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trublue · Sep 20, 2003, 08:00 PM

I am buying a new 15" powerbook and want to BTO so I am going to use the Apple Store for the first time (thank god for ADC, because their tax is not competitive).

I understand that they have a business presence in all 50 states, so they must charge sales tax...but why don't they just do this:

Roll-off "AppleStore.com" as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Apple Computer Corporation and base it out of either Wyoming or Alaska (chosen for their low population densities, total population, and beauty). Wyoming might be better, as it is more centrally located.

They could buy a *sweet* ranch or some beautiful mountain property for their corporate HQ which would certainly attract nice employees.

Or the whole operation could be virtual.

Anyway, the new "AppleStore.com" operation would be exempt from tax, as they would just be a reseller. Plus anyone who purchases from them would not have to pay tax so long as they didn't reside in their state of business (i.e. Wyoming or Alaska).

This would greatly increase Apple's bottom line, as I am sure that "direct" online sales would skyrocket. I do not believe that this would impact their retail operation greatly either, as I believe their retail stores attracts a different audience.

Any thoughts?

The online store & retail division could maintain their distinctive identities by having the online store incorporate as "AppleStore.com" as a separate corporation, while the other is "The Apple Store" and is Apple.

Here's my case:

I am buying about $3351.00 US worth of stuff from the apple store. I am using the student ADC package...so Apple receives $2680.80 from me (a 20% discount, thanks Apple). State & local sales tax comes out to $231.22. My total cost becomes $2912.02 (excluding the $100 student ADC membership cost & shipping costs)...don't worry I am a MIS major...not just taking advantage.

Including shipping, tax, membership fees and the whole shebang it is still cheaper than the EDU discount.

This is still a great price and I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I just would rather see Apple get that money than the US Government (all political views aside) or receive a lesser total cost for myself.

Now to the fun part. This is what I'll be getting:

� 1.25GHz PowerPC G4
� 512MB DDR333 SDRAM - 1 SO-DIMM
� 80GB Ultra ATA drive @ 5400 rpm
� SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
� Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English
� AirPort Extreme Card
� iSight
� AirPort Extreme Base Station (with modem and antenna port)
� Rechargeable Battery - 15-inch Aluminum PowerBook G4
� 15.2-inch TFT Display

Three more weeks of saving, and I will be able to order this and pick up a nice Acme Made Bag (http://www.acmemade.com/bags.html) and an extra 512MB memory from crucial.

Then I'll be broke, but I am excited as I have never owned anything above a g3 (I've had an Apple IIe, an iMac, a pismo and an ibook 800). Also, I have never video conferenced, owned a Superdrive, used Airport, had a 15" screen or even seen a backlit keyboard.

A question? Being a straight guy, what color Acme bag should I get?

I really like the red & gold...but I don't know what others would think. It is so plush with the quilted satin lining and deep saturated colors (kinda like a sports car...especially the red). Seem top quality to the last detail (splash-proof zippers) & is very slim.

Happy with the update.

-Ian

:dragonflypro: · Sep 20, 2003, 08:18 PM

Congrats on the PB...

But as far as Tax goes.. why should Apple go through all that hassle and cost just to save you a few bucks? It isn't like they are making money in the tax...

Your 'grudge' ( I realize you aren't complaining, per se) is with your local governments ( not Federal ) and the application of a sales tax on retail purchases...

( but it does beat the hell out of an income tax, trust me.... but, whoa, that is a whole other topic! )

Again... cheers on the new PB! I just got a AL 1.25 myself via the Apple Store. Too bad you don't live in Montana! (no Sales Tax!)

Toby

bamchum · Sep 20, 2003, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by trublue:
Any thoughts?
[....}
This is still a great price and I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I just would rather see Apple get that money than the US Government (all political views aside) or receive a lesser total cost for myself.

Yeah, here's a thought: your position is eminently political, therefore we can't put "all political views aside." See, one of the things that is entirely political is any discussion about who gets what and who gives what

So even though you see it as a purely pragmatic question about how relatively rich computer owners can get out of paying taxes to the government, it isn't a pragmatic question. It's a political one.

You may have noticed that the state governments are all running huge deficits. As a result, they are cutting programs for the truly needy. Indeed, if you are at a state university, get ready for your tuition to go up. So, you see, you'll end up paying one way or the other. The difference is that a sales tax is predictable and controllable in a way that, say, a tuition hike is not.

In short: why don't you pay your tax and quit complaining. It's not like you're not getting a steal of a deal anyway.

