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

  • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 11:51
    +1

    So what's the latest tally on donations?

    • mding on 11/06/2017 - 11:58
      +1

      no one will know other than the OP. But this is a great idea. OP can use it on other forums as well for multiple TV's or just a really really large one. lol.

      • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 12:16

        True, but most posters have been posting their donations, I was going to do a tally, but I thought someone else might have already done it, and Dave Id seems to say the OP is around $450!

    • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 12:04
      +2

      Pledges just tipped $450 last night,~ $465 with two unspecified donations.

      • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 12:16

        Thanks! I was guessing it was at least this, if not slightly higher!

        • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 12:21
          -2

          $23.69 for coupla months B12 tablets via eBay :)
          Might control the depression.
          That would be a real win!

  • Moderatorneil on 11/06/2017 - 12:06

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

    Commenting Guidelines

  • realfancyman on 11/06/2017 - 12:09
    +4

    Sent $10 through. Hope it helps

  • zmu on 11/06/2017 - 12:27
    +5

    Hi OP, it's wonderful to see so much support so readily offered to you. I can understand it must be quite overwhelming to see such a response! I'd like to take this chance to let you know about mental health plans, apologies if you are aware and on one already. If you see a GP (you can afford a good one thanks to this community's generosity) they will be able to refer to you see a psychologist for up to 10 sessions per year, with zero or minimal (depending on the psychologist) cost to you assuming you are covered under medicare. If you haven't heard about this and feel like you could use some help getting through depression, I strongly recommend seeing your regular doctor (or finding a GOOD one) to talk about this. A good doctor is more likely to be able to link you with a good psychologist. This advice goes for anyone out there who might be feeling down! It's hard to get through depression on your own. You see a plumber when your house floods, you see a lawyer if you get caught dealing meth. You go to ED if you're having a heart attack, you see a surgeon if you break some bones. Why should you not see the right person if you're depressed?

    After all that's happened, it sounds like this situation has been a chance to see that people are there for you, even if we are only connected by a mutual love of a good bargain. It would be wise to remember the source of the monetary support you are receiving, and to spend it with the compassion of your benefactors in mind.

    Wish you the best going forward, it sounds like you're resilient enough to make it through to the other side :)

  • shangoz on 11/06/2017 - 12:31

    go to st.Vincent or Salvation army shop, they might have good TV there on sale while you send back the broken TV for repair, hope they not cost that much to repair this day (as the TV manufacture company want to keep their customer happy).

    • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 13:07

      Broken LCDs are not covered under warranty. The OP said they dropped it.

      • [Deactivated] on 12/06/2017 - 05:24
        -1

        ????

  • JelIyfish on 11/06/2017 - 12:33
    +8

    Greetings, friend. Do you wish to look as happy as me? Well, you've got the power inside you right now. Use it, and send one dollar to Happy Dude, 742 Evergreen Terrace, Springfield. Don't delay. Eternal happiness is only a dollar away.

    JelIyfish on 11/06/2017 - 12:33 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • solar eclipse on 11/06/2017 - 15:03

      I think I'd be happier with the dollar.

  • roland on 11/06/2017 - 13:48

    Buy a new one today and you ll forget the old one

    • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 14:26

      OP had no money… So what shall they buy a new one with?

  • telljoolz on 11/06/2017 - 13:52
    +6

    Obviously I can't read.

    I thought OP was asking what to do about the broken TV.

    Based on other commenters, I'm clearly mistaken and the true request was:

    "Please judge me on my purchases and treat my depression".

    On the other hand, I'm honestly very touched by others' unquestioning generosity. That was nice.

    • xoom on 11/06/2017 - 14:21

      On the other hand, I'm honestly very touched by others' unquestioning generosity. That was nice.

      restores your faith in humanity even just a little doesn't it?

  • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 13:55
    -1

    no one feels sorry for me and send me money, now i'm depressed

    • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 14:08

      Sometimes depression is anger turned inwards.
      Having "real" depression and dropping a TV can be indescribably mind numbing in a very bad way.

    • nismo on 11/06/2017 - 14:19
      +1

      You're already in holy-land, your depression should be cured.

      🛐 🙏🙇

  • qwertyaz on 11/06/2017 - 14:25

    Would you be able to let us know how much $$ you received from the nice people here?

    • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 14:28
      +1

      Page back the tally was around $450-470 if all the public 'sent money' posts are valid.

