States Planning to Require License to Sell on EBay

RobMowery writes "CNN reports that North Dakota and other state governments are trying to pass laws to require people who are selling for others on Ebay to purchase an auctioneer license, attend classes (for a fee) and become bonded." From the article: "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. Regulators in other states are also eyeing similar restrictions or preconditions, moves prompted by the growing popularity of online auctions. 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 ... Commissioner Kevin Cramer said he does not believe the law applies to people who sell their own goods over eBay, but it could cover those who sell property consigned by others for a fee."

Comments

circumvent

[Broken_Ladder]

So I'll be selling via on off-shore account. Great.

Re:Key word is Consignment

[mopslik]

Obviously the classes would have to change slightly for internet retailers, mentioning talking fast is sort of moot if this were to go ahead.

Bah, piece of cake.

"Thankyouforpurchasingyouritemsatourstore, wereallyREALLYappreciateyourbusiness..."

Thank you, Mavis Beacon!

Re:We Vote For these People?

[bjtuna]

ballance the budget

the highering of government employees

Mr. President, is that you?

It's always amazing...

[Nom du Keyboard]

It's always amazing to me the rights states feel they have over the lives of their citizens. How long before you need a license to sneeze? After all, sneezing can spread disease if done wrong. I'd say about 4 weeks of classes should be sufficient to teach you how to do it properly. Of course, you pay for this.

NoDak here...

[ari_j]

Holy crap, we made Slashdot! Take that, Wyoming!

If you read the article, you'll see that it's just the state Public Service Commission "exploring" whether this is a good idea. I doubt they'll implement it - the PSC just has nothing better to do this week.

Other Licenses they should require

[MECC]

• A license should be required to use a computer
• A license should be required to fix a computer
• A license should be reauired to run for public office (should expire weekly, or daily for federal officials)
• A license should be required to work anywhere near kids or anyone particularily vulnerable
• A license should be required to be a parent (but not to have sex)

Re:Key word is Consignment

[persona 419]

Tree, Rope, Politician - Some Assembly Required