BigDaddy · Sep 20, 2003, 08:25 PM

I guess you do not drive on the highway since you do not like to pay taxes.

Grow up man.

trublue · Sep 20, 2003, 08:42 PM

Ok. I understand the desire to get political.

I'll try not to. Let's make this a business case for Apple and a financial case for Apple's customers.

In the past I have placed my orders & my families through MacMall for stock configurations. This is because the CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION in the United States does not charge sales tax for online orders outside of the state that the business (reseller) is doing business in.

I would have preferred to go through Apple or buy locally, but it was usuall far cheaper to order online. At 6.9% sales tax, we saved $69 per $1000 spent. When you are buying a computer, this IS a significant amount.

Apple's situation, charging sales tax as it does, has stopped me from buying direct through them in the past. This is a fact for me.

Now, there is no question that it makes financial sense for Apple to have customers order direct (they don't have to sell through the supply chain with each reseller or wholesaler taking their mark-up). For example, MacMall's prices to the end customer are the same as Apple's price, yet if Apple makes the sale then Apple's margin's get even fatter.

Just look at Dell. If Apple could make more direct sales (I think they are currently around 30%) then they would make A LOT more money. If you own stock in Apple, think about it.

As for customers such as myself, who would haved liked to BTO in the past (but haven't) because we didn't want to pay the extra sales tax, I am sure that there is a small army of us. I would also prefer to buy direct from the manufacturer (BTO or not) for support reasons...but again, sales tax.

Why pay more in our current situation then we have to?

For those of you who misconstrued my earlier post, I AM HAPPY with my decision and happy to buy from Apple. I did receive a great deal.

I just thought that I would relate this as a solution to what I consider to be an economic problem for both Apple and Apple's customers. Not a political one.

-Ian

urban · Sep 20, 2003, 08:47 PM

I am paying $300+CDN in tax.... for a 12"+ 20GB iPOD..

EDIT, wait, make it $400

:dragonflypro: · Sep 20, 2003, 08:50 PM

I think you underestimate the cost of restructuring it would take for Apple to do what you suggest.

That extra per unit points they may make in sales versus that of a reseller would have to be significant to justify such a venture.

You do realize to attain the status present also requires then to warehouse the product in the state as well, yes? (it is actually like 75% in state... but you see my point..)

Besides...as it is currently you are still buying the computer. Apple wins, MacMall wins.. and in the end you are happy and 2 companies profit and pass that on to employees, etc

So, taxes aside... resellers=good!

Ron Goodman · Sep 20, 2003, 08:50 PM

You use the services, so pay the sales tax. It's not Apple's problem.

trublue · Sep 20, 2003, 09:37 PM

Dragon Fly:

I don't know exactly what discounts a reseller gets from apple...but I am sure that it depends on volume.

I imagine it is somewhat realistic to say that Mac Mall makes $200 on a $1999 powerbook sale (or in other words, they get it for $1799. Well brother, that's 10 percentage points!
-----------------------------------
Here's a little blerp about Apple obtained on Yahoo! finance:

For the nine months ended 6/28/03, revenues rose 4% to $4.49 billion. Net income before acct. change decreased 77% to $25 million
------------------------------------
Now lets make a VERY conservative assumption and say 5 of those 10 points get offset in additional operational costs.

The numbers (above) for the last nine months would then look like this:

Revenue: 4.7145 Billion
Net Income: 249.5 Million

Thant is a 1098% increase in Net Income!

And restructuring doesn't make sense?

trublue · Sep 20, 2003, 09:54 PM

Sorry, the #'s in the last reply assumed 100% of sales were done direct through the online store and do not reflect that 30% already are.

Huge Mistake!

Apple has stated that 30% of all orders are placed through the Apple Store (online), so to go with that figure:

1.347 Billion (current online AppleStore sales or 30% of 9 mo. revenue)

If tax were eliminated, I believe that ordering direct from Apple online would increase from 30% to a conservative 50%, or:

An additional 898 Million in sales would would bring the total online sales figure to:

2.245 Billion

Those extra 898 Million in online sales, at an additional 5 percentage points apiece increases revenue by 44.9 Million in 9 months. And since I factored costs out of the equation (at 5 pts), Net Income also rises by 44.9 Million to 69.9 Million

Not bad, still a 280 % increase in Net Income.

