[Kevin]

As reported by the New York Times (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/overstockcom-throws-new-york-affiliates-overboard-to-avoid-sales-tax/):

UPDATE
Amazon.com will not cut off New York affiliates, according to an e-mail from Patty Smith, a spokeswoman. She wrote: Nothing is changing with regard to Amazon’s relationships with Affiliates in New York state. We expect to begin collecting sales tax (as the new legislation requires) no later than June 1, 2008.

[Eric Ewe]

I am curious as to what Networks are going to do in order to be proactive.

i.e. Overstock throwing over affiliates = less money for networks too.

[Daniel M. Clark]

What can the networks do as far as that goes? Tell merchants not to ditch their NY affiliates? I really don't think that's possible - or ethical for that matter. If merchants want to drop their NY affiliates, that's unfortunate for the affiliates and we should work to prevent that... but it's their business to run, not the networks'.

[ProWebAddict]

What can the networks do as far as that goes? Tell merchants not to ditch their NY affiliates? I really don't think that's possible - or ethical for that matter.

Networks make every other kind of unethical suggestion so what would be the difference...except that it could potentially help affiliates who play by the book.


Excuse me while I go claim my rebates from ebates.

[Kevin]

I have a comment on this that I can't make just yet. Been doing a lot of research in the past few days, and some interesting things have come to light.

[Daniel M. Clark]

Suggestions, sure... suggestions are always okay with me. I just don't think the networks should take up the position of punishing merchants who make that decision.

[Eric Ewe]

I like what Mike (hardwareGeek) said about having different T&C for NY affiliates.

[leeann]

I'm confused. What do the New York affiliates (or any affiliates) have to do with a merchant collecting or not collecting sales tax on its sales?

[leeann]

Oh, I see "The state law says that if even one of those affiliates is in New York, Amazon must collect sales tax on everything sold in the state, even if it is not sold through the affiliate."

Well, that is just insane.

[TJ]

Yup, looks like Amazon is going with it... this was on the top of the order I just placed Important Messages
Due to a new law recently passed by the State of New York we are required to collect NY sales taxes on taxable items sold by Amazon.com on or after June 1st, 2008. If your order is placed prior to June 1st, your Order Total may not include an estimate of NY sales taxes, but those taxes may still be charged if your order is readied for shipment on or after that date. :kiss: