|
Post by jamesod on Apr 19, 2017 13:16:25 GMT -5
Amazon Smile Sidebar I'm not a smile expert, but I believe if whether or not you use smile, your cost is exactly the same, so its not like you are contributing extra money yourself that you could have then written off. I'm unsure enough that I will now take a look. Update: www.huffingtonpost.com/brady-josephson/why-amazon-is-smiling-and_b_4360405.htmlAbove article is hogwash. I'm not buying things on Amazon, because I feel like the Smile kickback satisfies my urge to give back to charity. It's just .5% to a charity, out of Amazon's pocket (I'm sure to their own gain for marketing positives at the very least), and has zero impact on the rest of our charitable giving. Exactly right. Not surprised huffpo has another clickbait-type headline. Just another reminder to never go there. I never feel like "I just spent $50 at amazon smile, which means my fav charity got 25 cents. Guess my philanthropy is done for the year." Jesus. Some people can find the negative in anything.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 13:41:19 GMT -5
James, it might have something to do with me having a vague idea how much is paid by these companies in taxes, and knowing that they pay so little exactly because they are doing stuff like "Smile" where they can write it off of their bottom line.
This is also why I never donate to whatever charity the cashier at the drug store, grocery store, or Walmart ask me if I want to donate to when buying stuff. Yeah, they're helping others, but they are helping themselves at the same time, and not through feeling altruistic.
I'd sooner give that money to the guy outside ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. But that's just me. If other people want to help Amazon help others and also help Amazon reduce their own tax burden in the process, more power to 'em.
|
|
|
Post by jamesod on Apr 19, 2017 13:48:04 GMT -5
James, it might have something to do with me having a vague idea how much is paid by these companies in taxes, and knowing that they pay so little exactly because they are doing stuff like "Smile" where they can write it off of their bottom line. This is also why I never donate to whatever charity the cashier at the drug store, grocery store, or Walmart ask me if I want to donate to when buying stuff. Yeah, they're helping others, but they are helping themselves at the same time, and not through feeling altruistic. I'd sooner give that money to the guy outside ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. But that's just me. If other people want to help Amazon help others and also help Amazon reduce their own tax burden in the process, more power to 'em. But in the scenario you're describing, the company is asking you for extra money to then give to a charity of the company's choice. Amazon is taking some of the money you were going to pay them anyway and then donating it to charity. I get that it helps amazon, both in a write off and in public perception. Good for amazon. But it doesn't hurt you - you pay the exact same amount. And it helps the charity of your choice. So, I don't think the "do you want to give an extra dollar for charity" thing at the cashier is an analogous situation. But whatever. Don't use amazon smile if it's not your thing. That's fine by me and you weren't looking for my approval anyway. I think it's a good thing and I just wanted to make anyone who wasn't already aware of it aware.
|
|
|
Post by MMAJim on Apr 19, 2017 13:59:03 GMT -5
There is also no doubt that Amazon benefits greatly from write-offs, and just overall feel good marketing. However, that makes zero difference to the individual already purchasing items from amazon.com.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2017 17:06:33 GMT -5
I just find it shady, regardless of if they ask for an extra dollar or are taking a cut out of their profit and directing it to charity. I guess I'm a dick because I have about the same level of interest in helping Amazon save on their taxes as I do donating to charity: Pretty much none. But if I am going to donate to a charity, I want the write off in my name- not Amazon's. I'd rather they let me save the 30 cents off the purchase price.
|
|
|
Post by PatSox on Apr 20, 2017 8:17:20 GMT -5
I just find it shady, regardless of if they ask for an extra dollar or are taking a cut out of their profit and directing it to charity. I guess I'm a dick because I have about the same level of interest in helping Amazon save on their taxes as I do donating to charity: Pretty much none. But if I am going to donate to a charity, I want the write off in my name- not Amazon's. I'd rather they let me save the 30 cents off the purchase price. You should change your screen name to Tony Me
|
|