Since coming under fire by cash-strapped state governments and independent retailers, Amazon.com has spent upward of $5.25 million in its fight to remain sales tax-free. If lawmakers and advocacy groups are successful, California stands to reap at least $300 million in returns, but in an unsurprising turn of events, the company now wants to trade the tax issue for distribution centers employing as many as 7,000 workers.
Either way, independent booksellers have much to lose. But instead of griping, the Richmond District's Green Apple Books has discovered a unique approach. If the e-retailer won't pay sales tax, say the owners, then neither should they--and for good reason.
According to their press release:
- More than two-thirds of Green Apple’s staff do not have children and therefore should not really contribute tax money to public education;
- Most of the staff members do not own cars, so maintaining good roads isn’t that important. They could just walk;
- Statistics suggest that booksellers are 36% less likely to use emergency services than antiques dealers;
- Although many of the staff at Green Apple do in fact enjoy state and local parks, they sort of think someone other than the bookstore’s customers should pay to maintain them
When we spoke with the intelligent and charming staff, they mentioned that some patrons aren’t quite getting the point of the gesture. Before you unleash all sorts of vitriol in the comments, read the whole story over on Green Apple’s blog, The Green Apple Core.
