Bought a TV last week and just smashed the screen :(

Duckman on 09/06/2017 - 11:19
Last edited 12/06/2017 - 11:10 by 1 other user

I bought a TV for $450 last Friday from Myer using AfterPay, which enables me to pay off the TV over the next 6 weeks. This morning I started setting up the TV and it tipped over and smashed the screen. I'm really devastated because I've been suffering badly from depression and saved up to buy this TV as a way of trying to cheer myself up. It's the first TV I've ever owned, and the most expensive thing I've purchased in a long time. Is there anything I can do in this situation? Now I feel worse than before I bought the TV :(

Thank you

Mod: A reminder to everyone that personal attacks are not permitted. Discussion is fine but please keep the conversation respectful. Commenting Guidelines

Update: I took some time away from reading the comments on this post over the weekend because a few of the comments started making me feel very anxious and upset. I was not expecting much of a response to my post, if any, so I hope you can all appreciate that the response I did get was extremely overwhelming. I really appreciate all of you who took the time to empathize and support me. It really did make a huge difference. I received enough donations to replace the TV I broke and a bit extra which I will donate to beyondblue in order to spread the kindness shown by members of this community. Thank you all very much.

Electrical & Electronics

closed Comments

  • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 14:16
    +18

    Sent you a little bit too, hope it helps. Try selling the old one for parts :)

  • Evagale on 10/06/2017 - 15:19
    +20

    Hi Hun, it's not much but I'm going to put $10 into your PayPal account. Hope you get a new television soon!

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 10/06/2017 - 15:20
    +19

    Depression sucks….I've sent you a bit to your paypal to help towards getting a new tv.

  • jackpot71 on 10/06/2017 - 15:22
    +30

    Will chip in $50 too. Hope it's a genuine case and u may pay it forward when opportunity come. Be honest and held your head high!

    Cheers!

  • Pinchie on 10/06/2017 - 15:22
    +18

    Sent a little your way, mate. It's beautiful to see a community pull together like this. Hope your inner strength pulls back soon.

  • gooddealmate on 10/06/2017 - 15:27
    +44

    OP will be getting an 75" OLED at this rate!

    • watson4884 on 10/06/2017 - 17:47
      +6

      $300 ish so far..

  • Wallace on 10/06/2017 - 15:27
    +2

    If you suffer from depression then make sure you get adequate exercise and sunlight.

    It's only temporary and should go away soon.

    You can buy a cheap DVB usb for you PC and watch tv on your PC if you don't already have one.

    • syousef on 12/06/2017 - 08:20

      Depression isn't cured with some exercise and sunlight and isn't "only temporary". Depression doesn't describe being a bit sad one day. Stop playing doctor when you're clearly clueless.

  • chocoteddy on 10/06/2017 - 15:44
    +4

    I cannot offer much in terms of monetary help - but would like you to know that I care.

    I'm a stranger who cares about you, your TV and your next (future) TV.
    Know that life without TV is not the end, and that we always lose something only to find something else in return.
    Perhaps today is a bad day, but all the more reason why tomorrow will be better. After all, it can't get worse than this can it? :)

  • marquise on 10/06/2017 - 16:30
    -4

    Use a credit card or other form of payment that has insurance against accidental damage to purchase the same TV. Make a claim and send back the damaged TV. Sell one of the TVs after that. This is all assuming serial numbers aren't recorded on any receipts/invoices, which I'm not sure of.

    • marquise on 11/06/2017 - 14:37
      +1

      To restore the balance to your karma, in several years time you can smash your TV intentionally without making any insurance claim on it.

  • bulletproof on 10/06/2017 - 16:33
    +20

    Hi bud, will send $25 to help put a smile on your face or towards the repair of that tv. all the best mate. i go through bouts of depression from time to time so know how it feels.

  • charligirl on 10/06/2017 - 16:43
    +18

    Wow the ozbargain community is so amazing. This thread really cheered me up and bought tears to my eyes (':

  • All Blacks NZ on 10/06/2017 - 16:54
    +17

    Hey mate, I have transferred $20 to your Paypal. Hope you get enough money to buy a better TV. Good luck.

