Spiraled into credit card debt due to unethical pushy businesses
I’m in debt, but not because of someone else.. It’s because of my naive self. Last year I signed up for a credit card and was so excited to use it, I was confident in repaying my bills and I repaid them on time for the first few months. I started making bigger purchases (furniture at IKEA, furnitures online etc) as I needed new chairs/bed/table for my house which just underwent a renovation.
Slowly, the bills started to rack up but I could still pay them off. The breaking point was when I entered a nail outlet to go for a quick manicure as I saw that they were having promotion ($20 for express gel).
As I am a gentle person who finds it hard to say no, I found myself spiralling into debt as the nail technicians kept pushing packages, spas and treatments onto me. (AND everytime I went back for another appointment, they hardsell me and literally profit off me every appointment)
It was to a point that I was dreading my every appointment. They would tell me pity stories of their families in Malaysia, and treat me like a “close friend” and “special customer”, giving me discounts and freebies whenever I say no. I know that it is their tactic but I really can’t say no..
From a $20 quick express manicure session to signing packages which costed over $3~$4k, I really hated amd questioned myself why did I even step into Nai* Palac* in the first place.
Another incident which happened in the same period: I had listened to a radio during a grab ride, and the host was talking about a quick quiz to win a free facial. As it was free, I decided to just send sms to try my luck. Within 1 day, a sales associate whatsapped me, saying tjat I had won the radio giveaway. I was surprised but happy, and I asked if there was any costs, to which the staff answered that *it is FULLY FREE from the radio*
Fast forward time, staff hard sell me during consultation, during the facial, after the facial, and even when I told them I had no money, they asked me how much money I had in my bank account and that they will give me a special price for lower amount of sessions.
Even mentioned that they don’t usually do this for anyone. In the end I caved, and ended up in even more debt.
I quarreled and argued with my boyfriend, family and friends over all these and felt damn shitty.
And because banks charge a late interest fee on credit cards, and I was unable to fully repay in one shot, the bill and interest kept snowballing. I am now working a full time job and part time job, (44 hours + 16 hours), and I am tired.
Singapore should crack down all these unethical shops who prey on people like me who are soft hearted and hard to say no. Feel so terrible about my financial situation now, and I can’t even blame anyone except for myself.