I hope you all remember that Amazon kills jobs as well. I know several people who used to work in small businesses but lost their jobs due to small businesses being squeezed out by Bezo's outright desire to kill those businesses.
I don't know that Bezos primary objective is to kill small business. However I will agree that certainly some businesses are negatively affected by thre growth OG Amazon. However, this push by AOC and NYC did not impede the progress of Amazon. The HQ wasn't going to disproportionately affect NYC small business because of the HQ presence. Conversely stopping the HQ from relocating is directly affecting the jobs there.
As someone in a small-ish retail business, I really don't think the criticism of Amazon is wholly valid.
Amazon has done so much correctly which translates to increased customer service. They've waived returns to shareholders to instead improve their infrastructure, which then adds advantage for any business who chooses to use Marketplace services for fulfillment. Even after fees, the value Amazon can offer to small-medium sized businesses is immense - expanded reach, hands-off fulfillment services, preferable shipping rates from the immense volume Amazon handles, pulling from another client's pool of inventory if ours expires and assuring re-ordering such that no one is negatively affected, a constantly-refined eCommerce experience for clients, access to sell-through analytics, etc.
Some people like to complain about the natural course of events. If people hold issue with the taxes Amazon does or doesn't pay - they should be looking to politicians, not corporations. If they hold issue with a company deciding to get better at their craft and invest in their infrastructure and efficiencies and offer those benefits to clients for a fee, I think their issue is totally unwarranted. If they hold issue with the way they treat their employees - don't buy from Amazon. Amazon will listen to that message.
the problem is, Ben, is that the bigger any given corporation gets, the less choice people have where to shop from. it becomes increasingly difficult to "send a message" by not shopping there. amazon would only listen to that message if it was a massive mobilization of millions of shoppers, which won't happen until it's too late, if ever.
So you think you have fewer choices today to online shop than 10 years ago? Amazon has driven down prices and forced other companies to become more efficient. There's an argument that Amazon has been bad for other retailers, but zero evidence that it's bad for consumers.
I agree. I also know as a retailer the difficulties of opening a physical new store, which contrast greatly with the roughly four weeks it took three people on our team (me being one of them) from planning to execution to get ourselves listed on the Amazon Marketplace and generating profit. Providing that framework is invaluable for small businesses (and exceptionally difficult to get right), and absolutely Amazon should be compensated accordingly. I see them as a value-added partner, not just a competitor.
Also, smart retailers can still produce unique value to customers on the Amazon Marketplace. For example, I've heard retailers gripe that the "Buy Now" button defaults to the lowest price which typically is Amazon, but that's not entirely true. If you create a bundle of SKUs where you're the only Marketplace Seller of that unique combination of goods, the "Buy Now" button defaults to you since there's no one else. It's a simple and effective way of promoting yourself to be the de facto provider of the solution you're offering.
I feel that small businesses likely under-leverage the Marketplace, because it feels like dancing with the devil optically, but that's really quite far from the truth.
'05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
I hope you all remember that Amazon kills jobs as well. I know several people who used to work in small businesses but lost their jobs due to small businesses being squeezed out by Bezo's outright desire to kill those businesses.
and how many of those 50k-100k jobs are going to those that actually live there.
They just get priced out.
But progress! corporate welfare to the billionaires!
“Let them eat crumbs.”
Ok so you're arguing the standard of living has been reduced overall in the past 150 years, is that correct?
Are you drunk?
That's not a valid reply. Do you think standard of living is better or worse?
Ok so you're arguing the standard of living has been reduced overall in the past 150 years, is that correct?
That is the one that makes no sense. Maybe you got the replies mixed up.
Are you drunk? is valid
I apologize that you can't follow the natural progression of your own arguments. The math behind the value of tax credits is unassailable. 10% of something is better than 20% of nothing, in case you didn't know.
Depends on who gets the “something” and who gets the “nothing.” Jeff fucking Bezos don’t need “something” from the “nothings.” In case you didn’t know.
Makes no sense as an argument. You think Jeff loses because the HQ doesn't go to NY? Hardly. It's the middle and lower class that lose.