  • roundnumbersonly on 10/06/2017 - 17:10
    -5

    If I were really desperate, I would go and buy the exact same model from a shop, put the broken tv in the box and return it for a refund. Assuming you have enough to go and buy again (or borrow).

  • bluedufflecoat on 10/06/2017 - 17:14
    +1

    How much have you received so far?

    • Zachary on 10/06/2017 - 17:51
      -8

      Would have been funny if he didn't get anything and all those were joke posts….hahahaha

  • marka on 10/06/2017 - 17:16
    +13

    Good luck mate.

    Sent 30

  • cheesecactus on 10/06/2017 - 17:22
    +1

    For the future it's a good idea to get a credit card, many (such as the coles mastercard with account cover plus) cover accidental breakage within the first month or something. Plus other nice features like replacing it if it gets stolen (again within first 30 days or so), plus price protection if it goes on sale in 2 years.

    Just remember to pay off your balance before the statement is printed.

    Also dont get one if you dont feel youre able to control a line of credit (with timely repayments etc).

  • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 17:23

    Hey guys I've got depression and I broke the TV I just got on laybuy for $450 plz give money.

    Also to the people think that this guy sitting in front of the TV for hours will help his "depression", you're just as bad as he is.

    • All Blacks NZ on 10/06/2017 - 17:30
      +33

      Hi Bob,

      Just sent you $500 as that is the min my bank allows. But you will have to send back $50 first into my Nigerian bank account before they can release the $450 to your bank account. I wish you best of luck.

      Thanks,
      The Prince.

      • asianbargain on 11/06/2017 - 08:10

        Good one mate

      • Jaystea on 11/06/2017 - 09:45

        Username checks out.

    • Meconium on 10/06/2017 - 17:34
      +10

      The character of Silent Bob is famous for keeping his mouth shut. If he ever says anything, it's profound, not mean-spirited and cynical.

    • jackary on 10/06/2017 - 18:11
      +1

      How pathetic must your life be mate

      • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 18:12
        -2

        Not as bad as yours if that's all you got to say.

        • jackary on 10/06/2017 - 18:16
          +1

          You're an utter fool my friend, and worthy of no more words. Have a great day

        • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 18:45

          @jackary: TBH I'm not sure you'd have much to say that wouldn't be a complete waste of my time to read judging on your previous comments.

        • jackary on 10/06/2017 - 20:48
          +1

          @SilentBob: Thanks for taking the time to read through my comment history :)

    • Buyme on 10/06/2017 - 19:44
      +8

      just remain silent Bob, no one wants to hear from you

    • Pinchie on 10/06/2017 - 19:53
      +9

      That's a snarky interpretation of what was actually "Broke my new TV, what are my options?". Someone else offered to help him out, and others decided that sounded like something to get on board with.

      If his mention of depression bothers you, well I've learned that's often something people precede themselves with — especially if they're trying to express how a situation has (perhaps sometimes disproportionately) affected them. It's like the complement to the I'm-so-awesome crossfit precedence, but somehow you've read it at as a pity party.

      If you can't differentiate people trying to lift up a peer and someone hosting a pity party then you could do with re-reading through the posts here and trying to learn.

      When you see a community of (let's face it) penny-pinchers show such an outpouring of generosity it's something to be admired — maybe celebrated — not ridiculed.

      • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 19:56
        -7

        Some idiot broke his TV after he bought it, he'll learn his lesson now people buy him a new one after he posts his sob story… yeah right.

        Did anyone even ask him for a receipt to prove he bought it?

        Talk about a scam.

        • All Blacks NZ on 10/06/2017 - 20:33
          +11

          I have run out of downvotes. Damn.

          Why are you so hung up on this guy getting money? Let's say, it's a scam. He is getting free money and there was never a TV.

          Now think about how amazing ozbargain community is that they have come together and just from the goodness of their hearts, donated more than $300 to this guy. And these are the same people who will sign up to 3 different sites with different email accounts to get a coupon code to save 50 cents off a pizza.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 12:30

          @All Blacks NZ:

          My friend.

