>First, this loss has to be covered on the margins - the consumers end up paying anyway, it's just less transparent. Apart from consumer protection there's an

>First, this loss has to be covered on the margins - the consumers end up paying anyway, it's just less transparent. Apart from consumer protection there's an other reason for the government to do this: It's an implicit subsidy of retail stores. By making online shopping more expensive, states are supporting local businesses. I love strong consumer protection and the benefits that come along with it. But I have never send anything back and have to pay higher prices for some guys who are abusing the system by ordering 10 different products just to send 9 back after they've tried them without even paying for shipping...