I hope that these figures make sense.

chrisutley · Sep 20, 2003, 10:30 PM

Apple's bread and butter doesn't care about sales tax, they pay it without thinking twice. No way they get a 20% in Apple Store (online) business by eliminating sales tax.

mrtew · 10:17 AM

uh

CheesePuff · Sep 20, 2003, 10:40 PM

Yeah, not pay for tax, but pay an extra $40 to ship a computer out of Alaska! Just have two different warehouses in two different lower-48 states, so no matter what it would be tax free where you live.

I only purchased the Mac OS X public beta at the Apple Store, everything else from MacWarehouse, MacConnection, etc.

brachiator · Sep 20, 2003, 11:57 PM

Originally posted by trublue:
Ok. I understand the desire to get political.

I'll try not to. Let's make this a business case for Apple and a financial case for Apple's customers.

...

I just thought that I would relate this as a solution to what I consider to be an economic problem for both Apple and Apple's customers. Not a political one.

-Ian

Well, you're missing the point that bamchum made: taxation is an inherently political question. You can spin it all you want as a private financial and business question among Apple and its customers, but the decision to implement a tax-avoidance strategy is a political decision on the part of the business and the consumers. That decision may have a financial rationale, but the decision itself is a political choice against paying that which one's society has determined is due.

Pretending to turn political and ethical questions into purely "business" or "economic" decisions is what has made the financial system and big business so corrupt. I have to say that I was surprised that you didn't go all the way into the muck and suggest that Apple spin off the Apple Store and incorporate it in the Cayman Islands or Bermuda. Sweet, baby! That way, not only could they help all of the consumers evade (uh, I mean "avoid") paying the taxes that keep their roads paved, schools painted, hospitals running, and cops on the beat -- but, woo-hoo, Apple could avoid all the federal taxes on its now-offshore operations. Apple would pocket all that extra loot while American troops are just dying to protect the homeland and spread democracy and liberal economic policies (i.e., more sales).

And what the hell do you mean that you'd rather see the money go to Apple than to "the government"?!?! Is Steve Jobs going to ride the hook-and-ladder to your house when it catches fire? Or drive the paramedic ambulance? Is he in the National Guard, or the CIA? Is he using that Gulfstream jet of his to hunt for al Qaeda members?

Christ -- I recognize that sales taxes are regressive as hell -- and that income, cap gains, and wealth taxes are much more fair -- but the concern with regressiveness has to do with the poor (i.e., people who can barely afford to put food on the table working full-time) not people who can afford a $3000 computer.

Oops, sorry, I think I got just a tad "political" there. But how you can possibly conceive of this as a solution to an "economic problem" without political implications -- after Enron, etc., and Sept. 11 -- just flabbergasts me.

RodriCO2000 · Sep 21, 2003, 12:42 AM

Or
...... political views aside.....

If you are lucky to live near NH where they don't have sales tax, drive yourself there and buy your computer tax free...

I live in Boston, The Apple store in Salem NH is about 30 mins. away... If it will save me $200.00 Its defiently worth the trip

"Live Free or Die"

trublue · Sep 21, 2003, 12:52 AM

Please stop the personal attacks.

When I started my first business, it was policy that people attack IDEAS and not the PERSON themselves in our meetings. People are not bad, but some ideas are.

Please stick to attacking the ideas and not me. I usually refrain from posting online at forums because I have observed people are not as respectful to one another and are very proned to attack another person...I am even guilty of it myself sometimes, but I try to consciously keep it to a minimum.

As for my personal philosophy, I believe that taxation penalizes productivity and rewards inefficient beaurocracies and those who do not produce. I do aknowledge the need for social programs and the finances to fund them, however, I do believe in keeping them to a minimum.

I am not a nationalist, although I think it is natural to love ones nation. I am not a democrat, republican, libertarian or objectivist.

I do not support the war in Iraq, or any other war for that matter.

I think that we (the US) has a greater chance of winning the war on drugs than we do of winning the war on terrorism. Not that I condone or use drugs/terror. But, I guess you see what you want to see.

I am actually a fan of logical thought and making ones own decisions.

As for sales tax, I am not a fan of it if you couldn't already tell. Neither am I a fan of income tax or social security, although I of course do pay my taxes. If you look at the history of income tax, it was never ratified by enough states to become legislation (but was adopted rather forcefully).

I am particularly not a fan of capital gains tax or inheritance tax.

