Paul Rafelson is an eCommerce law expert and was the most-cited resource in the Congressional Antitrust Investigation into Amazon's mistreatment of sellers on the platform. He is a Founding Partner at Rafelson Shick, the #1 go-to law firm for online businesses facing legal challenges and digital sellers looking for the best deal when exiting their businesses. In 2021, they facilitated 60+ online business exits realizing over $238M for their clients.

Paul is also the Founder of Online Merchants Guild (OMG), a trade association that enables thousands of online sellers to voice their concerns on various legal issues affecting them, where he volunteers as an Executive Director. OMG has played a major role in offsetting Amazon's growing political influence.

In this episode, Paul talks about the common tax and legal issues encountered by Amazon sellers and how to protect yourself as a seller.

[00:01 - 11:27] Opening Segment

• Paul shares his story of paying his student loans from selling on e-commerce to being the founder of Rafelson Shick
• The Global Small Business Phenomenon and how this led Paul to a career in helping e-commerce sellers

[11:28 - 28:18 ] The Legal Trends You Need to Know About as an Online Seller

•  About California Proposition 65
• It becomes increasingly favorable to foreign sellers as more rules are placed on American sellers
• Don’t use Amazon’s brand registry tool to knock off sellers from your listing
• Find out how you can get a professional law firm for E-commerce small businesses for as low as $9 by going to www.sellerbasics.com
• Want some Amazon refunds? Check out GETIDA
• Promo code: FTM400

[28:19 - 45:38] Amazon Nexus: What It Is Meant to Be

• The Commerce Clause in the constitution explained
• Every state has its own interpretation of Nexus
• It is Amazon's responsibility as a taxpayer to remit taxes under what's called a Marketplace Facilitator  
• Amazon takes care of the tax remittance for its sellers
• For any concerns about constitutional law, it is important that you exhibit common sense and seek guidance from legal experts

[45:39 - 51:07] Closing Segment

• The Fire Round
  • Check out Paul’s favorite book!
• Connect with Paul! (Links below)

Quote/s:

“If we're not in the forefront of the legislation of what is, you know, what is it is allowed, then it's going to affect what Amazon is going to affect the seller code of conduct.” - Paul Rafelson 

“The more rules and regulations that Congress in the States put on the American sellers, all they're doing is giving an advantage to the foreign-based sellers.” - Paul Rafelson 

Connect with Paul Rafelson 

Website:  www.sellerbasics.com / https://ecomattorneys.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-rafelson-9082527

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Resources Mentioned

GETIDA

Malcolm Gladwell

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