eBay selling in Ohio
This is sick - a perfect example of lawmakers trying to do a good thing and totally fouling the system. From
CNN/Money:
Ohio law would regulate eBay sellers
Ohio residents selling goods on eBay would have to get a license and be bonded under a law set to go into effect May 2, although authors of the legislation vow to make changes before that date to exempt individuals.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the law, signed by Gov. Robert Taft on Feb. 1, was meant to insure that auctioneers were abiding by the established rules and regulations. The law, as written, requires Ohio residents who sell products online to get a state auction license.
So what is involved in getting your Ohio State Auction License?
Besides costing $200 and posting a $50,000 bond, the license requires a one-year apprenticeship to a licensed auctioneer, acting as a bid-caller in 12 auctions, attending an approved auction school, passing a written and oral exam. Failure to get a license could result in the seller being fined up to $1,000 and jailed for a maximum of 90 days.
And other states?
Kathy Greer, senior editor of UnRavel the Gavel, a newspaper covering the New England auction market, told the Plain Dealer that similar regulation efforts are under way in Tennessee and Illinois, but that past efforts have always either been withdrawn or left unenforced due to public outcry over the restrictions.
Emphasis mine - yeah, no kidding... I would certainly be writing my representatives if WA State attempted any stupid foolishness like this.
Posted by DaveH at March 8, 2005 2:34 PM