Tuesday, November 2, 2010

A quick note to state tax departments

He's got his eye on youHere's a small suggestion to you folks at the revenue department.  Every time I read about some business charging their customers tax and not remitting it to the state, it's almost always one of the following businesses:
  • Used car dealers
  • Mechanics
  • Restaurants
  • Convenience stores
And they're always independently owned.  Seems like doing nothing but auditing these guys would clear out your deficits like that (snapping my fingers).  

Just a thought.

By the way, if you're one of the aforementioned businesses, and you're feeling all offended now, here's the problem.  While I'm miffed about your not paying the taxes the law requires, what really fries my shorts is that you are collecting the taxes from your customers, but not bothering to pay the taxes to the state.  You're defrauding not only the state, but your innocent customers.  That stinks.




The Sales Tax Guy
http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

See the disclaimer - this is for education only.  Research these issues thoroughly before making decisions.  Remember: there are details we haven't discussed, and every state is different.  Here's more information

Get these articles in your inbox - subscribe at http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

Don't forget our upcoming seminars and webinars.
http://www.salestax-usetax.com/

Friday, October 29, 2010

Sales and Use Tax Links

Metal, Lock and ChainArizona Krispy Kreme Loses Sales Tax Lawsuit  sabrix.com
They tried to get the donuts to be treated as non-taxable sales, just like those sold from a grocery store. Except that they're not a grocery store.

California Ready To Tax "Recreational Marijuana Use sabrix.com
Well, that's one way to help with the budget deficit.

New State Business Tax Climate Index Tax Foundation
South Dakota is the nicest. And the worst? This may come as a surprise, but NY, NJ and CA don't fare so well. I'd retire to SD, but, dang it's cold up there!

Pay No Sales Tax on Solar Power in MA and CT! brightstarsolar.net
It's a sales pitch for solar, and beware of relying on this when making your decisions about solar power, but worth a look if you're considering this.

Medical Device Companies and Sales Tax: What's the Risk? bakertilly.com
This article highlights that it's different in every state and if you sell stuff outside of your state, you need to make sure you know how it's taxed where you're selling it.  The article doesn't mention that you only care about the rules in other states if you have nexus, however.

Sales and Use Tax Becomes Increasingly Challenging for Companies [Outsourcing] cpa2biz.com
First of all, skip to the "risk and rewards" section unless you need lots of filler on background.  But the list is pretty good.  If you're thinking about outsourcing your SUT processing, this list is a very useful tool to find the right vendor.  Let me put it this way: the vendors really don't want you to read this.

The Strangest Taxes and Deductions by U.S. State gobankingrates.com
The author lists a several interesting taxes, some of which aren't technically sales and use taxes. And many of them, while sounding silly, are pretty common (like the flour in candy rule). And I love her last line, "This is a pretty exhaustive catalog of taxation oddities, but there are many states we haven't covered." Uh, if there are many states you haven't covered, than it's NOT pretty exhaustive. I hate to be picky, but there you go. Anyway, you'll enjoy some of the odder ones, like the playing card tax in Alabama.

S.C. levies tax on services thesunnews.com
They do it weird in SC  In the vast majority of states, when repair labor isn't taxable, service contracts aren't either.  And when repair labor is taxable, then the service contracts are taxable.  But in SC it's worked out to be just the opposite.  Repair labor isn't taxable.  But "service maintenance contracts" are taxable.  The politicians passed the law to collect taxes that are collected when these contracts are sold by appliance vendors.  But the dopey politicians didn't think it through and get the wording right.  So now, if you provide a contract service of watering plants, you're providing a taxable service.  And it sounds like an over-zealous tax department could extend the interpretation to most service activities, since they all really do involve "service," "maintenance," and "contracts."  Foolish politicians.  Does anybody think about this stuff?  Oh, that's right.  They don't.

Voluntary Disclosure or Tax Amnesty? bnatax.com speedtax.com
Two good articles discussing the two different types of programs.

And Amazon deserves their own section this time

Texas hit's 'em wsj.com
You see, they've got this warehouse near Dallas. They've got some corporate entity sheltering going on, but Texas has finally said, "wait a minute."

Texas Sends Amazon a $269 Million Sales Tax Bill dailyfinance.com

Amazon wins one round, but battles continue over taxing online sales seattletimes.nwsource.com
The decision wasn't a complete victory for the Big A. It was more about privacy rights than tax issues.

