So for corporate America, It's basically open season on the misinformed and undereducated poor? This sounds a lot like predatory lending - There is a good chance, the retailer is counting on these people to default so that they can sell the couch at 1000$ retail to the next gullible person who walks in.

EDIT: I am not saying this should be illegal. Clearly, Buddy's is offering a useful service to people who are turned away by other establishments. But there needs to be some regulation. You shouldn't be able to charge $4500 for a 1500$ couch.