Taxes Level The Field For Local Businesses?

By: Mireya Garcia

COLORADO SPRINGS- New taxes on web sales might be ticking consumers off, but some small business owners in the Springs say it’s leveling the playing field.

Consumers typically have a perception that they can get a better deal online,”” says Kevin Herdt, owner of Austin Bluffs Lighting. It is thoughts like those and the tough state of the economy that have given local business owners major headaches. Still, some continue to fight the good fight, and survive.

“We lowered our prices, but that still wasn’t working, so we decided to add consignment to part of the store,” says Kelly Martinez, the manager of Lulu.

One business owner says the new tax will make survival more achievable. “Being a small business and competing with the Internet, as we do in our industry on a daily basis, it kind of levels the playing field,” says Herdt.

Martinez says she hasn’t seen a difference, and doesn’t think it will affect business at all. Herdt and Martinez agree on one thing-there is an endless amount of highs and lows in the life of local entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in finding a good deal on local merchandise, Herdt tells NEWSCHANNEL13 some managers are willing to chat about pricing because local businesses are looking for an increase in sales.