Comments on: Layaway a nice way to avoid credit cards

By: Smith

Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:42:38 +0000

The other good aspect of using layaway that I forgot to mention, is that it is payed for by cash, not credit. Meaning that once you make the last payment on your layaway, it is “paid for in full”. You will not get a bill in the mail for any further payments. You will not be charged any interest payments, or any other fees for using it. It is a straight cash transaction, meaning that what you bought, you own in full.

By: Smith

Smith — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:24:44 +0000

David S, Let me say this to you. I’m in my forties , and can tell you that layaway has been around since the seventies(and even before then), it is nothing new. I remember me and my brother asking my mom for things we wanted for Chistmas. She would put everything on layaway during the summer, and have it under our tree by christmas. Layaway has nothing to do with the government. It has always been a way for people who did not make much money to give their kids a nice christmas. My Mother used it all of the time because she could not afford to buy things that me and my brother wanted all at once. It’s okay if you don’t agree with the government, but you should see layaway for what it really is, and stop trying to equate it with what the government is doing. I’m married and have used layaway when walmart had layaway. Layaway is not a bad thing, it is really a good way to help people in this economy.

By: Frugal

Frugal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:30:52 +0000

In Wal-Mart’s quest to compete with Target they and abandoned their primary customer base that made them so popular. I love shopping at Wal-Mart but they need to remember that the economy is bad and it’s their primary customer base who is suffering the most. But if they want to lose customers to K-Mart and Sears then I’m sure those stores would not mind.

By: Frugal

Frugal — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:23:37 +0000

David S what you fail to realize is many people live below the poverty level and can’t afford to give thier child a nice Christmas. Lay-a-way is a great way for them to get thier child something even it’s just a couple of low priced items. Everyone who celebrates Christmas should be able to provide a gift for thier child.

By the way when your income is only about a $1000 a month and your rent is $500 a month half of your pay is already gone. So you try to raise a family off of that and save also. You should volunteer with us from time to time because you obviously need a wake up call.

By: Bob Wood

Bob Wood — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:09:35 +0000

I use layaway. It makes it easier to buy something and be able to get it before the item sells out. Walmart did away with their layaway. They should reconsider. The economy is bad. Layaway helps people to purchase what they need and want. Hard to save money and purchase later. More retailers should go to layaway!

By: Pandora

Pandora — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:44:33 +0000

Lay Away is so much better than using credit cards. I wish all stores offered this. WalMart does not and they really need to start again. There is nothing wrong with using it. It’s smart to use lay away. Credit Card companies are nothing but lone sharks! They will bleed you dry. You will end up paying $100 for a $5 charge if your balance isn’t zero and you only pay the min. due. They are a rip-off and I’m moving totally away from them!

By: Rita

Rita — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:57:06 +0000

An interesting point that consumers might want to be aware of that the majority of the stores listed in this piece are not doing well financially. This is not to say that you should be concerned about them going under right away, but it just means that these particular retailers are going to desperate measures to get your business. Would also caution that you may not get the best or lowest prices at these stores as well. Retailers detest layaway, so hard times for consumers and stores alike!

By: Rita

Rita — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:40:02 +0000

I agree with David S. It is understandable why many retailers have brought back layaway due to the economy.

However, from a retailers standpoint, layaway is a nightmare. The store has to find a separate storage area for layway merchandise. The customer often forgets the merchandise, the payment due date and then argues about the fines imposed, etc, etc, etc… Could go on and on about the fiasco layaways can cause between the retailer and the consumer!

Rest assured when the economy improves layaway will vanish yet again! So like David S states, customers just need to learn to save and not buy what they cannot afford to take home that shopping trip!

By: Tonya

Tonya — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:49:26 +0000

David S., layaway was very common for many years in this country, even at a time when saving was at an all-time high. Before credit was prevalent, this was the way many shopkeepers did business. Layaway is often used for necessities like clothes and appliances, not just ‘wants’. This is just another form of savings, no different from a Christmas Club or Emergency Fund.

Geesh. Get over yourself.

By: Kat

Kat — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:52:41 +0000

David S. I agree with you in many aspects. I personally have never used layaway, but I can understand why people might do that. I think that some people might use it because taking a little bit out at a time (similar to adding to a Christmas Club account) is less painful than a big bill in January or perhaps those same people save up during the summer for other things – such as a vacation or something. I truly feel that the focus needs to be off things, but even a few things can be difficult for some. Perhaps we shouldn’t harp on those who choose this method, which is a much preferred method to the buy now/pay later antics of many of our friends and family. Let’s, at least, try to encourage people that this is an option. Even if I would never do it, because there is a service charge. And, heaven forbid, your stuff is accidentally misplaced when you go to get it. Ugh!