Show installment BUYING curbs off t prices may go up U P government controls on the favored va red american practice of installment buying went off november I 1 and from now on the purchase 0 of that radio or refrigerator is strictly strictly y a matter between you and the dealer unless congress decides to step in again at the special session one result of 0 the removal of installment buying curbs is very likely to be an increase in the already badly swollen prices of consumer goods under the law now out of effect a down payment of one third ot of the he purchase price was required of anyone buying on the installment plan now however the rule book has been thrown away and retailers doubtlessly will reduce the amount of the initial payment attracted by the lure of easy terms hard pressed householders now may see their way clear to buying needed items that they felt they could not afford before with the down payment and installment terms relaxed demand for goods is sure to rise but it is certainly far from sure that the supply of such goods will increase accordingly thus if the old law of supply and demand follows its natural bent benl prices will rise too or the day of falling ailing prices will be postponed installment credit economists say is a volatile factor in our economy and can be a considerable force operating to help bring about a depression when goods are available on easy credit terms consumers are tempted to buy to the limit they over pledge their incomes this accentuates the boom and eventually a saturation point is reached the excessive credit has to be liquidated out ol of current income on the downswing and so the depression if one Is already in the making Is given a further impetus |