M$ speed bumps

[JeffeVerde]

 

.

Diminishing Marginal Utility and Productivity

 

Plus, I like my factory in China. It gets me traveling overseas for extended periods of time. Going to different cities which have widely varying cultures. And I get to use Hong Kong as a staging area/FOB to travel to other places...to repeat the former but in different countries.

 

 

Do your vendors ever send you "surprises" in your shipments, Kman? A friend outsources his mfg to China, and on a recent trip he made the mistake of commenting out loud how much he liked a knock-off Ural he saw in the factory parking lot. Two months later, he found a crated Ural hidden in the middle of one of their shipments (no paper work and not on the manifest, of course )

[Konrad2012]

 

 

.

Diminishing Marginal Utility and Productivity

 

Plus, I like my factory in China. It gets me traveling overseas for extended periods of time. Going to different cities which have widely varying cultures. And I get to use Hong Kong as a staging area/FOB to travel to other places...to repeat the former but in different countries.

 

 

Do your vendors ever send you "surprises" in your shipments, Kman? A friend outsources his mfg to China, and on a recent trip he made the mistake of commenting out loud how much he liked a knock-off Ural he saw in the factory parking lot. Two months later, he found a crated Ural hidden in the middle of one of their shipments (no paper work and not on the manifest, of course )

 

 

I get Puer tea and similar items occasionally. I like the ones that come packed in the dried orange, so I find them in my spare parts boxes sometimes.

 

I've packed stuff in my own containers before. One time my luggage handle broke, so I bought a new Crown and shipped home the broken bag since it has a lifetime warranty. Shipped home tea sets, tea, pounds of Goji berries, LV purses and wallets.

 

One of these days I'm going to put one of the Koigi (forget how to spell it) electric scooters in my container. I already had my engineers make me a 110v/60hz -> 220v/50hz adaptor for the charger.

 

I used to stay at hotels. They would give me bags of toothbrushes and hair brushes and stuff every day. So I took them all to my office. I eventually shipped home over 150 toothbrushes/toothpaste and a bunch of these comb/ brush combos. Took them to a local soup kitchen in Santa Rosa for them to hand out to homeless people.

[JeffeVerde]

 

Ok, I read a blog with a picture of a guy with at least five that he was holding like he had a royal flush. thanks for clearing that up.

 

 

You can buy multiple temporary cards in a single visit - but you have to enter a different SSN (or something that passes as an SSN - I don't think there's any kind of validation) for each card. That's how you see people selling bulk lots of temporary cards online.

 

When you *register* the card, you are creating an account for that card. You must use a valid name/DOB/SSN, and each SSN can only be associated with a single account/card.

[Wross]

I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr

Then you surely know that there's a limit to how much one can realistically M$. He was doing that math as a response to people saying it sounded like too much time and effort.

[Rorer_714]

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

 

Nevermind that an account that has bizarre patterns - i.e. charging thousands at one store, then going across the street to do the same - would raise flags at any card company, and would certainly trigger a manual inspection of the charges, and a financial review.

Where is this 1k/hr coming from? I am not saying it can't be done just want to know who is doing it?

[mrjuggalo9er]

 

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

 

Nevermind that an account that has bizarre patterns - i.e. charging thousands at one store, then going across the street to do the same - would raise flags at any card company, and would certainly trigger a manual inspection of the charges, and a financial review.

Where is this 1k/hr coming from? I am not saying it can't be done just want to know who is doing it?

 

I have an example that might make sense to the 1000 an hour, this is a low rate example

us airways worth around 1.7 cents/ piece plus

can churn 10000 through the card in one trip to target

1 mile per dollar=10,000 times the 50% bonus =15,000 miles worth around 1.7 cents a piece

this takes around 15 minutes, I can do it 4 times and pay the 1246$ a ticket to the Bahamas cost roundtrip in less than 4 trips to target

 

 

on my arrival plus...I figured out a hack I will not share (sorry) where I redeem as cash for the 2.2$......even if I lay low and do 2.5k per visit I am still making $53 for around 5 minutes of work

 

if my math is fuzzy o well I am tired

[Rorer_714]

 

 

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

 

Nevermind that an account that has bizarre patterns - i.e. charging thousands at one store, then going across the street to do the same - would raise flags at any card company, and would certainly trigger a manual inspection of the charges, and a financial review.

Where is this 1k/hr coming from? I am not saying it can't be done just want to know who is doing it?