If you work to produce and create, then I believe that you should not be penalized beyond the bare minimum. Furthermore, when you go to spend your hard earned money, you should not be penalized a second time (sales tax). And in the event that you utilize financial wisdom and invest your money (and actually see a return), I do not believe that you should be taxed a second time (capital gains), and a third when you spend it (sales tax). I do not believe that what you have worked for all your life and managed to save (after taxes of course), should be taxable upon your death (inheritance tax).

If we need a tax to operate our transportation systems (i.e. highways & roads) then I think that we should just have "road tax" or toll or whatever you want to call it. Same thing for a "public health tax," "education tax," and "welfare tax." Things are disguised and hidden so far from view that most couldn't say exactly where their tax money goes, but are quick to bring up education and highways.

What about a "war tax"? I know that I certainly wouldn't pay it...

But this is just my philosophy. I am sure that most of you will disagree but hey I never wanted these political posts in the first place (aren't you glad that I didn't call you stupid or a complainer when you did post them).

I simply wanted to suggest a new strategy that Apple could take that might benefit the end consumer and their company. I specifically asked not make it a political discussion. A simple response might be "too political to not make a political discussion out of it" or "I cannot see any relevancy of your idea outside my current political philosophy regarding the concept of sales tax"...whatever.

As for ethical claims against me...I am very ethical. I do not own any pirated music or software, I pay my taxes and do not break the law! Please exclude me from your pre-fixed notions regarding enron and corporate corruption.

I am not super wealthy either. I worked (and saved) my pay for over 400 hours to purchase the system I am. Do the math.

I will conclude my posting in this thread permanently with these two quotes:

"Nationalism is the measles of mankind."
Albert Einstein

"Think Different."
Apple Computer Corporation

:dragonflypro: · Sep 21, 2003, 01:03 AM

MacNN Lounge or BUST!

Toby

brachiator · Sep 21, 2003, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by :dragonflypro::
MacNN Lounge or BUST!

Toby

What are you talking about!?!? This thread had everything to do with the Powerbook in the first place!

The length and vitriol of my post indicate why I don't go in the Lounge.

Ryan1524 · Sep 21, 2003, 01:33 AM

if you think that's bad, Ontarians must pay 15% tax for anything. thx to some idiot prime minister who introduced GST long time ago..

Crusoe · Sep 21, 2003, 05:54 AM

The deal is folks will sacrifice BTOs for not paying tax and buy from another online retailer. Apple should split off its online store thought that could taint their reseller chains.

I'm currently living in Italy where import tax (VAT) is 22%. So it's cheaper for me to fly to DC, drive up to Delaware, buy a powerbook and fly back to Milan.

tgrundke · Sep 21, 2003, 09:51 AM

I'm with you on the tax issue. It really does bump up the cost of hardware purchases. What you can investigate doing (at least with educational purchases, don't know about ADC) is looking at a mail order catalogue (MacMall, CDW, etc.) who doesn't charge tax. I generally buy my expensive hardware purchases this way to avoid paying the sales tax.

I'm one of those guys who tries to pay as little in taxes as is legal - my pedagogical position is that government does not know how to efficiently allocate resources. But that's a different story.

If you want a real tax burden, try living in the EU member countries: 16% VAT (value added tax) on most all purchases, and 22% on imported goods. To echo Caruso, when I lived in Spain for several years, it was often cheaper for me to fly back to Washington National Airport, drive up to Delaware and make major purchases there - and fly home to Madrid. I'd still save money. *THAT* is an oppressive system.

mrtew · Sep 21, 2003, 10:17 AM

You do know that when you buy something on the internet and don't pay taxes you still have to pay them at the end of the year when you are doing your income taxes don't you? People will reply, that 'no one actually does this', but a lot of people do, and the ones that don't are committing tax fraud which is something that they are going to start catching up with eventually and something that you don't want to get caught for. I am glad Apple is charging tax and keeping their customers out of trouble!

NYCFarmboy · Sep 21, 2003, 11:07 AM

If you are in the United States, purchase from MacMall, MacZone, MacConnection, MacWharehouse or whomever, just make sure which ever reseller doesn't have operations in your own state. Just shop very carefully comparing shipping charges. Some of them charge so much in shipping now that it negates any benefit from saving on taxes...so be VERY careful to check on TOTAL shipping costs before you buy anything. clubmac charges outrageous shipping charges then "rebates" a tiny amount of it...so I would avoid them.

You'll save big on any major purchase and avoid the tax issue completely.

Save the money and buy yourself an iPod.