You think AOC’s constituents “win” in an Amazon deal? Hardly. They lose the most.
It does seem silly when I type it... Good jobs usually are a net negative for an area. She should run an entire campaign on forcing any company that's incorporated out of the area. Sounds like a winning argument.
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,300
Great points Ben. So much if the anti- Amazon feeling is grounded in... "Bezos is too rich". Whatever that means.
I am certainly not going to distance myself from family and friends who use Amazon, but I also stand by my belief that Bezos fully intends to do in as many independent brick and mortar bookstores as possible. So I'll just keep working hard to see that this doesn't happen close to home. In about five minutes I'm going in to The Bookery with my wife to work for no pay on my day off, smile on my face and giving the finger to Bezos behind my back.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Great points Ben. So much if the anti- Amazon feeling is grounded in... "Bezos is too rich". Whatever that means.
I am certainly not going to distance myself from family and friends who use Amazon, but I also stand by my belief that Bezos fully intends to do in as many independent brick and mortar bookstores as possible. So I'll just keep working hard to see that this doesn't happen close to home. In about five minutes I'm going in to The Bookery with my wife to work for no pay on my day off, smile on my face and giving the finger to Bezos behind my back.
Again, the consumer wanted something and amazon gave it to them.
Seems to me brick and mortar stores maybe asking consumers to do what they want instead of providing what they are asking for.
Now - I do think there is a nice mix there, so I try to support smaller and other brick and mortar stores as well.
I hope you all remember that Amazon kills jobs as well. I know several people who used to work in small businesses but lost their jobs due to small businesses being squeezed out by Bezo's outright desire to kill those businesses.
and how many of those 50k-100k jobs are going to those that actually live there.
They just get priced out.
But progress! corporate welfare to the billionaires!
“Let them eat crumbs.”
Ok so you're arguing the standard of living has been reduced overall in the past 150 years, is that correct?
Are you drunk?
That's not a valid reply. Do you think standard of living is better or worse?
Ok so you're arguing the standard of living has been reduced overall in the past 150 years, is that correct?
That is the one that makes no sense. Maybe you got the replies mixed up.
Are you drunk? is valid
I apologize that you can't follow the natural progression of your own arguments. The math behind the value of tax credits is unassailable. 10% of something is better than 20% of nothing, in case you didn't know.
Depends on who gets the “something” and who gets the “nothing.” Jeff fucking Bezos don’t need “something” from the “nothings.” In case you didn’t know.
Makes no sense as an argument. You think Jeff loses because the HQ doesn't go to NY? Hardly. It's the middle and lower class that lose.
You think AOC’s constituents “win” in an Amazon deal? Hardly. They lose the most.
It does seem silly when I type it... Good jobs usually are a net negative for an area. She should run an entire campaign on forcing any company that's incorporated out of the area. Sounds like a winning argument.
AOC represents the best interests of her constituents, despite how wonderful and philanthropic Amazon is. If she doesn’t, she doesn’t get re-elected. Giving billions in tax breaks to Jeff Bezos so Amazon can move into her district, or the one next door, and net negatively impact her constituents, the people that live there and most likely don’t own Amazon stock, nor possess the skills and education level to work in those “great” jobs, is the worst kind of representation, the kind you (General you) constantly criticize Dems for having with Wall Street, banks and other corporations. What’s magical about Bezos?
Who are the real winners and losers? The politicians in Albany and Amazon stock holders or the people most likely directly impacted by the decision, the local populace?
The move to NYC does little for Amazon shareholders. It doesn't directly sell one more pair of khaki shorts. There is one benefit.. the argument to tap into the diverse and talented population of NYC. And that benefits NYC citizens. As I stated earlier, it's not just about the direct jobs, it's about the ancillary economic activity that these jobs create as well. That's what is lost. And now that they aren't coming, that full size tax bill generates zero revenue.
