What,s happening to all the hobby shops-FSM-JAN 2011

Yes , this is quick.I just got handed mine by the faithful postman. There was a question asked (see above) in the SCALE TALK column. Here,s an answer I never see , but , in these days of costlier models and supplies it,s a valid one. There is for all intents and purposes a TAX that is supposed to be fair? It is called by many names such as floorplan and stock tax. Plain and simple it,s an inventory tax!!  If you have say, this many dollars in inventory at tax time you are taxed for it!  This means you pay a tax on stuff that you will collect a sales tax on too!. I attempted to buy a FULLY STOCKED and EQUIPPED shop here in the MIDWEST. The Taxes I would,ve paid to open my doors equaled the net worth of the shop BEFORE an inventory was taken!! Now , I have to ask , How many folks can afford that anymore?? Not to many. I am therefore grateful for those who have bought shops that otherwise would,ve closed. There is a heavy cost to doing business today in person! That,s why so many are mail order or internet .There is no inventory tax!! SUPPORT THE SHOPS THAT ARE OUT THERE!! they are a dying breed!! We MUST show that we appreciate their efforts to be there for us.After all the secondary option is as close as this keyboard!! I personally prefer to drive the thirty five or forty five miles to my locals.There are so many fascinating modelers to meet and exchange info with face to face. No keyboard gives you that!!!   tankerbuilder