Or give it to the government as a donation.

bamchum · Sep 21, 2003, 11:23 AM

The answer to all of this, of course, is to eliminate the ridiculous loophole that exempts mail-order and internet purchases from local sales taxes. Everyone should have to pay the local tax where they live on every purchase. In fact, that is the law but currently the onus is on the purchaser to declare the taxes (yeah, right).

If this happened then: 1) the states would have a little more desperately-needed revenue; 2) No business would be at a competitive disadvantage relative to another just because of where it is they happen to do business.

I live in Ireland: 21% VAT on everything. I agree with what brachiator said earlier about these types of taxes being regressive. But the people who should be paying them are those who can afford to buy computers via mail order and those who have internet access, not those who are living hand-to-mouth (in Ireland, food is taxed at 21%). Otherwise, what you have here is simply welfare for the rich in another form.

yticolev · Sep 21, 2003, 11:26 AM

Apple does have a store in New Hampshire - no sales tax. Not sure how the ADC thing might work, but they will take EDU. I was going to drive there today but they ran out of the 1.25. Three hour drive for me, but the instant gratification makes it worth while. My EDU discount is a little confusing so going to an Apple Store with ID is easier. And between the EDU discount, no sales tax, and the iPOD bundle, I will save around $700!

On a purely theoretical legal point, I suppose that you would technically still have to report the sale to your home state and pay sales tax. Does anyone really do this? Does any state really come after individuals? If states can do this, why are they pushing for a federal plan to tax the internet a split the proceeds among the states?

Powaqqatsi · Sep 21, 2003, 11:31 AM

You whine about 8% tax ?

We pay 21% here.

(6% on food and 12% on basic goods) And Importing a computer from the US can cost you up to 30%.

bashi · Sep 21, 2003, 11:54 AM

Just 8% taxes! Please, come to Finland and pay 22% and smile after that.

New ALBook 1Ghz/256ram/60gig/combo is priced $2500 here. (from applestore finland)

Makes a grown man cry.

davecom · Sep 21, 2003, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by bamchum:
Yeah, here's a thought: your position is eminently political, therefore we can't put "all political views aside." See, one of the things that is entirely political is any discussion about who gets what and who gives what

So even though you see it as a purely pragmatic question about how relatively rich computer owners can get out of paying taxes to the government, it isn't a pragmatic question. It's a political one.

You may have noticed that the state governments are all running huge deficits. As a result, they are cutting programs for the truly needy. Indeed, if you are at a state university, get ready for your tuition to go up. So, you see, you'll end up paying one way or the other. The difference is that a sales tax is predictable and controllable in a way that, say, a tuition hike is not.

In short: why don't you pay your tax and quit complaining. It's not like you're not getting a steal of a deal anyway.

State governments are running deficits because spending has doubled in the last decade. Time for a wake up call!

bamchum · Sep 21, 2003, 02:18 PM

Sure they are. And the Federal deficit has nothing to do with Bush's tax cuts...

davecom · Sep 21, 2003, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by bamchum:
Sure they are. And the Federal deficit has nothing to do with Bush's tax cuts...

<sarcasm>
Wow, your evidence is so thorough, I don't know what to say!
</sarcasm>

See this about Minnesota:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/j...nd31013001.asp

This about states in general:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/r...20030624.shtml

And this about Washington:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/new...g/part_02.html

I'm sure you can find plenty more resources. Let's stop subsidizing catfish farmers, beuty schools, and legislating stagnating business taxes. They only do it to get those people's votes. Give the people their money back! The money they worked hard to earn and should decide how to spend!

smurfslayer2k4 · Sep 21, 2003, 04:34 PM

Ahhh, but Apple does lose money. I would rather save $108.50 by ordering from Macmall than the Apple store online.

Scooterboy · Sep 21, 2003, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by davecom:
<sarcasm>
Wow, your evidence is so thorough, I don't know what to say!
</sarcasm>

See this about Minnesota:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/j...nd31013001.asp

This about states in general:
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/r...20030624.shtml

And this about Washington:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/new...g/part_02.html

I'm sure you can find plenty more resources. Let's stop subsidizing catfish farmers, beuty schools, and legislating stagnating business taxes. They only do it to get those people's votes. Give the people their money back! The money they worked hard to earn and should decide how to spend!

One part of increased spending is for increasing population, then there's the increased costs of building more roads and freeways so developers can build more suburban housing and strip malls. You referenced Minnesota, but did the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinal article mention that home real estate taxes were massively cut, providing your home was valued at $500,000 or more? Lost revenue from that one tax cut account for a large part of Minnesota's current deficit.