          1. If the community is really keen to help. It will anything but the $400 odd dollar. Such as taking our friend Donald out of his house, and assist him in getting professional help.

          2. There are others more in need out there, like the homeless fella down the street picking up food out of the trash.

          Just saying.

  • picklewizard on 10/06/2017 - 17:31
    +14

    Wait, did you 'save up' or did you use afterpay?

    It's $450 man… if that's a struggle then you probably should thing about spending your money more wisely.

    • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 19:57

      You think people would be smart with their money right, apparently buying shit you can't afford then "pretending" you broke it so people will buy you one is the thing people do these days.

    • Shwayne on 10/06/2017 - 21:23
      +1

      Don't worry mate, if anything happens to him OzB will bail him out.

  • jeozb on 10/06/2017 - 17:53

    Sorry to read this :( in reality s**t happens and common for ppl to break new stuff, especially fragile tech items (new cars, new phone/tablet, new TV…). Maybe consider staying with the computer screen for now; use netflix/etc for TV content (if not already done so)

  • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2017 - 18:06
    +1

    Hey mate. Ive got a spare tcl 32" smart tv. No idea if thats of help but you can pick it up for nothing if youre in melbourne. PM me for details.

    Cheers

  • Yummy on 10/06/2017 - 18:18
    +10

    That pic looks nasty.

    Don't drop it again, mmkaay? :D

    $10 on the way.

  • j5ive on 10/06/2017 - 18:34
    +16

    When I was 16 I got a old used box tv given to me from my parents. No remote. No inputs for any modern devices. But I loved it. I moved out from home into a share house and I was the provider of the Tv in equation. It was pretty much all I owned.

    About a year of study in and the TV tube blew. It still picked up channels but only had sound, no image. None of us had much money for another TV. So we Sat around and listened to that Tv for close to a year until it finally gave up the ghost completely.

    Jump forward 20 years and I have a family and a successful small business. I recently spent $3000 on a 65" 4k tv even though I have a perfectly good 50". And while I love my life now, I still look back very fondly on those times of making do, and having nothing. Listening to the TV with my mates while eating 2 minute noodles. That made me what I am today- and is probably why I still look daily on oz bargain.

  • justwii on 10/06/2017 - 18:41
    +1

    Hummm, insurances are for these kind of situations, especially those come with some premium credit cards.
    Hope you can recover from this soon but I would advise against buying another TV again.
    Since you are still in the uni, I am not sure how a TV can cheer you up.

    • CrushJelly on 10/06/2017 - 18:43
      +1

      A lot of different things can cheer a lot of different people up in a lot of different ways. Could be material items, like a TV, or it could be immaterial, such as another person's company.

      Let's not be too quick to judge.

      • justwii on 10/06/2017 - 18:50
        -1

        You may be right, drugs can be one of those too, but would you?
        If OP lists out all the things that can cheer him up and a TV is on the top of the list then its really sad.
        Not the TV thats the issue, but given OP's situations (still in uni + $450 seems to mean a lot to him), then still choosing to buy a TV to cheer himself up is sad.

        • dscott85 on 10/06/2017 - 19:02
          +6

          Some people aren't lucky enough to have a support networt close enough to be with them through hard times. Sometimes being able to distract yourself, if only for awhile from the constant oppressive feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, suicidal thoughts, worthlessness and anxiety can help people hang in there. I'd suggest not making snap judgements on the positions of others until you walk a mile in their shoes.

        • justwii on 10/06/2017 - 20:04
          +1

          @dscott85:
          Did you accidentally click reply to my post? It doesn't seem you are replying to what I said though.
          I was saying why OP had to choose to buy a TV that seemed costly to him to cheer himself up. I was not against the idea to do something to cheer him up.

        • dscott85 on 10/06/2017 - 20:25
          +1

          @justwii: It wasn't an accident and yes I was replying to you. I was trying to explain why Donald may want a TV in his situation, that he might not have support networks many of us take for granted. I was also suggesting that you shouldn't be so quick to judge others without first understanding what they are going through. Plus comments like this "You may be right, drugs can be one of those too, but would you?", are singularly unhelpful and flippant of the real issues (such as dual diagnosis) faced by many people with mental health conditions.

        • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 20:58
          +1

          @justwii: Why does it matter though? If a TV cheers him up then fine. Buying stuff cheers me up, it's called the dopamine reward pathway. And I'd rather people purchase a little bit of relief than turning to drugs and alcohol and going nuclear in their and their loved ones lives. I don't think that's sad at all, I think that's self-caring.

        • justwii on 10/06/2017 - 23:09
          +2

          @MissG:
          No it is totally not OK. If buying a TV was that easy for OP then he wouldn't felt any worse.
          Everyone want happiness, it is not just for people undergoing depression. Sure there are stuff that you and I want to buy.
          Like my computer is 8 years old now and I normally save $50 per week (after all the necessary expenses), am I in a situation to buy myself a new computer?
          I say wrong choice. Sure I will be over the moon if I get a new lappy. But clearly it is not necessary.

          I am sure there are other things that can give OP equal amount of happiness yet won't cause such a drama to him if lost or damaged.
          By the way chocolate has dopamine. It is not the sugar that you need, its the cocoa.

        • MessyG on 11/06/2017 - 07:41

          @justwii: You know what he was having a bad day and a bunch of strangers made it better. It's not so much the TV as it is the people willing to help out. That's pretty rare. The effects of that will last far longer than the telly. And I still have no problem with people buying something to get some relief. For God's sake, Ozbargain is a site filled with people buying stuff and writing about how happy that makes them.

          I can't afford a new TV or a computer but I'm happy that the OP got a bit of relief today.

    • zeomega on 10/06/2017 - 21:42
      +2

      Problem with these kinda things is…. the rich stays rich.

      Premium credit cards are available to people who have the $$ and $450 is not a significant amount to them. Unfortunately people who need to save $$ to buy a $450 TV generally don't have premium credit cards. It's really an unfair system but that's the way the world works i guess?

      @DonaldH. Let me know how much you're short of by tomorrow evening with everyone's contributions, I'll try and top it off to get you another.

  • CrushJelly on 10/06/2017 - 18:41
    +7

    Sent some also. Be careful next time.

  • dscott85 on 10/06/2017 - 18:49
    +1

    Hey Donald, really sorry to hear about what happened to you. I'm so glad the community is rallying behind you :) Whilst I'm unfortunately not in the position to help you at the moment, I wanted you to know I'm wishing you the best. Please continue to take it a day at a time. I've had chronic depression for a long time myself and I understand how alone and hopeless you can feel. I hope the generosity of this community, helps remind you of the good that exists around you, even when you can't see it for yourself. Keep on keeping on man, don't be afraid to ask others for help; I sincerely hope brighter days are ahead for you soon - david

  • Ryxxi on 10/06/2017 - 19:15
    -1

    Call afterpay and explain what happened. They might be able to help you.

    • tenshi13 on 10/06/2017 - 22:44
      +2

      its a business, they do not run charity, i doubt they will be able to help,
      peoples need to own their own mistake

  • starwarsfreak on 10/06/2017 - 19:29
    +4

    in this world we live in with scams and stuff the ppl of Ozbargain are indeed generous, but i too like others are wary, joined up just to give his story and then bamm ppl are donating monies with no proof if any of this is true, he could be genuine but then again you all could've donated to the next terrorist for all I know.. and yea i dont give a toss if u negate my post, ppl are too easily sucked into posts like these.

    if i broke my TV, its a lesson learnt, i wouldnt be going online telling my sob story hoping to get donations.

    • Zachary on 10/06/2017 - 19:36
      +4

      Member Since
      11/08/2014

    • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 19:40
      • golfclaps *
    • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 19:59
      -3

      yep, people here won't have an argument against logical thinking and just instinctively hit the neg because they're too stupid to have a reasonable unbiased discussion about anything.

      When people neg your completely reasonable comments just take it as a "I'm too mad and stupid to respond so neg neg neg from the shadows like a coward."

      • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 20:04
        +3

        Your logic. It comes from your own internal biases, as do the conflicting opinions, so not really logic at all. I find misanthropy and cynicism to be quite limiting.