How North Carolina Overreached in Its Sales Tax Battle With Amazon dailyfinance.com



The Sales Tax Guy
http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

See the disclaimer - this is for education only.  Research these issues thoroughly before making decisions.  Remember: there are details we haven't discussed, and every state is different.  Here's more information

Get these articles in your inbox - subscribe at http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

Don't forget our upcoming seminars and webinars.
http://www.salestax-usetax.com/
Picture note: the image above is hosted on Flickr. If you'd like to see more, click on the photo. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Paperwork. There's no excuse.

Paperweight

As I've been perusing the news, one particular problem, which is eminently solvable, keeps coming up.  So let me just say now: make sure you know what the paperwork requirements are, that you fill out the proper forms, and that you do things ON TIME!

Three examples:

Numerous sales and use tax appeals are lost because the businesses who suffered the assessments didn't file the necessary notices on time.  Come on!  And don't rely on the auditor to tell you what your deadlines are.  I've seen at least one situation where the auditor gave incorrect information about the appeals process.  When the taxpayer used that as an excuse, the courts basically said, "tough."  Independently verify what you need to file and when you need to file it.

Enterprise zones, opportunity zones, etc. give nice sales and use tax exemptions, usually for businesses located in economically distressed areas.  But there's paperwork and approvals that you must fill out and file.

And the classic example of paperwork that most of you are failing to get - exemption certificates.  Get them.  Remember that some states don't have to give you any time to get them when the auditor shows up.  And you won't be able to get them from some of your customers when you ask.  So get them now!




The Sales Tax Guy
http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

See the disclaimer - this is for education only.  Research these issues thoroughly before making decisions.  Remember: there are details we haven't discussed, and every state is different.  Here's more information

Get these articles in your inbox - subscribe at http://salestaxguy.blogspot.com

Don't forget our upcoming seminars and webinars.
http://www.salestax-usetax.com/
Picture note: the image above is hosted on Flickr. If you'd like to see more, click on the photo. 

Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Unexpected WOW!

When was the last time you experienced the unexpected WOW!? I experienced one about a month ago. I was visiting Seattle in my capacity as a Gitomer-Certified Speaker to deliver an inspirational keynote on Customer Loyalty. The event was taking place at the Seattle Riverfront Marriott.

During my AV check the night before, Lezlie from the Seattle Riverfront Marriott staff, greeted me to make sure that all was well. During our short visit together we started talking about local “treasures”. Of course, I was in Seattle, the official home of Starbucks (my favorite service company), but they have other notable treasures as well.

In preparing for my trip, I had come across Top Pot Doughnuts that has 40 different hand-forged doughnuts - YUM! I mentioned the doughnuts to Lezlie, and she told me about how wonderful they are. We talked about her favorite doughnuts and mine (maple-frosted of course!).

We wrapped up our AV check and I headed up to my room to finish prepping for my keynote the following morning.

The next morning, I scoped out the coffee scene. They had a shop that served Starbucks in the hotel but this wasn’t a full-service, smiling green hat barista, order it how you want it, girly whipped beverage Starbucks. The closest “real” Starbucks store was directly across the street. I ordered my speaker preparation mo-jo juice – a double-tall, non-fat, no-whip mocha - and returned to the meeting room at the hotel to get ready to rock my audience’s service socks off!

It was game time and Lezlie arrived in the room. She walked up to the platform and I noticed she was carrying a box. To my utter surprise, she had gone to the Top Pot Store early that morning, hand-selected 6 beautiful donuts - including two different maple-frosted doughnuts. WOW!

I was amazed and blown away by the friendly and kind gesture. It was thoughtful, unexpected and personable - all elements of making a WOW! moment.
How are you WOWing your customers? Are you bringing them doughnuts, or are you bringing them the best doughnuts including their favorites (not yours)!
There are three major components to making a WOW! gesture:

1. Be thoughtful – a major part of a gesture being WOW! is the fact that you took time to think about the person receiving the gesture and making sure it is something that they want or need. No I didn’t need the doughnuts, nor did my hips, but Lezlie knew with my tight travel schedule that I wouldn’t be able to visit the shop myself, so she got them for me!

2. Be unexpected – the best part of a WOW! gesture is the surprise element. I never expected that Lezlie would take the time to walk several city blocks at 6am to get doughnuts for me!

3. Be personable – no doubt the most important component is to be personable. Her gesture wouldn’t have been the same had she gotten me a doughnut from Krispy Kreme or if she wouldn’t have included the maple-frosted, my favorites! I knew that she took the time to listen to me and remember what I would like.

