Well, VW certainly knows its target market: stupid people and poor people. I can only conclude that after my friend showed me a mailing he received a couple weeks ago, which helpfully asks, “Why Not Skip a Payment This Holiday Season?”

“The holidays…time to give thanks, spread joy and shop for the best sales. Now, here’s the perfect “gift” to help you stretch your holiday dollar. Volkswagen Credit is offering you the opportunity to ‘skip’ your December 2006 payment on your current account listed above. […] Upon receipt of your extension agreement, we will assess your account a $25.00 extension fee, payable on your next due invoice. There is no need to send money at this time. […] Happy Holidays!”

In other words, skip this “holiday” payment because you don’t have enough money to pay it and buy your Christmas gifts. That’s fine! Just go buy those gifts that you explicitly can’t afford. Also, we’llchargeyou$25laterbutdon’tworryaboutthatrightnowit’sChristmasafterallhappyholidays!!!

Two things:

First, click the images to read the full text. It’s unreal. “Why Not Skip a Payment This Holiday Season?” How about Why Not Stop Being Predatory Jackasses and Stop Mailing This Kind of Thing to People, of Whom I’m Willing to Bet Predominantly Lower-Income People Will Reply? See, I can use caps too. Some marketer is feeling very proud of himself, but I’m just full of pity and derision. Also, guys, take some responsibility for yourself. If you get offers like these, throw them away. (Unfortunately, the people who actually did this “deal” are probably not reading personal-finance blogs.) Better yet, send them to me so I can make an example of them.

The front (click for a larger version):



The back:

