I have always either A.) discussed with wife first B.) discussed with wife after
either way its going to be a discussion and remember it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

But I agree, I think many guys use the wife an excuse, maybe get cold feet -

I call that the mommy factor. If you are 18+ years of age, on your own make your own money. Grow up get a set, and if you want it, and can afford it, buy it.
I do not ask permission. I do tell her what I am doing, like it or not. (they will get over it if the relationship is strong) I guess i am pretty lucky. She is into boating, racing, offroading and things I like to do. Not the street bike thing though, to many people we know got hurt.

There are alot of people that think that a hobby like ours is a waste of money. (you can take it with you when you die!) I have had friends and inlaws think I was waisting my money on boating. Now, almost everyone that goes on the boat with us, if they can afford it, own one or rent them now. I tell them that relaxation is priceless.

Actually, I was pretty happy with my last boat and wasn`t even looking for anything else.. my wife likes to search the classifieds and she found the Flat Deck.
I`d have a ton more cash and ton less stress right now if it wasn`t for her

Great thread! See my wife and I have a Understanding. I have her trained with asking her "do I even have to ask" as I get in return " there's no sense in saying no because your going to buy it anyway" lmao! So I just show up with stuff but I tag her along for the ride and let her enjoy it so it works out. And she's a gear head so it makes it that much easier. When I was planning my 5 year plan on a bigger boat she said she wants either a outerlimits or cigarette! I'm in a 25' Eleganza for Pete's sake. But bless her heart for thinking I can afford something like that. Haha

My wife and I discuss major purchases. It's just way easier and more effective if she has had a moderate amount of alcohol.

We decided to buy the AT while "pregaming" for a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert.

Oh, now your blaming her for your sickness? Sounds good, maybe i'll try that.

I don't ask permission, I sell her on the idea so well that she thinks it was hers

I actually once sent my wife to look at a boat prior too my seeing it in person.

My wife and I take turns... She buys a pair of shoes or a dress, Then I buy a new car, motorbike, boat, or whatever the current toy is, it's worked well for the last 10 years, total money spent is in my favour though! Lucky she's a good sport.

its just part of selling stuff.. its going to happen..
I do lots of wholesale items and sell a lot of stuff online and get that all the time.. geez I even used that one a few times when I have looked at stuff and its no were near the condition of the asking price..
just a general comment 'what your clean is to my clean is sometimes way off".. so even looking at pictures online don't always look the same in person..
I guess im a lucky one my woman is all good with what I do cause shes knows its how on make money....