When I was younger I bought my shoes from Freeman Hardy Willis, and my books from W H Smith. I bought various things from Woolworth's, and most of my clothes came from either Selfridge's or M & S.
But today there is nothing I CAN'T BUY through Amazon, and, as I'm slightly immobile, it is very convenient for me to do so.
In recent years I've bought haggis, reading glasses, kimchi, trousers, shoes, an electric kettle, a pvc table-cloth, and an office chair (amongst many other things).
In fact I use Amazon for almost everything, other than what I can find at either Sainsbury's or Waitrose (UK supermarkets).
OK, it's all very convenient and efficient, but I have one major concern. As I am always rightly defensive of the UK economy, I want to know where my money is going!
If I buy on the High Street from an English based company, I know that my few £'s will go into company accounts, and that taxes will go to pay for all our schools, hospitals, etc.
With Amazon I have no idea where my money ends-up, but I'm in no doubt that someone somewhere is becoming extremely rich (probably with no taxes being paid), whilst our UK High Street shops are closing down; and I'm all too aware that I'm partly to blame.
This won't stop me from using Amazon because I find their service extremely efficient. But I do think the government should do something about it. They must be missing-out on a fortune.
14 comments:
If Amazon is typical of large US companies trading in the UK, they probably channel all of their income through Eire, where corporate tax rates are substantially lower than the UK. Another own goal for the numpties that pushed up tax rates in the UK!!
I don't think the likes of Amazon should be 'punished', but they should pay their way! Labour are very keen to tax just about everything, and everyone, else, but some seem immune!
I always preached shopping local and supporting island families but when I can't find what I want then it's so easy just to press a button and type a few numbers. I still prefer local but more and more it's online shopping which is also much cheaper. Not Amazon which does not have a Greek branch, yet. But from Athens. The Chinese online giants have got more expensive with import taxes but their courier is free and fast
I live in a small village with one small shop/post office, I no longer drive as I'm losing my sight. Therefore I am a regular customer of Amazon as they do seem to sell almost everything I need.
I do agree that it's so much better to buy local, and support local tradesmen/women. But occasionally circumstances direct otherwise. I would love to walk into town to shop, but my wretched legs won't allow me.
I am very fortunate that I can still drive, but that won't last for ever. I can even see a time when my groceries will all be delivered too.
I stopped using Amazon a few years ago after a couple of bad experiences with them. I try to shop local as much as possible but when I need something that is not available here I always try to search for a British company that will deliver here to the island. It may cost more in P&P but I feel I am doing my bit.
I don't particularly like using Amazon, but it is so convenient. I need a new pair of legs!
I agree Cro, it is so easy to use Amazon. I try to use M&S, John Lewis and other bricks and mortar UK companies that deliver but confess to using Amazon as well.
As for taxation, you will be delighted to know that in his budget John Healey introduced a tax crackdown making digital platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Temu legally responsible for collecting and paying VAT directly to HMRC on behalf of third-party business sellers who exceed a £90,000 annual turnover. Doesnt come into effect until October next year but is forecast to raise £1 billion.
I hadn't heard that; it's good news. They do need to pay something. I wonder why they're waiting another whole year?
HMRC and the companies need time to build systems to capture the data.
Maybe?
I lost the lens cap for my camera. There is one camera store 10 miles away, that might have one, but Amazon will have it here tomorrow. In the United States they collect and pay sales tax (our version of VAT) to the local jurisdiction. The lens cap is from a small business selling through Amazon, their corporate tax is paid where ever they are located.
It's good to hear that some tax is ending-up where it should. I hope you now have your lens cap.
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