The move to NYC does little for Amazon shareholders. It doesn't directly sell one more pair of khaki shorts. There is one benefit.. the argument to tap into the diverse and talented population of NYC. And that benefits NYC citizens. As I stated earlier, it's not just about the direct jobs, it's about the ancillary economic activity that these jobs create as well. That's what is lost. And now that they aren't coming, that full size tax bill generates zero revenue.
Aren't they coming here anyway? Almost as soon as the HQ2 was cancelled it was widely reported Amazon wanted 100000 sq feet of NYC office space?
All the tech companies are expanding here, for good reason. If Amazon wants to compete in this labor market they will expand here as well.
The tech industry understands what some popular rock bands do not, you just cant beat the numbers here.
I don’t understand the hate for Amazon. Why do we hate when people are successful? He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
It’s not always about the jobs, particularly with a 3.5% unemployment rate, so it was reported. $3BB in tax credits when unemployment is below 5%. Makes sense. What do you (you in the general sense) offer when the recession hits? Unicorns and rainbows, I get it.
Hey! Lets cut the interest rate while we’re at it. Nothing like giving the Team Trump Treason & Bezos types more cheap money, you know, when they don’t need it. But charity, yo!
Not even a year into the promise of the deal. In 15 years how close to that alleged 25k will they be? Pun intended.
And what happens when the recession hits and consumer spending tanks? Amazon layoffs, reduced tax receipts and the state taxpayers obligated to subsidize the brilliance of trickledown, negating those who lost their “life” as they knew it. All negotiated and advocated when unemployment is reported below 5% and the “investor” is a multi-billionaire. Suckers. But let me guess, those arguing the most forcefully, don’t actually live in, around, adjacent or even remotely close to either site, or Crystal City? Just a guess.
I don’t understand the hate for Amazon. Why do we hate when people are successful? He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
"Hate" is a pretty strong word. I only use it in an exaggerated pejorative sense as in, "I hate poison oak", or, "I hate it when when I can't find my keys."
But I have great disrespect and no small degree of disdain for Amazon. The facts are, that company treats its employees poorly (this is widely reported), they have sold counterfeit items without properly determining if they are genuine (that's piracy/ theft), the company paid no federal income tax in 2017 and 2018 (our businesses sure as heck did), and it's owner has made it clear he wants to shut down as many small/ family owned/ independent businesses as possible. All of that is disgusting. I don't get how people can support that.
And let's not forget that there are several companies, including other online companies that are subsidiaries, acquisitions and mergers of Amazon. Some of those online options are not really options. You can view 101 of the here:
I don’t understand the hate for Amazon. Why do we hate when people are successful? He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
"Hate" is a pretty strong word. I only use it in an exaggerated pejorative sense as in, "I hate poison oak", or, "I hate it when when I can't find my keys."
But I have great disrespect and no small degree of disdain for Amazon. The facts are, that company treats its employees poorly (this is widely reported), they have sold counterfeit items without properly determining if they are genuine (that's piracy/ theft), the company paid no federal income tax in 2017 and 2018 (our businesses sure as heck did), and it's owner has made it clear he wants to shut down as many small/ family owned/ independent businesses as possible. All of that is disgusting. I don't get how people can support that.
And let's not forget that there are several companies, including other online companies that are subsidiaries, acquisitions and mergers of Amazon. Some of those online options are not really options. You can view 101 of the here:
I don’t understand the hate for Amazon. Why do we hate when people are successful? He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
"Hate" is a pretty strong word. I only use it in an exaggerated pejorative sense as in, "I hate poison oak", or, "I hate it when when I can't find my keys."
But I have great disrespect and no small degree of disdain for Amazon. The facts are, that company treats its employees poorly (this is widely reported), they have sold counterfeit items without properly determining if they are genuine (that's piracy/ theft), the company paid no federal income tax in 2017 and 2018 (our businesses sure as heck did), and it's owner has made it clear he wants to shut down as many small/ family owned/ independent businesses as possible. All of that is disgusting. I don't get how people can support that.
And let's not forget that there are several companies, including other online companies that are subsidiaries, acquisitions and mergers of Amazon. Some of those online options are not really options. You can view 101 of the here:
I don't see how it is that it is so hard to understand the dislike of Amazon.