Lezlie’s unexpected, thoughtful, and personable WOW gesture still has me talking and telling as many as possible. She got it right. Are you?
Want to see the Top Pot gift doughnuts from Lezlie? Find them on my Facebook page.

I’m your Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. How may I help you help yourself?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Read and Renew

Where is your passion?

Is it in your work, your friends, your hobbies, your family?

I re-found my passion in a book. A good friend of mine had been telling me about this book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, for years. I had put off reading it because I thought, "Why in the world would I want to read a story about an alchemist?"

More importantly I thought, "What is an alchemist?"

Then a few Christmas' ago, I received the book as a gift. I was immediately interested -- now there were two people, who knew me well, leading me to open the pages of this mysterious book.

I quickly began on a literary journey that only lasted two days. As I was reading, it was as if each page was speaking to me. It had been a long time since a book had touched my soul in this way. I was mesmerized!

Overall, it was a quick and easy read, but more importantly, it was a read that changed my outlook on my life. You see, at the time, I had become bored with my job. I was lackluster, robotic, and completely unsatisfied with my work.

The Alchemist changed this. When I closed the book, a light switch clicked on. I re-discovered my purpose in life. My passion. My passion of teaching others.

That led me to where I am today… into my role as the Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. A job where I wear many hats (designer of course)! I sell, I speak, I share, I write, I train -- all allowing me to teach others along the way.

There was one simple line in the book that specifically re-sparked my love of teaching and confirmed that this is my life's purpose: "Everyone, when they are young, knows what their destiny is."

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher. Plain and simple. Over the years, I have found that when I am helping another person learn how to do something new, like helping my dad with a computer, cell phone, GPS, or pretty much any new-age electronic, I am fulfilled with joy.

What did you dream to be when you grew up?

Where is your passion? Is it alive in you and the other lives you touch daily? Or is it lackluster, robotic, and unsatisfied?

The Alchemist helped me uncover or simply rediscover my life's purpose. If you are that lackluster, robotic, unsatisfied person I was, I challenge you to remember your dreams and take action!

What actions can you take to rediscover your passion?

1. Think Big – dream of what you wanted to do as a child, when you had no concept of limitations. What was it that you loved to pretend to be or do?

2. Act Big – take action steps to make that dream a reality. Look at ways that your passion appears in your day-to-day life and take action to spend more time doing those things.

3. Change Big – make changes that allow your passion to shine. Did you dream of being a veterinarian as a child? Maybe that isn't feasible now (or maybe it is), but volunteering for your local animal shelter is!

My passion was recently confirmed. After attending one of my Yes! Attitude training workshops, a young man was inspired to take action by my teaching. I see it everyday on his Facebook page and I smile. Passion accomplished!

Email me, subject PASSION! with YOUR best espresso shot tip on how you combine your passion with your work! One lucky person will win their own copy of The Alchemist and have their tip posted on my facebook page!

I'm your Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. How may I help you help yourself?

Stephanie Melish, one of the few, hand-selected, Gitomer-Certified Speakers is the ONLY Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista in the world! Stephanie trains, sells, and speaks to companies and associations all over the country. To book Stephanie for your next event, please visit www.GitomerCertified.com or contact the friendly folks at Buy Gitomer via email or by calling 704-333-1112.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nice to Meat You!

"You should check out The Meat House in Charlotte!" I heard while having dinner with a friend the other evening. The Meat House, Matt explained, is the new neighborhood butcher, and he continued to rave about their meat selections for a few minutes.

Two days later I was walking through their doors.

"WOW! What a cool place." I thought to myself, as I gazed around the entry-way of what I would describe as a Meat Boutique.

I was quickly greeted by Courtney, a smiley young woman eager to help me who asked, "Is this your first time here?"

"Yes!" I replied.

"Would you like for me to show you around?" she asked politely.

"Sure."

We walked through the store as she pointed out each area. Local produce, wine selection, beer, fresh bread from a local bakery, explaining along the way, "We try to give back to the local community as much as possible." Adding value in my mind.

Next, we walk towards the long butcher counter where Courtney starts explaining the different meats they carry and the marinades. She walks towards the counter where one of the butchers hands her a small package. She presents the package to me, "Here is a sample of our burgundy wine marinated steak tips for you to take home and try!" More value added.

