should weigh custom's duty and shipping when 
doing competitive pricing.  ALL (successful) businesses do!  Is this 
hard on local businesses?  It can be.  But this is reality - no 
getting around it.  Support your local businesses but be smart with 
your money, too!

The new merchandising model is direct-sales via internet....better 
believe it!  20-years ago it was catalog sales.  100-years ago it was 
local sales.


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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