  • Neptunesblood on 11/06/2017 - 14:26
    -4

    I'll get my violin out for you.

  • berger on 11/06/2017 - 14:31
    +4

    It's coming up to 2 days since the money started flowing and no response from OP since. How about an update?

    • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 14:37

      OP possibly awaiting PayPal transfer to his bank.
      He might repurchase then.
      Once it's set up he'll prolly let us know.

      • bbqwer on 11/06/2017 - 15:21

        Or paypal account got blocked ?

        • Scab on 11/06/2017 - 15:25
          +13

          Or, most likely, he's sitting back laughing at all the money he got from people.

        • Wallyt99 on 11/06/2017 - 15:42
          +6

          @Scab: perhaps he figures if he says he got enough the money will stop flowing?

    • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 16:52
      +5

      Taken the money and ran it seems!!!!

    • berger on 11/06/2017 - 16:53
      +2

      He's online now so we should get a response!

      • Krazyy on 11/06/2017 - 17:11
        +9

        Taking the money and paying for his gym membership, new Bluetooth headphones and $400 3D printer. Guys seriously, check his comments and posts.

        • Pornboy69er on 11/06/2017 - 17:20
          +11

          For a community that prides itself in being frugal, some OzBargainers are really dumb. Yes, let's send $50 to some guy on the internet who claims to have broken their TV, no evidence, nothing.

        • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 17:26
          +6

          @ThurdBase: he posted a picture of the broken screen, but yes I agree with the rest of your comment!

          Goes to the end of the earth to save 49c on a $800 item, but tosses $50 at some random person without blinking an eyelid! O.o

        • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 18:12
          +6

          @JimmyF:
          step 1) buy broken tv off gumtree/ take mates broken tv
          step 2) post on internet that he broke tv and basically broken his depression treatment
          step 3) have mate post comment about donating to OP
          step 4) others are inspired by his mate and also donate
          step 5) take picture of old broken tv and post for 'proof'
          step 6) use money to book end of year surf trip with mates

      • berger on 12/06/2017 - 09:46

        Online once again..

        Not asking for much, a simple thanks wouldn't go far!

  • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 16:37
    +5

    was just about to buy some bread to feed the family but then I remembered this post and sent it your way instead

  • Dual on 11/06/2017 - 16:51

    Soon you can get yourself a nice 65" OLED 4k TV

  • Blahness on 11/06/2017 - 17:17
    +7

    Seems like some people think vocalising criticism is a way of displaying wisdom. All the people who called him this and that based on little/ no evidence should also consider the other possibility that this story could be true and the impact your negativity is having on him right now.

    • omgitzrick on 11/06/2017 - 17:31
      +1

      Well he can afford another TV or three to cheer himself up now at least.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 18:02
      +2

      OP should've considered that this a public forum. You gotta remember that OP was asking for responses towards his situation and since its the internet not everything is gonna be what the OP wants to hear. I wonder if a similar post was made in the future what the response would be.

    • cinnamink on 11/06/2017 - 21:25
      +3

      I doubt all these would have happened if he did not accept the money at the first place (or at least not posting his paypal email address publicly). It is a kind gesture without a doubt for those did send OP money, though it appears that he might have already received enough for a new TV and would be nice to see an update.

  • d86 on 11/06/2017 - 17:45
    +5

    The OP is already in Hawaii.

  • plasmoske on 11/06/2017 - 17:53
    +1

    Just sent you 5 Bitcoins OP

  • gcon on 11/06/2017 - 19:02
    -2

    Maybe it's a sign from above that you shouldn't watch so much TV? Maybe do some study or read a book - you can watch Netflix on your PC in between learning new skills.

  • dekaiser on 11/06/2017 - 19:19
    -5

    reported to scamwatch

  • NEEDHELP on 11/06/2017 - 19:27
    +1

    If this is a scam I recommend everyone to get a refund quickly through Paypal. Is there a limit on days? If there is, that PayPal account should also have his real name and address details to link him back to who he is. Just a thought for those that might want their money back!

    • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 19:47

      The only people that seem "concerned" are those who are giving OP a hard time.
      Those of us who helped him via PayPal know who he is.

    • lostn on 12/06/2017 - 00:36

      You can't get a refund if you were making a personal payment to someone. If you had to pay Paypal's surcharge, you're out of luck. If the recipient paid it, there's some protection.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 19:35

    Curious on why OP hasn't reply to questions regarding how much he's got so far. Pretty sure it's over his "broken tv" and on his way to a 85 inch

    • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 19:51
      -2

      Count it up yourself.It is over $450,prolly around $500. Two people did not specify amounts.