At this point, Courtney let me know if I had any questions she would be around, but she would now let me explore the store on my own. As I walked around, I found a few sample stands to try some of their unique fare. Cool.

I ended up buying some steak tips, mushrooms, and potatoes for dinner that night. It made for a DELISH meal. It was nice to know that their product matched the level of service from Courtney.

You may be asking yourself, "What does buying meat have to do with me?" The answer: Everything.

Why did I go to The Meat House? I received a great referral from a friend. Who is referring you?

Why did I buy from them that day? I received great service as soon as I entered their store. How great is your service?

Why will I go back? Plenty of reasons: they gave great service; have a different product that I have not found elsewhere (and that tastes fantastic); they were friendly; they were willing to help me; they support other local businesses; and they gave great service.

Did I mention the service? What reasons are you giving your customers to keep coming back to buy from you?

I'm thrilled about my new discovery and look forward to picking up many dinners from The Meat House. Great service and great products lead to referrals and new business.

I'm your Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. How may I help you help yourself?

Stephanie Melish, one of the few, hand-selected, Gitomer-Certified Speakers is the ONLY Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista in the world! Stephanie trains, sells, and speaks to companies and associations all over the country. To book Stephanie for your next event, please visit www.gitomercertified.com or contact the friendly folks at Buy Gitomer via email or by calling 704-333-1112

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

With Hesitation I Service Thee!

Customer service isn’t that hard. Or is it? When was the last time you had crummy customer service? I’m going to go out on a limb and guess not too long ago. Guess what? Me too!

I’m consistently amazed at how many people don’t understand how to be a disciple of great service. Maybe my expectations of service people have been raised since starting work with Jeffrey, but I just think I’m noticing it more.

Here’s an example. I ran to grab takeout for dinner one night at a new Donatos restaurant. I ordered, sat down, waited, received my order and left. Just so you know, I grew up in a get-it-how-you-want-it type home, and I still expect to get-it-how-I-want-it. So when I ordered my pizza, I specifically request, no onions, (I detest them) add pineapple (makes any pizza that much better), to my individual BBQ chicken pizza. And thin crust of course!

I arrive back home with my order and open the box. UGG! There, on this beautiful pizza creation, sits several dreaded onions. Really people? Is it that hard to get it right? Anyway, I locate my receipt in order to get the store number so I can call and let them know about my order being wrong. The number wasn’t on the receipt. Friendly note to business owners: always put your phone number on your receipts!

Even more annoyed, I Google “Donatos + my zipcode” to get the store phone number. I call. The phone is answered by the young lady who originally took my order and I explain to her that there are onions, GASP, on my pizza. Further explaining to her that if she remembers, I specifically stated, “no onions, add pineapple.”

First, she apologizes.
Second, she offers a new pizza.
Third, she tells me I can come back to the store and get my new pizza. WHAT?

I politely but firmly explain to the young lady that I don’t want to come back to the store due to their mistake. She asks me to hold on and says to the manager, with me still on the line and able to hear, “She doesn’t want to come pick it up.”

And to my utter disbelief, the manager hesitates. Silence. More silence. Then finally a response of, “I guess we can deliver it, get her address.”

Really? It took a manager more than a split second to make the correct decision. A decision that admits and corrects their mistake. A decision that shows they appreciate their customers. A decision that would make their customers happy. And he HESITATES? Unbelievable!

So this is my advice to all service industry people when a mistake occurs, do not be the Donatos' manager and contemplate putting the responsibility of your mistake on your customer. Instead:

1. Apologize. Take responsibility for making the mistake and let your customer know you are truly sorry for the inconvenience.
2. Do the right thing to correct the mistake. Do whatever steps you feel are necessary to rectify the situation and make your customer happy!
3. Do it without hesitation!
4. Do a little something extra to ensure the customer will keep coming back. Going above what the customer is expecting from you will help them forget the mistake and will most likely get them talking about you.

Mistakes are inevitable, what will you do the next time you make one?

Would you like three more tips on executing successful service? Email me, subject SERVICE for my espresso triple-shot tip on how to be a successful disciple of service.

I’m your Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. How may I help you help yourself?

Stephanie Melish, one of the few, hand-selected, Gitomer-Certified Speakers is the ONLY Double-Tall, Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista in the world! Stephanie trains, sells, and speaks to companies and associations all over the country. To book Stephanie for your next event, visit www.GitomerCertified.com or contact the friendly folks at Buy Gitomer via email or by calling 704-333-1112.