Hey Brian, just wanted to mention that while I don't share your sentiment about several of these arguments, I understand why you feel the way you do given the business you're in.
I still believe that the targeting you've felt by Amazon (wanting to shut down smaller businesses) is incidental, not intentional. I sadly feel that if it weren't Amazon, a monolothic eCommerce provider that seeks vertical integration (distribution, distribution networks, eComm platform, fulfillment, post-sale service infrastructure) would be inevitably produced by another company. I feel this is the natural course of retail because it's a practical innovation that they pursued. It's also the nature that this would hurt independents more than larger businesses. The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't.
On the federal income tax paid - of course I wish our taxes were zero this year, but there was no legal avenue for a business in our position to do so. If there was, I would unapologetically take it, and I would also accept those who criticize the government who give me this avenue. I would also redirect anyone who offered criticism in my direction to take it up with the government. This is the ONE agreement Trump and I have. If there's a legal opportunity to save money as a business because of a poor tax system design, it is not unethical to seize that opportunity.
On how their employees are treated, and the counterfeit items - are serious issues which Amazon must address. I'm certain that the counterfeit items are being investigated as we speak, because there's a financial and service disincentive associated with allowing them to proliferate unfettered on the Amazon store, as it degrades customer trust. On the treatment of their employees, I would love to read some good news on that regard - I will 100% agree with you there!
'05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
Hey! Lets cut the interest rate while we’re at it. Nothing like giving the Team Trump Treason & Bezos types more cheap money, you know, when they don’t need it. But charity, yo!
Few things...
1. The tax credits would not be realized for Amazon unless they created 25k net new jobs by 2028. That's at least one recession cycle, not that the got the credits on day one. So I don't understand your comparison to an interest rate cut, which is immediate.
2. My point is that it's kind of silly for AOC to spike the football and declare "they're coming anyway!". Because there's a big difference between building a new HQ for 25k people in Queens and renting 300k feet and hiring 1500 people in Manhattan.
I don’t understand the hate for Amazon. Why do we hate when people are successful? He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
"Hate" is a pretty strong word. I only use it in an exaggerated pejorative sense as in, "I hate poison oak", or, "I hate it when when I can't find my keys."
But I have great disrespect and no small degree of disdain for Amazon. The facts are, that company treats its employees poorly (this is widely reported), they have sold counterfeit items without properly determining if they are genuine (that's piracy/ theft), the company paid no federal income tax in 2017 and 2018 (our businesses sure as heck did), and it's owner has made it clear he wants to shut down as many small/ family owned/ independent businesses as possible. All of that is disgusting. I don't get how people can support that.
And let's not forget that there are several companies, including other online companies that are subsidiaries, acquisitions and mergers of Amazon. Some of those online options are not really options. You can view 101 of the here:
I don't see how it is that it is so hard to understand the dislike of Amazon.
Hey Brian, just wanted to mention that while I don't share your sentiment about several of these arguments, I understand why you feel the way you do given the business you're in.
I still believe that the targeting you've felt by Amazon (wanting to shut down smaller businesses) is incidental, not intentional. I sadly feel that if it weren't Amazon, a monolothic eCommerce provider that seeks vertical integration (distribution, distribution networks, eComm platform, fulfillment, post-sale service infrastructure) would be inevitably produced by another company. I feel this is the natural course of retail because it's a practical innovation that they pursued. It's also the nature that this would hurt independents more than larger businesses. The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't.
On the federal income tax paid - of course I wish our taxes were zero this year, but there was no legal avenue for a business in our position to do so. If there was, I would unapologetically take it, and I would also accept those who criticize the government who give me this avenue. I would also redirect anyone who offered criticism in my direction to take it up with the government. This is the ONE agreement Trump and I have. If there's a legal opportunity to save money as a business because of a poor tax system design, it is not unethical to seize that opportunity.
On how their employees are treated, and the counterfeit items - are serious issues which Amazon must address. I'm certain that the counterfeit items are being investigated as we speak, because there's a financial and service disincentive associated with allowing them to proliferate unfettered on the Amazon store, as it degrades customer trust. On the treatment of their employees, I would love to read some good news on that regard - I will 100% agree with you there!
