N.D. May Require Web Auctioneer License (to sell on EBay)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-ap-internet-auctioneers,1,5899888.story?coll=chi-business-hed

To sell things over eBay, Mark Nichols may be required to take instruction in rapid-fire speaking, breathing control and reading hand gestures, even though the transactions are done by computer keyboard and mouse.

North Dakota's Public Service Commission is exploring whether people like Nichols, who runs a small consignment store in Crosby, must obtain auctioneer licenses before they can legally use eBay to sell merchandise for others.

To get a North Dakota auctioneer's license, applicants must pay a $35 fee, obtain a $5,000 surety bond and undergo training at one of eight approved auction schools, where the curriculum includes talking really fast.

"I don't think it offers any additional protection for the consumer," Nichols said. "It just creates a lot of red tape for the business, as well as having to put out a lot of money."

In North Dakota and other states, the growing popularity of online auctions is prompting closer scrutiny from regulators.

[ixion]

1. again, people who just don't get it

how enforceable is that? ANYONE call sell on ebay. :eyes:

[SoCalDem]

2. So much for the entrepreneurial spirit, eh?

[Angry Girl]

9. Hell, add that to the ridiculous self-employment tax

and the lack of health insurance options, you've got every excuse to stay dependent on the System, let alone the Grid. And if you've got children to support, you're even less able to take the risk.

[Mountainman]

3. Why do so many people have trouble with business on the web?

it's like the underground economy and some people just can't stand to let it thrive and flourish with out their control freak mentality getting it all mucked up.

I buy and sell on ebay all the time and I like the hands off approach. People have a way of self governing through the system of feedback.

[Angry Girl]

10. WHATdid you say?!? Self-governing?!?!??? Are you some sort of

pinko commie liberal bastard nutcase??!!!!! Put this guy away immediately!

[Jackpine Radical]

11. Even worse, by the sound of it. Them's Libertarian idears.

[RC]

4. North Dakota is a red state.

What else do you need to know?
This maybe...
What do you want to bet a self-important auctioneer who felt he was losing money, cornered someone who had connections at the Capital?

I've been paying attention to ND politics for almost 40 years and you can most definitely get things done in this state by knowing the right people. The powers that be in Bismarck are listed in the local phone book.

[davidinalameda]

5. damn blue states

hindering free enterprise

oh wait--North Dakota is a RED state

me bad

[CBGLuthier]

6. everyone should actually read this instead of just the headline

They are talking about licensing BUSINESSES that take stuff from people and sell them for them.

This has nothing to do with any average person selling stuff on eBay.

This might actually be a good idea since these companies are unregulated and this would require them to demonstrate some professionalism and put up a bond.

And the red state crack is pure BS. Some of the blue states have so much regulation you are lucky you can take a piss without getting a license.

But what would a day on DU be like without an ignorant red state remark?

[Shadder]

7. Oh, well thats ok then

I always thought that people talked too darn slow on that ebay thing anyway....

[msongs]

8. just government whores trying to financial screw business people with

welfare schemes for the government workers: we will say you have to pay us, we will pay ourselves with the money we rip from you, and we will not give you anything new that you did not already have.

government welfare.

Msongs
www.msongs.com