      • jackary on 10/06/2017 - 21:06
        +4

        Here I am, serial negger, lurking in the shadows! <insert catchy theme music here>

        Back to your comment(s), of which none have been "completely reasonable" nor "logical" - I'm not sure where you get off feeling entitled to have a "reasonable unbiased discussion" about someone you don't even know in the first place? Like are you some sort of messiah of condescending life wisdom?

        Lol you're being negged because you're acting like a twat. Did you forget you negged all my comments, you big coward? Seriously dude… what are you doing? Just be happy for the guy or bugger off. You don't want a reasonable discussion at all, you're just being a jaded old prick.

        • SilentBob on 10/06/2017 - 21:33

          lel rip pen box

        • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 21:52

          Messiah of condescending life wisdom…I have to borrow that phrase in the future!

    • gimli on 10/06/2017 - 20:07
      +6

      you also have to remember this guys is possibly depressed. Who knows what is actually happening on the othersie. THe ozbargain community are wise enough to make their own decision. But suggesting he could be scamming also may not be helpful.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2017 - 22:32

        Yup

  • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 19:39
    +12

    Also Donald as a uni student you're eligible for free psychology sessions through your university which I think you'll find immensely helpful too. And other Ozbargainer's with anxiety/depression/life stress/curveballs/full moons etc - these services are available to the public at a substantially reduced cost as they're training, thus keeping with the Ozbargain philosophy. You usually get 8 free sessions through Medicare but they're not enough and going private is expensive.

  • irishgal on 10/06/2017 - 19:55
    +1

    well done to all for offering so much help and advice and support. Very rare these days.Hope you get your tv sorted. We watch the tv every night but not before we go out for a brisk walk around our suburb. It does us the world of good and gets us away from technology even just for a bit. Try and get some exercise and eat well. Dont forget there are more people that care about you than you think. Check your uni to see if they have head space.My daughter gets lots of sessions with them here in Wa. Good luck.

  • Mrbean007 on 10/06/2017 - 20:04
    +15

    I feel for ya buddy accidents happen dont let it put you down just sent $50 your way hope it helps :)

    Transaction ID
    5C862455CJ561801L

  • omgitzrick on 10/06/2017 - 20:14
    +6

    In the OP you said you used After Pay, then said you saved up for it (and in a comment you said you used your BOQ Visa Debit). Which is it? <_<

    • Dave Id on 10/06/2017 - 20:18

      All three,obviously.

    • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 20:21
      +2

      Darn, beat me to it by a few minutes…. Yes doesn't make sense at all!

      If I had to guess, 'saved up' = After Pay which is then charged to the BOQ Visa debit x 6 payments.

      • omgitzrick on 10/06/2017 - 20:22

        I mean, maybe? Pretty awkward way to describe the whole thing though.

        • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 20:25
          +3

          Yeah saying 'saved up' is pushing things, but they're young. Anything they had to wait for more than 30 seconds, is like the end of the world!

          Young ones need to learn, credit isn't savings! Which is what after pay is! A fancy layby/credit that you take the goods up front.

      • Dave Id on 10/06/2017 - 20:58
        +1

        It is actually 4 x $112.50.
        Deposit followed by 3 fortnightly charges paid via his BOQ Visa.
        OP is smart enough to budget by saving up some of his 3 remaining payments before purchase.
        Simple!

        • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 21:12
          +1

          yeah, thats still not 'saving'…… But each to their own!

  • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 20:19
    +10

    Does not compute…… "saved up to buy this TV" conflicts with "using AfterPay, which enables me to pay off the TV over the next 6 weeks."

    Anyhow, bugger man. Next time, take more care. These things don't like to be dropped!

    • Belgarath on 10/06/2017 - 20:42
      +3

      Back off. He made a mistake. What is wrong with you all? He never asked for anything. I and many others tried to help him. So back off if you have nothing to say.

      Id throw money all day. Some of you need a kick in the balls.

      • omgitzrick on 10/06/2017 - 20:59
        +10

        A fool and his money, etc.

      • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 21:09
        +6

        Your money, you do as you see fit. Just saying, after pay isn't 'saving up'.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/06/2017 - 22:46
        +2

        "What is wrong with you all?" What's wrong with me?

