" But the auto industry is different. In its early years, companies tried all kinds of ways of selling cars; you could buy them right at the factory, or at local department stores, or even from the Sears catalogue. But by the nineteen-twenties the industry’s major players had settled on a system of local, independently owned car dealers." - A good reporter would tell you why it settled on that system. It's behind the reasons these sorts of laws exist. When he does hint at it " the relevant Florida statute claims to be “providing consumer protection and fair trade.” he makes no attempt to even enlighten us as to why this might be the reasoning even if the reasoning is crappy and out of date at least discuss it
Oh, and it isn't just autos. " In most states, retailers and restaurants have to buy alcohol from wholesalers rather than directly from producers." Ok, pick the one industry that is heavily regulated due to religious and social reasons. Not really a great example to utilize given all the baggage and emotion there.
"But, according to a 2008 study, almost thirty per cent of jobs now require a license in some state or other, including many—auctioneer, shampooer, home-entertainment installer—where licensing seems totally unnecessary." Big sweeping claim without even referencing the study? Yikes.
I think Tesla should be able to sell directly. This though feels like an opinion piece from Tesla more than a reporter reporting on a story.
There definitely is a story. Here in Texas it's forbidden to sell cars directly to consumers and must through a dealer. The article does not mention how much of an impact the National Auto Dealers Association lobby group has on the industry. We aren't hearing from the manufacturers because they caught in a catch-22 with wanting to lower their costs via direct sales yet not irritating their network of dealers.
" But the auto industry is different. In its early years, companies tried all kinds of ways of selling cars; you could buy them right at the factory, or at local department stores, or even from the Sears catalogue. But by the nineteen-twenties the industry’s major players had settled on a system of local, independently owned car dealers." - A good reporter would tell you why it settled on that system. It's behind the reasons these sorts of laws exist. When he does hint at it " the relevant Florida statute claims to be “providing consumer protection and fair trade.” he makes no attempt to even enlighten us as to why this might be the reasoning even if the reasoning is crappy and out of date at least discuss it
Oh, and it isn't just autos. " In most states, retailers and restaurants have to buy alcohol from wholesalers rather than directly from producers." Ok, pick the one industry that is heavily regulated due to religious and social reasons. Not really a great example to utilize given all the baggage and emotion there.
"But, according to a 2008 study, almost thirty per cent of jobs now require a license in some state or other, including many—auctioneer, shampooer, home-entertainment installer—where licensing seems totally unnecessary." Big sweeping claim without even referencing the study? Yikes.
I think Tesla should be able to sell directly. This though feels like an opinion piece from Tesla more than a reporter reporting on a story.