Amazon Affiliate Question

[Chuck Burke]

I reside in North Carolina. Amazon won't let North Carolinians
participate in their affiliate program.
Is there any reason I can't use a South Carolina mailing addy ?
I'm 3 miles from the state line and can easily set up a mail box.

That doesn't seem unethical does it?

Chuck

[Harry Richardson]

I think it has to do with sales taxes. Amazon would have to collect sales tax for anyone ordering from them that lives in NC if they have affiliates in NC. Instead of paying the sales tax, they've opted not to have affiliates from North Carolina. I'm not a lawyer, but I think it would be illegal. My home state of New Mexico has been talking about adding sales tax for internet sales also. I'm really hoping that doesn't happen.

[Dvgeoster]

Ive heard about this apparently though in NYC they do actually pay the sales tax because the value of it was too high to ignore.

[Marhelper]

I am sure there is a way to get a S.C. address. Perhaps you can do it through PO box or a friend's address.

[Chuck Burke]

Originally Posted by Marhelper

I am sure there is a way to get a S.C. address. Perhaps you can do it through PO box or a friend's address.

Yep, That's what I'm thinking. I can travel 10 minutes to a
mailbox rental place in SC and I'm all set . Right??

[jonoman1]

Hey Chuck, I am having the same problem. I am in NC and I really need to get back in the Amazon program. Did you have any success using a SC po box to join. Any advice would be appreciated. Hope you are doing well.

Jon

[YannickvdBos]

He Chuck you should google: "My USA Box" it's a great service
or you can get your mailbox at the place nearby.. sounds like a plan

[duia]

I am not sure. Perhaps you need to contact the stuffs of Amazon and gain the accuracte answers for your question.

[JohnMcCabe]

Back when I worked for a catalog call center, we had a lot of Canadian customers with USA delivery addresses. By crossing the border to pick up their package, they avoided paying Canadian VAT tax.

If a PO Box doesn't work, look into one of the "virtual address" services that gives you an actual street address and forwards your mail.

[Winlin]

Like everyone else ... I'm no lawyer... This is not legal advice and I wouldn't want you to take this as anything other than a fellow IM'r throwing in his 2 cents.

However... businesses are constantly relocating to areas where they enjoy less taxation if they can realize a better ROI and cover the expense of moving... it's a sound business decision.

If you were to establish your business in a state that amazon allows affiliates in. I would think you should be okay to do so ... that said I'd believe it would have to be set up as a legitimate business within that state and simply setting up a mailing address in another state would likely be seen as an effort to avoid taxation. All state and Federal tax agencies frown on this.

Questions I'd ask myself:

1) Do i receive a enough income from Amazon that this is worth the effort.

2) can I shift to another Affiliate program that I feel is more compatible with my business model.

"It sounds like any other Affiliate is more compatible if you cannot use their service.

3) What are my plans A., B. and C.

"You need to know your alternatives even if you ultimately find a profitable way to stay with Amazon you should know what your options are.

4)What are my current resources and how can I re-purpose them to continue in business... even if it's a different business


IMHO - In business the climate is constantly changing. The IM and Affiliate marketing models are almost unrecognizable from what they were 10 years ago. As a business owner you need to constantly be aware of the changes and have options available to you. Set your sail and be ready to adjust as the wind changes....