      • [Deactivated] on 11/06/2017 - 20:03
        +1

        Then why hasn't OP said anything, is he expecting more money to be donated?

        • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 20:08
          +2

          Current known running total has been posted several times.
          Anyone with a real interest reads the thread and knows.
          OP was on line an hour ago and might not know what to say.He has had a mixed couple of days or so.

        • CrushJelly on 11/06/2017 - 20:55

          @Dave Id:

          I have a real interest in the thread and I've personally contributed, but there are far too many "new" replies on this thread so it's a little difficult to figure out which post has the running total.

          Mind sharing, please?

        • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 21:21
          +1

          @JahjaMan:

          You are one of two mystery amounts :)
          Was about $465 last night/early morning.
          "Real fancy man" put in $10 today.Might have been another.
          TV originally purchased still available for $469 from Myers.Run out model.
          If DonaldH cannot transfer PayPal into his bank in time,it may be a blessing in disguise.
          EOFY and stocktaking sales looming. Might score a better TV with headphone socket.

        • CrushJelly on 11/06/2017 - 21:33
          +1

          @Dave Id:
          Thanks mate.

          I think the idea was that the amounts here would "contribute" to him purchasing another one. If it completely covers the cost of a new one, great!

          If Donald gets more than what was required, then the assumption is that he will pay this kindness forward.

  • neuhknik on 11/06/2017 - 19:53
    -4

    You can take back to Myers and tell them the TV was broken when you unbox to set up the TV.Perhaps myer will exchange a new one for you. I had a friend who did the same thing and manage to get an exchange for a brand new TV but it was purchased from Dick Smith.

    • JimmyF on 11/06/2017 - 20:46
      +4

      and that would be called fraud…

  • neonlight on 11/06/2017 - 21:23
    -2

    Sorry but this sounds like a scam with donations. Post should be removed. User should be warned

    • dekaiser on 11/06/2017 - 21:34

      dw, it's been reported to scamwatch (accc-scamwatch:225571)

      • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 21:44
        +1

        Hopefully you get busted for being a public nuisance and for wasting their time.
        Let us know how you go.

        • dekaiser on 11/06/2017 - 23:27

          Will pm you how it goes

        • Dave Id on 11/06/2017 - 23:48

          @dekaiser:

          I already know how OP will fare, as there is no case to answer.
          There is no complainant.
          In fact the first person to offer financial help has 220 likes for his first post.
          If anything you are leaving yourself wide open for being a vexatious public nuisance.
          If OP isn't a decent person,you could be looking at defamation or libel action.
          Don't PM me. Let everyone know the outcome.
          Good luck. You might need it.

        • dekaiser on 11/06/2017 - 23:59

          @Dave Id: sure will do

        • lostn on 12/06/2017 - 00:38

          @Dave Id: Afaik, defamation and libel needs to be proven? If the guy disappears and never shows up again, I don't see much of a libel case.

        • Dave Id on 12/06/2017 - 00:42

          @lostn:

          Prolly too nice a guy.
          Doubt he will disappear.

  • mmd on 11/06/2017 - 21:44
    +1

    To those who have deposited funds: I applaud you for your generosity. It makes this a great community to be a part​ of.

    Perhaps OP should have used this a sign to go out and do cardio exercises in the sunshine instead of watching TV. Exercising outdoors have confirmed benefits for those suffering from depression. (I also had depression and managed it by excersing outdoors and staying positive).
    Exercising outdoors is also free and you don't need to pay a gym membership.

  • Dpkmax on 11/06/2017 - 23:09

    Good day all

    Have been through majority of comments under this forum and
    I have few words to add

    1) Every human is different- if some feel like donating please don't make them feel bad by saying why are you sending money.
    The point is it's not about the money it's the feeling of satisfaction which one gets by helping someone who has lost something or who is in need.

    2) whilst some may not believe OP's story - fair enough - just read and ignore the post.

    3) This is the first forum that I am reading where the moderator is continually reminding again and again not to throw personal remark.

    Lastly we are are community and we must respect each other.

    Cheers

  • Krazyy on 11/06/2017 - 23:40
    +6

    Where is Donald now? Sounds soo dodgy.. at least they would come on here and put some of these comments to rest… but yet.. they are completely silent.

