I am 100% against Marine Depot's new financing options

[d2mini]

Are they supposed to walk away from the hobby or stretch their budget and buy it? I say no to both.

There's plenty of hobbies I would like to participate in but don't because I can't afford it.

I see people all the time who live near poverty level but throw tons of cash at expensive hobbies.
But again, that's none of my business.

 

[bizacon]

The problem is for you and a lot of us, we only know our own lens ( disposable income, living situation, etc) and we are using that information on how we feel about this whole situation.
It's hard to put ourselves in other people's shoes and want to experience this hobby to connect with a child or a loved one and they are little short on the cash at the moment.
I personally don't like it being right in your face when looking at the item, but that is my own opinion.
I am blessed that I don't have to worry about using creditors like this, but I also know everything can be stripped away and we are just left with who we are as a person.

 

[WhiskeyCoffee]

There's plenty of hobbies I would like to participate in but don't because I can't afford it.

I see people all the time who live near poverty level but throw tons of cash at expensive hobbies.
But again, that's none of my business.

So... what's your point? We aren't talking about airplanes or race cars. There are plenty of casual hobbies people CAN afford if they buy used or DIY. I'm pretty sure you can play the same round of golf if you buy a $3,000 set of clubs or a used set you got on Craigslist for $500.

 

[Roy 9121]

We all know that the reef hobby can be very expensive - the sky really is the limit when setting up your new system. We've all been in scenarios where we've wanted something that's just out of our budget and we start thinking about the things we can sell, or how we promise ourselves to be more financially responsible after this purchase. Let's face it - today's younger generation(s) are more financially reckless and impulsive than ever and I don't think it's right for Marine Depot to be encouraging this type of behavior. You can save yourself thousands of dollars just by waiting for the next person to get divorced or get out of the hobby and buy their setups.

Also... If you're going to spend a whole ton of $$ on a purchase why not put that on a real credit card where you not only get protection and rewards like cashback, points, sky miles, etc? I spent $1600 at Lowe's on a new washer and dryer and got 0% interest for 12 months. I didn't even have great credit at the time, it was just a promotion lol.

At some point don't folks have to accept responsibility for their own actions? Just because they offer it, doesn't mean you have to do it.

 

[Velcro]

This was a pointless thread to begin with and really at this point it's just people posting to post.

Who... cares...

 

[d2mini]

So... what's your point? We aren't talking about airplanes or race cars. There are plenty of casual hobbies people CAN afford if they buy used or DIY. I'm pretty sure you can play the same round of golf if you buy a $3,000 set of clubs or a used set you got on Craigslist for $500.

My point the same as before. People need to be smart about their finances. And it's not a vendors job to NOT offer financing just because some people are idiots.

As far as what's considered an expensive hobby, it's all relative. Saltwater IS an expensive hobby for many, even when doing some DIY.

 

[Elder1945]

Saltwater is cheaper then my computer hobby lol

 

[bizacon]

Saltwater is cheaper then my computer hobby lol

The most expensive hobby I have is my wife

Worth every penny

 

[Roy 9121]

Saltwater is cheaper then my computer hobby lol

Its cheaper then my motorcycle hobby.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

So you don't think it's reasonable to be skeptical when staff and partner members defend the company(ies) in question? Hmm...

I find it disappointing that you make a statement that is certainly a hot topic and could have been an excellent discussion, but then decide to build straw man arguments and make ad hominem attacks against people who disagree with you. If you're going to engage in a discussion as an adult, then treat those who engage you as adults as well. I think your characterization of the staff here is sad and unfounded. If a staff member agreed with you, you'd be holding us up as exemplary and altruistic, but because a staff member disagrees with you, they're being disingenuous??? Can't we just have a discussion that examines the issue without you deciding to resort to conspiracy theories about why people hold their opinions?

Btw, I'm glad the trolls are out in full force. There was a lot of good discussion in here until they came in. Congrats on your success in getting this thread locked (calling it).

Ummm...this might be characterized as the pot calling the kettle black. I also notice that you didn't miss the opportunity to make a (not so) veiled accusation at the staff. It honestly looks like you're hoping there will be some kind of administrative action taken. Why not stick to the topic??