I’m the last democrat that wants to vilify billionaires but Bezos is a great example of what’s wrong with the 2019 post Reagan era of capitalism. When republicans say no regulation, bezos is a great example of what you get.
Monopolies are not supposed to exist in a free market. I am sure Adam Smith would agree to that. A free market cannot operate freely if one participant can effectively crush most others with minimal effort and game all the rules and laws for itself. Amazon is effectively a vertical and nearly a horizontal monopoly. They can do whatever they want with little government intervention. They pay more in political contributions than income taxes. Heck, they pay more in toilet paper expenses than federal income taxes. Yet somehow the owner gets to walk around with how many tens of billions in his pocket?
I work at a large company and management is very separate from the day to day. A book club gives rare access to higher level employees. . The current book is the auto bio of the nike billionaire. A very divisive figure who has trampled on worker rights and very indifferent to worker lives on his way to his billions. His people have died for him and his defense is pure propaganda about divesting production like he has no control over production. But to the brown noses reading the book they gush about him often and they are only getting one side of his story. Frankly it’s disgusting hearing them talk about him like that in the office.
I'm the last Democrat to want to support Warren type policies. But we live in an era where companies have no issue rewarding pro billionaire and pro management propaganda in the office and the govt is powerless to reign in billionaires creating rules and laws to get themselves more slices of the pie. But warren is not doing a good job explaining this imo. She is going too far. She needs to do more convincing before adding 6% in wealth taxes. Start at 2% at most and convince independents. Change should be more incremental. Cooperman is right, billionaires have feelings too.
Post edited by Lerxst1992 on
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brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,300
Hey Brian, just wanted to mention that while I don't share your sentiment about several of these arguments, I understand why you feel the way you do given the business you're in.
I still believe that the targeting you've felt by Amazon (wanting to shut down smaller businesses) is incidental, not intentional. I sadly feel that if it weren't Amazon, a monolothic eCommerce provider that seeks vertical integration (distribution, distribution networks, eComm platform, fulfillment, post-sale service infrastructure) would be inevitably produced by another company. I feel this is the natural course of retail because it's a practical innovation that they pursued. It's also the nature that this would hurt independents more than larger businesses. The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't.
On the federal income tax paid - of course I wish our taxes were zero this year, but there was no legal avenue for a business in our position to do so. If there was, I would unapologetically take it, and I would also accept those who criticize the government who give me this avenue. I would also redirect anyone who offered criticism in my direction to take it up with the government. This is the ONE agreement Trump and I have. If there's a legal opportunity to save money as a business because of a poor tax system design, it is not unethical to seize that opportunity.
On how their employees are treated, and the counterfeit items - are serious issues which Amazon must address. I'm certain that the counterfeit items are being investigated as we speak, because there's a financial and service disincentive associated with allowing them to proliferate unfettered on the Amazon store, as it degrades customer trust. On the treatment of their employees, I would love to read some good news on that regard - I will 100% agree with you there!
"The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience
we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't."
That's one of the strong points of C's store and my business, Ben. We can provide things that Amazon cannot including a friendly, warm, personable environment to shop in. Our customers are able to see for themselves what they are getting- there is no false or inaccurate grading of our book, records and other products and we don't need to offer small refunds on bogus grading in order to hopefully boost a phony rating.
And we bend over backwards to please our customers. We develop relationships with them. We have a real, tangible relationship with our community. We support local groups, especially schools. We have often provided free job shadowing/ training for young students seeking experience in the world of working. C and N sell tea cups and tea pots and 100% of the income from them (income, not profit) goes to their "Second Cup of Tea" program that helps feed the hungry. We provide free window space for advertising local fundraising events, community programs, and school events.
Every time a small business like ours is shut down, these are the things that are lost. There has already been too much loss of community and in-person, interpersonal support in this society and every loss is a sad one. Fortunately, we are still doing well enough and can still provide these things.
And as for the employees- one will not find a happier, well taken care of group of employees like our in Amazon. Not even close.
