This is incorrect. It is not the government's job to create level playing fields. Second, you are wrong about bricks-and-mortar stores not factoring in shipping charges into the price. They've already shipped it to your neighborhood and that is reflected in the price.
You make a choice whether you want to save time and energy and not leave your couch to buy your item or whether you want to take a look at it and get it instantly without waiting for it. The prices of the items will reflect the prices of these conveniences.
I live in a rural area of Maine, and some items simply cannot be purchased locally.....the small business owners usually do not have the item I’m looking for.
Yes, the more remote your location, the costlier it will be to ship it there and the carrier may charge you more. You cannot demand that the government ensure that you pay no more than a shopper where competition has beaten down the prices.
“This is incorrect. It is not the government’s job to create level playing fields.”
I never said I’m in favor of the government creating “level playing fields.” I’m opposed to an Internet sales tax - the government confiscates - and pisses away - enough of our money now. Taxed Enough Already, the acronymn of the TEA Party. It seems to me that those who support online sales taxes are in favor of government creating a “level playing field.”
As to “whether I want to look at it and get it instantly,” I can’t do that, because the local retailers usually don’t have what I’m looking for. The is especially true in regards to antiques and vintage items, which in some cases are one-of-a-kind.
I don’t really understand your last point - “the more remote your location, the costlier it will be to ship it there and the carrier may charge you more. You cannot demand that the government ensure that you pay no more than a shopper where competition has beaten down the prices.”
I’m the one paying for the shipping, not the government. I pay for Priority Mail shipping, which has quadrupled in price since I first discovered Internet shopping in December, 1998. Even when a seller offers cheaper Media Mail or Parcel Post, I usually pay extra for Priority Mail shipping.
I’m 100% in favor of small businessmen and small businesswomen purchasing the goods and services being offered by other small businessmen and small businesswomen. But they have to have the goods and/or services to offer the consumer in the first place.
I agree , this will kill amazon and ebay. One of the main reason I go there , save on tax.