Rhode Island just passed a law that forces companies to collect sales tax if they are affiliated to businesses that take a commission from links to another e-commerce website. The passing of this law has forced Amazon to drop its relationship with its marketing affiliates based in Rhode Island so that it would not have to collect sales tax in the state.
 
This is just off the heels of North Carolina’s passing of a similar law. Amazon responded similarly, dropping its North Carolina affiliates so that it would not have to collect sales taxes. Amazon may have to drop quite a …read more

You may not think of Twitter as your portal to the world of online shopping, but as Twitter continues to consider ways of making money, the idea of selling products through Twitter has gained steam. According to Todd Chaffee, a Twitter board member, the website may offer links to products, creating a source of revenue for Twitter through corporate partnerships.
 
Twitter has been recognized as a way for users to get product recommendations from their followers, so Twitter may decide to make it even easier and allow users to buy the product in one easy step. Many companies have already made …read more

I talked about Joshua McKenty’s BuyItLater last week and I alluded to an upgrade that was in the works that was both innovative and potentially controversial.  Joshua wrote about the changes on Friday and with change, comes questions …
There are two questions that people have asked me, so far:

What do your users think about that?
What does Amazon think about that?

To the first one, I have no idea. That’s really what this post is about – what DO you think about it? Is it alright for Larry to be fetching data from Amazon, that helps Sally get a deal? Should …read more

Halfway through the day here and I’m in my post-lunch glaze.  I haven’t attended any sessions since Jason’s keynote.  Why?  Well unlike my usual conference fare, I’m not into these sessions.  Wandering through the exhibits I was just struck by how we just don’t see this whole, huge side of Internet marketing.  Sure we talk about advertising, but not to the level these folks do.  Deb Schultz and I have been talking about it in the b5media-sponsored Bloghaus (which is nice and quiet with lots of key tapping going on), it’s almost like it gives us the creeps.
But should it?
Are …read more

While I was preparing yesterday’s post on the Founders & Funders dinner, I noticed my friend Stuart MacDonald was on the list with something called “TripHarbour/TripHarbor” (depending on whether you’re Canadian or American) to help people find the right cruise.
I’ve been on one cruise (to Alaska on Royal Caribbean) and I’d love to take another (even to Alaska again, since I can take some kickin’ pictures now), but getting that sweet deal on a cruise is always important.  Beyond the deal, does this cruise or cruise line offer the amenities that I want/need.  For example for my cruise to Alaska …read more

It was interesting to see a nice feature story in today’s New York Times about StumbleUpon – the Web discovery company that got its start in Calgary before heading down to Silicon Valley after raising some money from a group of high-profiles angels.
StumbleUpon’s meteoric rise from start-up couldn’t raise money in Canada peaked when it was acquired by eBay earlier this year for $75-million. In the wake of eBay’s decision to write down its investment in Skype, you have to wonder if StumbleUpon will share the same fate given it’s difficult to find a strategic fit with eBay.
The NYT suggests …read more

It turns out the rising value of the Canadian dollar is not only encouraging Canadians to drive across the border to do some shopping but get online to purchase products from U.S. retailers. With far more retailers doing business on the Web, buying products and service from U.S. retailers has suddenly become more affordable to Canadians, who have had to deal with a lower currency, high shipping costs and duty at the border.
According to a story in the New York Times, L. L. Bean, Crate & Barrel and Brookstone have all posted large increases in sales to Canada in …read more

After seven years heading up eBay Canada, Jordan Banks has decided it’s time for something new. His next gig is already lined up but Banks, who was named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 list, is keeping things under wraps for awhile. It will be interesting to see where he lands.

After much work behind the scenes, Guelph, Ont.-based Well.ca has finally opened its doors officially – hoping to carve out a niche within the large online pharmacy market.
I asked Ali Asaria, Well.ca’s managing director and founder, some questions about the company’s roots and strategic plans.
Q: So, tell me about you. What’s your background?
A: I did computer engineering at the University of Waterloo. I am best known as the author of BrickBreaker for RIM Blackberries :) I am involved in the startup community here, and serve as one of the co-organizers of DemoCamp Guelph and StartupCamp Waterloo.
Q: What’s the history of …read more

Not sure whether signing up 10,000 members is worthy of a press release or a celebration but….Toronto-based GreatCanadianRebates.ca has crossed the 10K threshold after being in business for 15 months.
The service provides members with cash rebates when they buy products through the Web site. The rebates range from 3% to 10% with some retailers apparently offering as much as 50%. According to the press release, there are more than 300 retailers offering some kind of rebates through GCR.