As far as selling stuff on-line goes, I'm not totally against it, not at all. I'm just not a fan of mega-corporations and monopolies. Sadly, I cannot find the info about Bezos bragging about shutting down independent businesses. I'll look for them when I have more time.
And Ben, as always, thanks for your well thought out reply. We may not be exactly on the same page here, but I always respect your comments!
Hey Brian, just wanted to mention that while I don't share your sentiment about several of these arguments, I understand why you feel the way you do given the business you're in.
I still believe that the targeting you've felt by Amazon (wanting to shut down smaller businesses) is incidental, not intentional. I sadly feel that if it weren't Amazon, a monolothic eCommerce provider that seeks vertical integration (distribution, distribution networks, eComm platform, fulfillment, post-sale service infrastructure) would be inevitably produced by another company. I feel this is the natural course of retail because it's a practical innovation that they pursued. It's also the nature that this would hurt independents more than larger businesses. The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't.
On the federal income tax paid - of course I wish our taxes were zero this year, but there was no legal avenue for a business in our position to do so. If there was, I would unapologetically take it, and I would also accept those who criticize the government who give me this avenue. I would also redirect anyone who offered criticism in my direction to take it up with the government. This is the ONE agreement Trump and I have. If there's a legal opportunity to save money as a business because of a poor tax system design, it is not unethical to seize that opportunity.
On how their employees are treated, and the counterfeit items - are serious issues which Amazon must address. I'm certain that the counterfeit items are being investigated as we speak, because there's a financial and service disincentive associated with allowing them to proliferate unfettered on the Amazon store, as it degrades customer trust. On the treatment of their employees, I would love to read some good news on that regard - I will 100% agree with you there!
I’m the last democrat that wants to vilify billionaires but Bezos is a great example of what’s wrong with the 2019 post Reagan era of capitalism. When republicans say no regulation, bezos is a great example of what you get.
Monopolies are not supposed to exist in a free market. I am sure Adam Smith would agree to that. A free market cannot operate freely if one participant can effectively crush most others with minimal effort and game all the rules and laws for itself. Amazon is effectively a vertical and nearly a horizontal monopoly. They can do whatever they want with little government intervention. They pay more in political contributions than income taxes. Heck, they pay more in toilet paper expenses than federal income taxes. Yet somehow the owner gets to walk around with how many tens of billions in his pocket?
I work at a large company and management is very separate from the day to day. A book club gives rare access to higher level employees. . The current book is the auto bio of the nike billionaire. A very divisive figure who has trampled on worker rights and very indifferent to worker lives on his way to his billions. His people have died for him and his defense is pure propaganda about divesting production like he has no control over production. But to the brown noses reading the book they gush about him often and they are only getting one side of his story. Frankly it’s disgusting hearing them talk about him like that in the office.
I'm the last Democrat to want to support Warren type policies. But we live in an era where companies have no issue rewarding pro billionaire and pro management propaganda in the office and the govt is powerless to reign in billionaires creating rules and laws to get themselves more slices of the pie. But warren is not doing a good job explaining this imo. She is going too far. She needs to do more convincing before adding 6% in wealth taxes. Start at 2% at most and convince independents. Change should be more incremental. Cooperman is right, billionaires have feelings too.
This is one of my major beefs with Amazon. They are basically a monopoly.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Comments
Also, smart retailers can still produce unique value to customers on the Amazon Marketplace. For example, I've heard retailers gripe that the "Buy Now" button defaults to the lowest price which typically is Amazon, but that's not entirely true. If you create a bundle of SKUs where you're the only Marketplace Seller of that unique combination of goods, the "Buy Now" button defaults to you since there's no one else. It's a simple and effective way of promoting yourself to be the de facto provider of the solution you're offering.
I feel that small businesses likely under-leverage the Marketplace, because it feels like dancing with the devil optically, but that's really quite far from the truth.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Amazon just saw the future and capitalized. They are providing the service the customer wants.
Who are the real winners and losers? The politicians in Albany and Amazon stock holders or the people most likely directly impacted by the decision, the local populace?
