Ebay Sales Tax & Slabgate Affect Sales?

[The Nasty Nati]

We've all been talking about how this slabgate scandal will potentially negatively affect card prices, but I think the eBay sales tax that is rolling out now could lower card prices even further.

For example, a 7% eBay NY sales tax can really add up on higher dollar cards

Personally, I think card prices the last few years have been out of hand and this unfortunate slabgate and eBay's new sales tax could really lower card prices for the better.

Thoughts?

[glchen]

Let me just say that I live in California, so I've always charged sales tax on ebay to California residents (9.75% based on where I live). Net result is my sales to California residents are few and far between.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by glchen

Let me just say that I live in California, so I've always charged sales tax on ebay to California residents (9.75% based on where I live). Net result is my sales to California residents are few and far between.

May I suggest you invest in an Oregon vault.

[MULLINS5]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

May I suggest you invest in an Oregon vault.

[lowpopper]

The tax hit will hurt online sales far greater than the trimming scandal.

The scandal will eventually go away once the public gets distracted by
the next "thing." The taxation will probably be there forever.

[bbsports]

As a N.J. resident, it will hurt ebay sales on buying the real expensive cards, Perhaps it will bring back more buyers to baseball card shows. Not only can you save on sales tax, but also shipping. You can also see the cards in person instead of scans.

[pokerplyr80]

Perhaps in the short term. I am hoping it creates an opportunity to pick up a few cards I've been after. There are only so many of these cards out there, especially on the prewar side. Even if some collectors leave the hobby I believe new ones will enter. Perhaps they will be of the mindset that altered or conserved cards are acceptable and the hobby will evolve.

Auction houses have survived collecting sales tax in certain states. Amazon has as well. Ebay will be fine. And as Peter noted, I'm assuming in jest, some will look into tax avoidance strategies.

If I could accurately predict the future I would have made a few different decisions over the years. But my guess is everything will be back to normal sooner rather than later.