    Sounds soo dodgy to me… check his posts / comments guys!!!!

    I would be submitting a paypal dispute ASAP.

    FYI - the "picture" he uploaded looks completely different to the "panasonic TH40D400"… notice how the image was "cropped"… blah.. i cant believe he has taken advantage of some many!!

    Guys submit a paypal dispute asap!!! Don't fall for this…

  • plasmoske on 11/06/2017 - 23:53
    +3

    Well after looking over all the evidence so far, I'm leaning more towards it being possibly legit rather than scam.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/310050

    Was the post for the TV OP bought. Notice he voted it up on the 6th June.

    Sale for that TV started on the 2nd which was what OP said in his post. "bought last Friday".

    In the comments of that deal, some users are mentioning using Afterpay - no fees etc and it splits up the cost over 8 payments.

    Great if you're low on cash and don't want to spend it all at once. OP most likely saw those comments and ended up using Afterpay.

    Also the pic of the TV… yes it's cropped and really close up but you really can't say it not a Panasonic or not. The photo is too close and cropped.

    His story kinda matches up and yeah… hopefully OP gives an update.

    P.S My take on it actually falls out the window if OP actually planned out all this in advance.

    eg. He researched the deal/dates/payment methods. Upvoted it in advance. Made up a story that fits all that and post it a few days later. Provide a cropped photo of some similar looking black TV.

    However I don't think people will work that hard just for a possible hand out so I'm still going with it being possibly legit.

    Occam's razor: the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation is.

    • lostn on 12/06/2017 - 00:41

      Occam's razor: the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation is.

      Not quite. It's not the quantity of the assumptions but the parsimony of them. One very complex assumption is less parsimonious than several simple assumptions.

  • Livert on 11/06/2017 - 23:54

    Can you verify that you really have a broken TV with a pic of it with your name on a piece of paper?

  • lostn on 12/06/2017 - 00:32

    Ouch. Sorry to hear it man.

    I guess only thing you can do now is take a step back and allow yourself time to calm down. Seek help for your depression. Eventually you'll get over this.

    Fortunately, $450 is not a lot of money. Just pretend you had a car accident and had to pay the excess. Shit happens.

    EDIT: Apparently there's been some allegations that you could be a scammer. You've vanished and it doesn't look good for you right now, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt because I don't think anyone writing a sob story could reasonably have expected a pledge campaign without asking for one. And your account is not new, so that's in your favor.

    It will look much better on you if you returned to comment though.

    • Zachary on 12/06/2017 - 01:41
      +2

      Last Login
      45 min ago

      I have a funny feeling his having a good laugh right about now….but I'll also give him a benefit of a doubt too, for now….just in case…

  • ayaka on 12/06/2017 - 00:59
    +2

    Updates, OP?

  • sraymond on 12/06/2017 - 01:58
    -1

    It's sad to see so many cold hearted people who aren't touched by the OP's story. Even sadder to see them unable to just click off the thread and go elsewhere. Instead they feel compelled to call scam and even urge donors to request a fund reversal. Lastly we have one time posters asking for donation totals and updates from the OP. If I was Donald and was watching this thread decline into the embarrassment it has, I wouldn't bother posting either.

    • ayaka on 12/06/2017 - 04:22
      +2

      Yeah, like how the OP was "absolutely blown away by the kindness and generosity shown here, and will definitely post an update on the weekend"?

      I'm sure many people weren't so cold-hearted, as you say, at the beginning of this thread, but now, to see many heart-felt messages addressed directly at the OP, as well as countless donations… the fact that there has been no visible response from the OP doesn't feel good for anyone. I'm sure the donators/supporters would want to feel appreciated.

  • jaypick on 12/06/2017 - 02:29
    +1

    What did Donald say when he broke his TV? Covfefe!

  • jamiroquai on 12/06/2017 - 03:26
    +4

    Could have put that money to way more needy people than someone that broke his telly. Man reading this has made me proper sad

  • dojomojo on 12/06/2017 - 06:17
    +3

    Looks like OP has been on a spending spree recently according to his/her post history - smart phone purchase & looking to buy a 3D printer… also "I was looking to purchase a pair of bluetooth headphones to connect to my mobile phone, laptop and TV"

    • lostn on 12/06/2017 - 08:03
      +2

      Nice sleuthing.