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Aren't they coming here anyway? Almost as soon as the HQ2 was cancelled it was widely reported Amazon wanted 100000 sq feet of NYC office space?
All the tech companies are expanding here, for good reason. If Amazon wants to compete in this labor market they will expand here as well.
The tech industry understands what some popular rock bands do not, you just cant beat the numbers here.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/30/business/amazon-baltimore.html
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He went from working at McDonalds in high school to where he is now. Amazon started as an online bookstore and has grown. I like the fact it has grown. I got same day delivery on several items I recently ordered. A few years ago I was amazed at 2-day delivery, now I can get many things in a matter of hours.
And there are tons of online options. Even though Amazon, many independent stores sell their items via Amazon.
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https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/06/nyregion/amazon-hudson-yards.html
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Unicorns and rainbows.
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Brilliantati©
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Libtardaplorable©. And proud of it.
Brilliantati©
I still believe that the targeting you've felt by Amazon (wanting to shut down smaller businesses) is incidental, not intentional. I sadly feel that if it weren't Amazon, a monolothic eCommerce provider that seeks vertical integration (distribution, distribution networks, eComm platform, fulfillment, post-sale service infrastructure) would be inevitably produced by another company. I feel this is the natural course of retail because it's a practical innovation that they pursued. It's also the nature that this would hurt independents more than larger businesses. The challenge for all of us retailers is how we modify the experience we're delivering, and add value in a way that Amazon can't.
On the federal income tax paid - of course I wish our taxes were zero this year, but there was no legal avenue for a business in our position to do so. If there was, I would unapologetically take it, and I would also accept those who criticize the government who give me this avenue. I would also redirect anyone who offered criticism in my direction to take it up with the government. This is the ONE agreement Trump and I have. If there's a legal opportunity to save money as a business because of a poor tax system design, it is not unethical to seize that opportunity.
On how their employees are treated, and the counterfeit items - are serious issues which Amazon must address. I'm certain that the counterfeit items are being investigated as we speak, because there's a financial and service disincentive associated with allowing them to proliferate unfettered on the Amazon store, as it degrades customer trust. On the treatment of their employees, I would love to read some good news on that regard - I will 100% agree with you there!
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
1. The tax credits would not be realized for Amazon unless they created 25k net new jobs by 2028. That's at least one recession cycle, not that the got the credits on day one. So I don't understand your comparison to an interest rate cut, which is immediate.
2. My point is that it's kind of silly for AOC to spike the football and declare "they're coming anyway!". Because there's a big difference between building a new HQ for 25k people in Queens and renting 300k feet and hiring 1500 people in Manhattan.
Monopolies are not supposed to exist in a free market. I am sure Adam Smith would agree to that. A free market cannot operate freely if one participant can effectively crush most others with minimal effort and game all the rules and laws for itself. Amazon is effectively a vertical and nearly a horizontal monopoly. They can do whatever they want with little government intervention. They pay more in political contributions than income taxes. Heck, they pay more in toilet paper expenses than federal income taxes. Yet somehow the owner gets to walk around with how many tens of billions in his pocket?
I work at a large company and management is very separate from the day to day. A book club gives rare access to higher level employees. . The current book is the auto bio of the nike billionaire. A very divisive figure who has trampled on worker rights and very indifferent to worker lives on his way to his billions. His people have died for him and his defense is pure propaganda about divesting production like he has no control over production. But to the brown noses reading the book they gush about him often and they are only getting one side of his story. Frankly it’s disgusting hearing them talk about him like that in the office.
I'm the last Democrat to want to support Warren type policies. But we live in an era where companies have no issue rewarding pro billionaire and pro management propaganda in the office and the govt is powerless to reign in billionaires creating rules and laws to get themselves more slices of the pie. But warren is not doing a good job explaining this imo. She is going too far. She needs to do more convincing before adding 6% in wealth taxes. Start at 2% at most and convince independents. Change should be more incremental. Cooperman is right, billionaires have feelings too.
This is one of my major beefs with Amazon. They are basically a monopoly.
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"