 

I have an example that might make sense to the 1000 an hour, this is a low rate example

us airways worth around 1.7 cents/ piece plus

can churn 10000 through the card in one trip to target

1 mile per dollar=10,000 times the 50% bonus =15,000 miles worth around 1.7 cents a piece

this takes around 15 minutes, I can do it 4 times and pay the 1246$ a ticket to the Bahamas cost roundtrip in less than 4 trips to target

 

 

on my arrival plus...I figured out a hack I will not share (sorry) where I redeem as cash for the 2.2$......even if I lay low and do 2.5k per visit I am still making $53 for around 5 minutes of work

 

if my math is fuzzy o well I am tired

 

I am talking pure cash back.

[Konrad2012]

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

I pointed out to you two things: Diminishing Marginal Productivity, and that my math takes into account tax-free earnings. We don't need to get into a squeezing a lemon match about who owns more businesses in more countries on more continents, or who went to the better business school. I guess we can if you really want to.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

This thread is a discussion of M$. It was originally me writing about setbacks I have encountered to make people more aware of potential issues. Since there is no dedicated M$ section on CB, most M$ threads kind of wander around rather than following a specific course. Kind of like most threads on CB period.

 

People discussing various strategies, opportunities etc are not participating in one-upmanship.

 

And no one voted you as spokesperson relating to what is beneficial to others. The individuals in this thread who have found ways to acquire Redbirds, or purchase VGC's, or take advantage of the current Staples MGC rebate probably think quite the opposite. As do many of the people who have PM'd me in relation to these topics. If it's not beneficial to you, I suggest you fall back to your opportunity cost preachings.

[moadikum]

 

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

I pointed out to you two things: Diminishing Marginal Productivity, and that my math takes into account tax-free earnings. We don't need to get into a squeezing a lemon match about who owns more businesses in more countries on more continents, or who went to the better business school. I guess we can if you really want to.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

This thread is a discussion of M$. It was originally me writing about setbacks I have encountered to make people more aware of potential issues. Since there is no dedicated M$ section on CB, most M$ threads kind of wander around rather than following a specific course. Kind of like most threads on CB period.

 

People discussing various strategies, opportunities etc are not participating in one-upmanship.

 

And no one voted you as spokesperson relating to what is beneficial to others. The individuals in this thread who have found ways to acquire Redbirds, or purchase VGC's, or take advantage of the current Staples MGC rebate probably think quite the opposite. As do many of the people who have PM'd me in relation to these topics. If it's not beneficial to you, I suggest you fall back to your opportunity cost preachings.

 

 

I understand you don't like being questioned, but there's no need to get defensive. I'm not the "spokesperson", but, again, it just seems hardly worth someone's time - who supposedly owns businesses globally, and makes as much money as you claim - to game the reward-point system. Your claim of $1000/hr is outlandish, and in the long-term, unrealistic - and in fact, counter-productive. Especially with business cards, and the possibility of Level 3 reporting which would show line-item details of what/when you're buying - you'll be toast. Nevermind that card issuers can - and do - request specific itemized charge reports from retailers for specific card holders (when reviewing strange/suspicious buying patterns), and that would quite clearly show that you're not making legitimate purchases.

[CreditNewb15]

Moadikum, these guys aren't being untruthful, they are past the starting point, which is the most time consuming part.

 

And people are getting caught up in the $/hour. It's not like you can't make $1000/hr. But no one is msing for 40 hours a week or they WOULD quit their day job.

[cv91915]

 

 

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

I pointed out to you two things: Diminishing Marginal Productivity, and that my math takes into account tax-free earnings. We don't need to get into a squeezing a lemon match about who owns more businesses in more countries on more continents, or who went to the better business school. I guess we can if you really want to.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

This thread is a discussion of M$. It was originally me writing about setbacks I have encountered to make people more aware of potential issues. Since there is no dedicated M$ section on CB, most M$ threads kind of wander around rather than following a specific course. Kind of like most threads on CB period.

 

People discussing various strategies, opportunities etc are not participating in one-upmanship.

 

And no one voted you as spokesperson relating to what is beneficial to others. The individuals in this thread who have found ways to acquire Redbirds, or purchase VGC's, or take advantage of the current Staples MGC rebate probably think quite the opposite. As do many of the people who have PM'd me in relation to these topics. If it's not beneficial to you, I suggest you fall back to your opportunity cost preachings.