  • sraymond on 10/06/2017 - 20:58
    +5

    It's more convenient to say it's a scam than to admit you are too mean and stingy to chuck a few bucks toward somebody who could do with a gesture of kindness.

    • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 21:02
      +6

      I agree. Opinions are cheap, what people need is kindness. And I'd rather take the risk and help someone who has reached out because how many of us has been 'blessed' with that 'cold hard truth, welcome to the real world' style advice when we've asked for help in our lives? I'd wager a lot of us. Being able to not be that person and be genuinely helpful, even if it's just in the form of a kind word is immensely helpful.

    • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 21:11
      +8

      So ozbargain is the new gofundme?

    • Hirolol on 11/06/2017 - 00:45
      +1

      I am mean and stingy.

      Now that's out of the way time for the scam comment!!!

  • Ctn on 10/06/2017 - 21:02
    +1

    I hope you can find the real issue causing your depression and solve it once and for all.
    A TV may bring temporary happiness but it isn't real long lasting happiness.
    I hope you get there :)

  • McScotty on 10/06/2017 - 21:19
    +18

    Hey Donald!

    I'm a uni student in Brisbane also. Did you want to grab a coffee some time during the upcoming uni holidays? Always happy for a chat.

    I'm at QUT, which uni do you go to?

  • SpaceNinja on 10/06/2017 - 21:23

    Having to look at the wall will only remind you of the incident and make you more depressed. Buy another one; It will cost you; but at-least you will only be worried about the money.

  • echelon6 on 10/06/2017 - 21:28
    +6

    My instant thought was this guy is one of those e-beggars. I still think that, but what surprised me is how positive the replies generally were. Are people generally nice? I need to think about this.

    • McScotty on 10/06/2017 - 21:32
      +6

      I'm of the opposing school of thought. I genuinely believed he was just asking what to do. I can imagine myself smashing a brand new tv and having absolutely no idea what to do, other than chuck it out or try and repair it myself.

      Good on those who gave their money to help the poor guy, I'm sure they've made his day much better.

      • echelon6 on 10/06/2017 - 21:34

        Your line of thinking assumes his story is true. But these e-begs always come with a story.

        So are people generally trusting? hmm I also need to think about this.

        • McScotty on 10/06/2017 - 21:40
          +6

          I mean sure, I'm a cynic. But this bloke didn't ask for any form of donation? He literally just asked what he can do about a shitty situation. It was another member who offered first.

          Before I read the comments, the thought of anyone giving him money didn't cross my mind once. I was expecting typical "learn to repair it" or "find another one cheap on gumtree" or at the most " I've got an old one you can have" comments.

          People are being lovely, it's good.

        • echelon6 on 10/06/2017 - 21:44

          @McScotty: Reading the title was enough for my mind to jump to the money bit - I predicted someone would offer money, get downvoted to shit and called stupid etc. Interesting how we totally branched off in different directions before reading the comments.

        • McScotty on 10/06/2017 - 21:46
          +2

          @echelon6:

          Perhaps it's due to our prior experiences online. I can't recall ever seeing an e-beggar. Where have you seen them?

        • echelon6 on 10/06/2017 - 21:47

          @McScotty: it's a bit of a thing on reddit in the main subs so I guess Americans…

        • JimmyF on 10/06/2017 - 22:01

          @McScotty: spend 30 seconds on gofundme, you'll be flooded with e-beggars

    • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 21:36
      +5

      People are generally nice. The Internet unfortunately has a skewed population at times.

      • echelon6 on 10/06/2017 - 21:37

        Sometimes I think about how I got so cynical. Is it a strength or a weakness? Lots to think about tonight…

        • MessyG on 10/06/2017 - 21:39
          +11

          The Internet turned me that way for a while. Then I realised there's a difference between cynicism and skepticism. Cynicism is really limiting, forces you to form a judgment without requiring information and your line of inquiry stops there. Skepticism waits for evidence, and makes a decision based on that. For me this guy didn't ask for money, seemed genuine, and has a posting history on Ozbargain that fits with his style. That was enough data for me to form an opinion.

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