Posted to The Age (11/4/2012) on 11/4/2012 at 9:06 PM
Commenting on "The ugly side of online shopping"
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-ugly-side-of-online-shopping-20120411-1wq5q.html
The new Australian Consumer Laws are not helping the small business operators, especially on refund and return of items. Many unscrupulous "purchasers" have been misusing such loophole which is a better option than hiring the item. Items are “purchased” but returned to the retailers after the intended uses are satisfied, e.g. a HD TV for football final, expensive gown or hat for a special occasion, an expensive camera to take the wedding photos, etc.
The Federal Labor Government is stupid to the highest degree by not taxing many overseas online purchases. These should incur not only the GST, but also an additional tax called the loss revenue tax. When a retail shop closes its door, not only there is directly loss of employment for the staff, but also loss of rental for the premises owner, utility usage, vibrancy of the surrounding business precinct, unemployed staff’s ability to spend which sets another chain reaction, etc.
End of Part 2 of 2
Commenting on "The ugly side of online shopping"
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/the-ugly-side-of-online-shopping-20120411-1wq5q.html
The new Australian Consumer Laws are not helping the small business operators, especially on refund and return of items. Many unscrupulous "purchasers" have been misusing such loophole which is a better option than hiring the item. Items are “purchased” but returned to the retailers after the intended uses are satisfied, e.g. a HD TV for football final, expensive gown or hat for a special occasion, an expensive camera to take the wedding photos, etc.
The Federal Labor Government is stupid to the highest degree by not taxing many overseas online purchases. These should incur not only the GST, but also an additional tax called the loss revenue tax. When a retail shop closes its door, not only there is directly loss of employment for the staff, but also loss of rental for the premises owner, utility usage, vibrancy of the surrounding business precinct, unemployed staff’s ability to spend which sets another chain reaction, etc.
End of Part 2 of 2