I feel like my thoughts have been pretty logical and clear. Of course I'm going to defend my argument but I wouldn't say I've been "extreme." *shrug*

^This would be fine, but don't get bent out of shape when others do the same. If you want to be heard, you have to respect others' opinions as well.

I am running out of popcorn.

Who wants to bet me, politics comes into play in 3 posts?

If you win I will buy you something from MD with their great financing option!!

Somebody get this man a prize for best post in the thread!! LOL

 

[WhiskeyCoffee]

@mdbannister - find me a staff member that agreed with me. (Hint: There isn't one!) Also find me a partner member that agreed with me (Spoiler: There isn't one!) My thoughts are all within reason.

 

[mta_morrow]

We have a like button as an option here. Any chance we can get a dislike button?

 

[bizacon]

@mdbannister - find me a staff member that agreed with me. (Hint: There isn't one!) Also find me a partner member that agreed with me (Spoiler: There isn't one!) My thoughts are all within reason.

They found out the world is not flat anymore too. Hate to be the spoiler for you on that.. times have changed, people have options. Well maybe not North Korea, but you get my point.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

@mdbannister - find me a staff member that agreed with me. Case closed.

I think many of us agree with you in part (with regard to your original point). I agree that living above your means is a bad idea. I agree that financing purchases you can't afford is a terrible idea. I agree that many people in this generation do both of those things, and it saddens me. I agree that people should make wise financial decisions and plan before making purchases.

I also disagree with many of your points. I disagree with your idea that offering financing options is bad (unless it's a cc with points, of course). I disagree with your unbalanced characterization of credit cards vs. non-credit card options in which credit cards with points systems are seen as good. I disagree with the idea that credit should never be used (I actually need you to clarify your position on the last 2 points bc it seems to be you've made both of those arguments). I disagree that it's a business' responsibility to make financial decisions for it's customers. I don't agree with characterizing any business in the negative way you have in this thread bc of an option they give to consumers.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

@mdbannister - find me a staff member that agreed with me. (Hint: There isn't one!) Also find me a partner member that agreed with me (Spoiler: There isn't one!) My thoughts are all within reason.

By the way, do you even know what a "partner member" is? I'm guessing not, based on your characterization of them.

 

[Elder1945]

By the way, do you even know what a "partner member" is? I'm guessing not, based on your characterization of them.

;Happy

 

[WhiskeyCoffee]

@mdbannister

I disagree with your idea that offering financing options is bad.

I never stated that financing options are inherently bad or evil (unless they have ridiculously high APRs). I disagree with people financing hobbies but to each their own.

I disagree with your unbalanced characterization of credit cards vs. non-credit card options in which credit cards with points systems are seen as good.

Unbalanced how? My point was that typically if you go with a real lender there are at least rewards, usually in the form of fraud / warrantly protection OR points, cashback, etc.

I disagree with the idea that credit should never be used

I don't believe I stated that. I even used an example of when I used credit (buying a brand new washer and dryer at 0% interest for 12 months).

I disagree that it's a business' responsibility to make financial decisions for it's customers.

I also never explicit stated that, however I am vehemently against financial institutions that make money off of people with little to no credit.

I don't agree with characterizing any business in the negative way you have in this thread bc of an option they give to consumers.

So you don't think pay day loan companies deserve to be shunned?

 

[bizacon]

@mdbannister I would like a towe

By the way, do you even know what a "partner member" is? I'm guessing not, based on your characterization of them.

Is it when you get a REEF2REEF towel? I want a towel!!

 

[FirstContact]

Amazing how so many people defending business practices like Affirm would never use it themselves nor let their children use it or advise their friends coming into the hobby to use it!

If it's such a great option maybe those defending it the loudest should take advantage of it.

Taking advantage of people, the poor, and the uneducated is an old business. It's not new to millenials or this decade.

MD is a great on line retailer and I've spent tons over the years with them, but I can't say I like the fact that they partnered with Affirm.

 

[Elder1945]

Payday loan company's are not the best in the world but it is a nessisary service... If you have bad credit your life should not stop. Nor should you get the same rate as somone who has great credit. This is how the world works.. I don't do work with company's that dont pay there bills and if i do i charge more a require a massive deposit.