A couple of bloggers have chimed in:
First, one as incredulous as me:
Indulge the Wander Lust
So to sum up, Milepoint is suggesting that give $30,000 to a company that you have never heard of so that the company can have enough money to launch. I am sure that Milepoint spent some time looking into the folks at Wall & Main, but that certainly doesn’t make them any more likely to launch a successful business. In fact, who knows if they will raise enough for their launch. Maybe they will go bankrupt before they even get you the miles you thought you bought.
This, like all the “best” offers, is only available today. There is no way that they could give you enough time to actually think about the decision you are making. If they did, you would never put out the $30,000 that they want you to spend. But, really, this is a great deal. You don’t need to think about spending $30k. Just do it (sarcasm – don’t really do it). While you are at it, I have a few timeshare properties that I want to sell you. They are really good deals too…I promise….
All that being said though, I do have to give Milepoint some credit. The email does start out by saying that occasionally they see a unique offer that has some hidden value for the right member. They got part of that right. The value in this offer sure is hidden. In fact, it is hidden so well that I can’t even find it. As far as it being valuable for the “right member”, well, I’m just not sure who that would be.
I am fine with Milepoint trying to make money and I am fine with them supporting new businesses, but please don’t try to pass something off as a good deal when it really isn’t. To add insult to injury, a similar email came out from The Freddie Awards just a few hours later. Although it has been stated that there is no business relationship between the two organizations, I can’t help but wonder why this is being pushed as a good deal.
And one from a MilePoint co-founder that is a lot less incredulous but still, well...
A View From the Wing
That’s a bit below what United sells miles for normally, it’s 3 cents a mile all-in, but it’s a lot of cash and not worth it just for buying miles alone and without any interest in what Wall & Main is doing.
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It’s a lot of money so it’s a big decision, but the miles can be worth a large portion of the purchase price. Being able to straight-up buy Platinum status or even Gold can be really valuable as well. This is obviously only a deal/option for folks who have significant liquidity available, but it’s a quick boost to a mileage balance and for folks who might otherwise buy premium cabin award tickets likely worthwhile (even redeeming at the ‘standard’ award level).
Wall & Main is likely of interest to a narrow subset of readers, but to them of great interest.
Doesn't make it seem like a 'must buy' for any savvy traveler.
I guess the various co-founders of MilePoint have differing views on this offer.
If I had a blog here is what I would write: "A fool and his money are lucky they ever got together in the first place. If this offer appeals to you, GO FOR IT!"