      Apparently this $450 TV is the most expensive thing he's bought in a long time and first he's ever owned. How much do 3D printers run for? Smart phone would likely cost more than $450 also.

      • syousef on 12/06/2017 - 08:43
        -1

        You can pick up a cheaper smartphone for a lot less than $450 and you can buy or lease on a plan. I have bought phones to play with for around $60 (thanks to Ozbargain) and while I wouldn't want them to be my daily driver permanently I could get away with it if I had to. My wife's using one while her main phone - also an Ozbargain special for less than $300 - is in for repair. Let's face it - everyone needs a phone in this day and age, and a smartphone is a huge advantage and an expectation for some jobs.

        A 3D printer on the other hand is expensive, can't be bought on credit, lease or plan and requires consumables. I'd personally love to play with one at some stage but have neither the time, money nor space right now. No one NEEDS a 3D printer. He also claims to live in a share house so is this TV for the bedroom? Maybe he's answered. I'm not reading pages of comments.

        It's unlikely that OP is rich and it is quite likely that the story about breaking his screen is real.

        Does that mean this generosity is an appropriate response though when there are people much worse off? Will it help with his depression? Maybe it will help him cope a little. But clinical depression is complex - often involving past trauma, brain chemistry etc. He may require medication a lot more than he needs a big screen TV.

        In my experience very few people actually think very much about value or effectiveness when it comes to how they spend their charity donations. It's all emotional response and making themselves feel like they are contributing. Often their money ends up wasted, and sometimes it ends up being used in direct opposition to their stated goals. (e.g. save the animals - contribute to an organisation who spends money putting them down as part of animal population control). There is little difference between this money ending up in the pockets of this guy or the overpaid staff of a charity who have an entitlement complex. It is also why the very valid point about people starving and needing the funds more than some guy who broke his TV are falling on deaf ears.

        • AddNinja on 12/06/2017 - 09:17
          -1

          You are over thinking this. The concerns you raise are entirely appropriate for an organisation about to donate millions/billions of dollars of public money for a cause. They do not apply to an individual who thinks "I would feel terrible if this happened to me, but I would feel so good if people unexpectedly gave me some money for this loss… so I will offer this guy a little money"

          This level of introspection before offering someone a little charity is enough. I think arguments to the contrary are primarily motivated by envy.

        • syousef on 12/06/2017 - 09:35

          @AddNinja:

          And that is one of the biggest problems with the world today. This is why we have bafoons leading us right now. No I'm not over thinking this at all. Deep thought and introspection is NOT a vice. Acting without deep thought and introspection is! Using your brain ALWAYS applies.

        • AddNinja on 12/06/2017 - 09:48

          @syousef: I don't believe your "deep thinking" applies to this situation at all. It is simply rationalisation for envy. Look, I'd be happy to have someone like you on the board of an NGO, or deciding how to best spend health dollars for the greatest good. But telling people that their $25 gift to a person who broke their telly needs to be thought about carefully and coldly, because of the sad state of the world today simply shows the limitations of your rationalism.

      • Dave Id on 12/06/2017 - 08:49

        The 'phone was ~ $130.Budget carrier.
        Doubt the 3D printer was purchased.
        No headphone purchase.
        Already covered.

        • JimmyF on 12/06/2017 - 10:09

          Dave id, you seem heavily invested in this….. Friend of yours? Why hasn't the op said thank you to everyone who donated?

  • JetLi on 12/06/2017 - 08:24
    +1

    With all the contributions, make sure you post a photo of your new 4k TV.

  • AddNinja on 12/06/2017 - 09:06

    Some of the better and worse character traits being displayed on ozbargin. Charity and solidarity by some, and outright envy by others. For those of you who feel envy (which you rationalise as "misplaced charity" and offer thousands of shallow reasons why people here can't spend their money on another they don't know), perhaps the reason no one does this for you is because of the way you look at the world?

  • JimmyF on 12/06/2017 - 10:10

    You should spend some time on GoFundMe…….

    • AddNinja on 12/06/2017 - 10:24

      You should spend some time on developing your sense of charity and character. Just previously you suggested that a person voicing their support for the poster was a friend of theirs - a fellow conspirator in a massive ozbargin scam…

      Look, you're trying to make people feel bad for giving money to this guy, and you're doing it because you didn't get any money yourself. This is called envy.

  • Moderatorneil on 12/06/2017 - 10:36

    I've closed the comments. As the comments have a bit overwhelming, the OP will update the original post with any responses.

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