 

 

I understand you don't like being questioned, but there's no need to get defensive. I'm not the "spokesperson", but, again, it just seems hardly worth someone's time - who supposedly owns businesses globally, and makes as much money as you claim - to game the reward-point system. Your claim of $1000/hr is outlandish, and in the long-term, unrealistic - and in fact, counter-productive. Especially with business cards, and the possibility of Level 3 reporting which would show line-item details of what/when you're buying - you'll be toast. Nevermind that card issuers can - and do - request specific itemized charge reports from retailers for specific card holders (when reviewing strange/suspicious buying patterns), and that would quite clearly show that you're not making legitimate purchases.

 

 

Some people run with scissors once in a while, and some even go swimming right after they eat.

[mendelssohn]

 

 

 

I accrue hundreds of thousands of points legitimately, without gaming the system - but I'm interested in the economics of extreme MS. But, as is probably clear, I have some doubts about the claims being made here, in terms of the hourly benefit of doing it. $1000/hr is quite a wild claim, and - as a businessman, who runs my own business - with a business degree - and who took many, many finance/economic classes - yes, I do question the Opportunity Cost (and no, I did not just take microeconomics, but thanks) of NOT spending every hour, as you claim, making $1000/hr.

I pointed out to you two things: Diminishing Marginal Productivity, and that my math takes into account tax-free earnings. We don't need to get into a squeezing a lemon match about who owns more businesses in more countries on more continents, or who went to the better business school. I guess we can if you really want to.

 

For people unfamiliar with manufactured spending, who are looking wide-eyed at the claims being made - it's misleading to them. This thread has turned into an echo-chamber of one-upmanship, which is hardly beneficial to anyone looking for real info.

This thread is a discussion of M$. It was originally me writing about setbacks I have encountered to make people more aware of potential issues. Since there is no dedicated M$ section on CB, most M$ threads kind of wander around rather than following a specific course. Kind of like most threads on CB period.

 

People discussing various strategies, opportunities etc are not participating in one-upmanship.

 

And no one voted you as spokesperson relating to what is beneficial to others. The individuals in this thread who have found ways to acquire Redbirds, or purchase VGC's, or take advantage of the current Staples MGC rebate probably think quite the opposite. As do many of the people who have PM'd me in relation to these topics. If it's not beneficial to you, I suggest you fall back to your opportunity cost preachings.

I understand you don't like being questioned, but there's no need to get defensive. I'm not the "spokesperson", but, again, it just seems hardly worth someone's time - who supposedly owns businesses globally, and makes as much money as you claim - to game the reward-point system. Your claim of $1000/hr is outlandish, and in the long-term, unrealistic - and in fact, counter-productive. Especially with business cards, and the possibility of Level 3 reporting which would show line-item details of what/when you're buying - you'll be toast. Nevermind that card issuers can - and do - request specific itemized charge reports from retailers for specific card holders (when reviewing strange/suspicious buying patterns), and that would quite clearly show that you're not making legitimate purchases.

That's great that you're really conservative on this issue and pretty much everything credit, but your attempt to shut down M$ers in this thread is annoying. You obviously can't or don't know how it really works or can be profitable or you wouldn't be posting some of those things.

[HoustonLynne]

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling. If you're doing it SOLELY for the "earning potential" -- you can't afford it.

 

It's a hobby with a potentially significant ROI. Some do it like extremists; others dabble. But I think the conservatives are overlooking the real payoff for many M$ers -- adrenaline rush. It's the thrill of the chase.

 

Konrad does a respectable job of laying out the inherent risks he faces in his chosen approach to M$. I suppose he could add a "Do Not Try This At Home, Kids" disclaimer in his siggy as a caution to those CBers who haven't reached the age of personal accountability.

Edited March 27, 2015 by HoustonLynne

[Rorer_714]

 

I understand you don't like being questioned, but there's no need to get defensive. I'm not the "spokesperson", but, again, it just seems hardly worth someone's time - who supposedly owns businesses globally, and makes as much money as you claim - to game the reward-point system. Your claim of $1000/hr is outlandish, and in the long-term, unrealistic - and in fact, counter-productive. Especially with business cards, and the possibility of Level 3 reporting which would show line-item details of what/when you're buying - you'll be toast. Nevermind that card issuers can - and do - request specific itemized charge reports from retailers for specific card holders (when reviewing strange/suspicious buying patterns), and that would quite clearly show that you're not making legitimate purchases.

 

You are clueless when it comes to MS. Why not spend your time talking about something you understand.

[mendelssohn]

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling. If you're doing it SOLELY for the "earning potential" -- you can't afford it.

