This has always been something that has bothered me and I figured that I should get it posted before Christmas for obvious reasons: the commercials showing a husband or wife being surprised by their spouse with a new car as a gift.
It looks really innocent. It also looks overly generous. But is it really a "gift"? I could see the 'giver' picking it up the day before for a 'test drive' and putting the bow on it (I guess cbows.com sells them specifically for cars) only if Billy or Betty have been nagging said giver about needing a new car and having a certain make and model in mind. But, is it a gift if the 'receiver' must continue to make payments on it? Isn't the 'giver' just signing you up for payments for 5 years? When I see those commercials, I figure that the advertiser really doesn't understand that not everyone can plop down $20,000+ on a loved one this holiday season/birthday/anniversary. I also expect to see an accurate commercial where the 'receiver' turns to the 'giver' and asks, "How much are the payments?"
Mind you, I have considered similar gifts in the past. I love my Tivo and my Sirius radio but, if I gave it to someone as a gift, they must make monthly payments of $12 or more. What kind of crappy present forces a 'receiver' to pay for it?
Amy and I have had those same conversations. I had an old boss "buy" his wife a new Celica for Christmas, but I think he fronted the downpayment and she REALLY wanted the new car.
ReplyDeleteIsn't a car such as the Mercedes along the lines of "If you have to ask how much it is... you can't afford it?"
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I'd be too thrilled about a gift that keeps on takin'. :)
I've always been slightly annoyed by these kind of commercials. Mostly because the average person could not afford such an extravagant gift.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same about the commercials where the husband surprises the wife with some boring cookie-cutter diamond necklace. At least pick something out that has more visual interest than a circle or S-curve.