As for subsidizing businesses, why not start by not subsidizing Dick Cheney's Halliburton and the rest of the large corporations that are sucking off US revenues?

davecom · Sep 21, 2003, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by Scooterboy:
One part of increased spending is for increasing population, then there's the increased costs of building more roads and freeways so developers can build more suburban housing and strip malls. You referenced Minnesota, but did the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinal article mention that home real estate taxes were massively cut, providing your home was valued at $500,000 or more? Lost revenue from that one tax cut account for a large part of Minnesota's current deficit.

As for subsidizing businesses, why not start by not subsidizing Dick Cheney's Halliburton and the rest of the large corporations that are sucking off US revenues?

I'm sorry but population has not expanded enough that road buildage accounts for massive tax hikes. Population/sprawl has not doubled! You can go look up what most taxes and legislation goes to on your state's website. It's usually money politicians send off to special interests who will get their employees to help with reelection.

tgrundke · Sep 21, 2003, 08:22 PM

Bamchum:

We're going to go off onto a political tangent with this thread, no doubt. ;-) "the states would have a little more desperately-needed revenue". Hardly. During the boom years of the mid 1990s, states' budgets ballooned enormously as more money came in. When revenues began to fall, budgets went into crisis mode. See New York and California (and most every other US State, sans, if I'm not mistaken, three or four). As state incomes increase by a factor of one, their spending increases by a factor of two or three.

Alas, I've hijacked the thread...

Originally posted by bamchum:

If this happened then: 1) the states would have a little more desperately-needed revenue; 2) No business would be at a competitive disadvantage relative to another just because of where it is they happen to do business.

I live in Ireland: 21% VAT on everything. I agree with what brachiator said earlier about these types of taxes being regressive. But the people who should be paying them are those who can afford to buy computers via mail order and those who have internet access, not those who are living hand-to-mouth (in Ireland, food is taxed at 21%). Otherwise, what you have here is simply welfare for the rich in another form.

danbrew · Sep 21, 2003, 08:48 PM

I am not super wealthy either. I worked (and saved) my pay for over 400 hours to purchase the system I am. Do the math.

Wow - so if you just purchased a 17" Powerbook for 3299, let's be gracious and say that you paid, well, um, since you don't like tax, 3299. So, you make $8.25/hour? Damn, I feel for you bro, I feel for you. I can understand why you're upset about sales tax - but I might humbly suggest that if you make $8.25/hour than a 3299.00 computer is out of your reach. Just my $0.02.

As a few other folks have pointed out - sales tax is due whether or not the reseller collects it. Yeah, it's a pain in the butt for you state to prove you owe it - but, the law is the law, you do. You're supposed to report all out of state purchases to your department of revenue and pay a sales or use tax.

So... there you go.

HasanDaddy · Sep 21, 2003, 08:56 PM

what if you order something from the New Hampshire apple store? would you get charged sales tax then???

Darksider · Sep 21, 2003, 09:01 PM

Just drive to a neighboring tax free state and buy it there. Problem solved. I live in PA, drove 10 minutes to Deleware and picked up my 12" powerbook and paid no taxes.

AssassyN · Sep 22, 2003, 12:12 AM

PacSun.com does this EXACT thing...they have TONS of store, yet no sales tax on their website unless you're in Cali b/c it's a seperate business.

southtdi · Sep 22, 2003, 01:56 PM

Be aware with this whole tax form mail order bit that there is legislation being drafted to be intorduced in the winter session that would end the tax haven for mail order/ internet purchases.

While we can all debate this it looks like it may end up being a moot point in the near future.

I would post the link here but i read it in the news in the last week and I have no idea where I read it now. I know the mail order companies were looking to put up a fight but I don't think it's going to help much.

GhettoDalaiLama · Sep 22, 2003, 05:21 PM

They could base their whole operation out of Alaska since Alaska has no sales tax. Anchorage (the largest city) is also home to one of FedEx's largest Hub's (2nd only to the "SuperHub" in TN IIRC), placing all of Asia and the rest of CONUS w/in overnight shipping distance.

LosJackal · Sep 22, 2003, 05:29 PM

But Apple and AppleStore.com will get busted eventually just like Marshall Field's and Target. See this news headline from today:

http://news.com.com/2100-1028-5079897.html

goMac · Sep 22, 2003, 11:50 PM

Ummm... Apple doesn't lose money no matter what store you buy from. MacMall buys Powerbooks from Apple as do other retailers. Apple doesn't lose business no matter who they sell through.