 

It's a hobby with a potentially significant ROI. Some do it like extremists; others dabble. But I think the conservatives are overlooking the real payoff for many M$ers -- adrenaline rush. It's the thrill of the chase.

 

Konrad does a respectable job of laying out the inherent risks he faces in his chosen approach to M$. I suppose he could add a "Do Not Try This At Home, Kids" disclaimer in his siggy as a caution to those CBers who haven't reached the age of personal accountability.

 

That's how I look at it.

 

It has nothing to do with an adrenaline rush for me though.

[HoustonLynne]

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling. If you're doing it SOLELY for the "earning potential" -- you can't afford it.

 

It's a hobby with a potentially significant ROI. Some do it like extremists; others dabble. But I think the conservatives are overlooking the real payoff for many M$ers -- adrenaline rush. It's the thrill of the chase.

 

Konrad does a respectable job of laying out the inherent risks he faces in his chosen approach to M$. I suppose he could add a "Do Not Try This At Home, Kids" disclaimer in his siggy as a caution to those CBers who haven't reached the age of personal accountability.

That's how I look at it.

 

It has nothing to do with an adrenaline rush for me though.

So you're not one of the "many" to whom I refer.

Edited March 27, 2015 by HoustonLynne

[Rorer_714]

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

[HoustonLynne]

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

This depends entirely on the parameters of "we" in your assertion.

 

To be clear, I know what you meant. And I don't disagree. (see line above)

[moadikum]

 

 

I understand you don't like being questioned, but there's no need to get defensive. I'm not the "spokesperson", but, again, it just seems hardly worth someone's time - who supposedly owns businesses globally, and makes as much money as you claim - to game the reward-point system. Your claim of $1000/hr is outlandish, and in the long-term, unrealistic - and in fact, counter-productive. Especially with business cards, and the possibility of Level 3 reporting which would show line-item details of what/when you're buying - you'll be toast. Nevermind that card issuers can - and do - request specific itemized charge reports from retailers for specific card holders (when reviewing strange/suspicious buying patterns), and that would quite clearly show that you're not making legitimate purchases.

 

You are clueless when it comes to MS. Why not spend your time talking about something you understand.

 

 

I am not clueless on the topic. But, I agree - I would rather spend my time working at my business, making enough/hour to make spending time in various retail locations gaming the system - getting to know specific cashiers by name - pointless.

[moadikum]

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

 

 

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

[mrjuggalo9er]

 

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

 

 

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

 

I better be careful msing with my venture card for the bonus....hate to lose that one

[Rorer_714]

 

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

 

 

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

 

Like I said, clueless. Care to guess how long I have been doing this? I hope the next credit crunch is like the last one.

[mendelssohn]

 

 

 

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

Uh, Konrad already posted that there are months that he puts $100K through his Amex business platinum for his business.

 

The problem that you are having is that you are making a lot of assumptions on every single aspect brought up in this thread.

Edited March 27, 2015 by mendelssohn

[GR8WhiTE]

 

 

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

Uh, Konrad already posted that there are months that he puts $100K through his Amex business platinum for his business.

 

The problem that you are having is that you are making a lot of assumptions on every single aspect brought up in this thread.

 

Let's just say mendel...

 

Konrad did not make those purchase. What's the big deal? Even if the next crunch closes those doors. So what? I don't understand why @moadikum is upset? I've had friends that their girlfriends had cheated on them and they weren't as upset as this guy. Take a laxative buddy.

Edited March 27, 2015 by GR8WhiTE

[mendelssohn]

 

 

 

 

 

IMO, there are a lot of similarities between M$ing and gambling.

If you want to look at that way then we are the house.

It's exactly this line of thinking which has drawn me into this thread. YOU ARE NOT THE HOUSE. We've been in a very "easy' credit period the past few years. The huge credit lines many of you have, and the consequence-free gaming of the system, will both be severely retracted in the next crunch. Those of us who make legitimate purchases, and run tons of money through cards for real purchases (i.e. tangible purchases) will not be impacted. You will.

Uh, Konrad already posted that there are months that he puts $100K through his Amex business platinum for his business.

 

The problem that you are having is that you are making a lot of assumptions on every single aspect brought up in this thread.

Let's just say mendel...

 

Konrad did not make those purchase. What's the big deal? Even if the next crunch closes those doors. So what? I don't understand why @moadikum is upset? I've had friends that they're girlfriends cheated on them and they weren't as upset as this guy. Take a laxative buddy.

He has a very different outlook and philosophy on credit and doesn't understand how people can and do use credit beyond his own limited usage.