How to Use Store Layaway for Holiday Shopping

Layaway was started during the Great Depression when people didn’t have the cash on hand to buy purchases all at once. With the rise of easily available consumer credit and store credit cards, layaway shopping was phased out in the 1980’s and 90’s. However, if you are short on cash and credit, layaway is back at many large stores and at online stores. Use store and online layaway for your holiday shopping, avoid credit card payments and take the stress out of the holidays this year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• layaway policy
• layaway plan
• layaway forms
• layaways

1. Get a copy of each store’s layaway policy where you will be doing your holiday and Christmas shopping. Also, ask for a copy of the layaway forms that you will be filling out.

2. Read each layaway policy thoroughly so you understand the payment schedule, any fees associated with late payments, and refund and exchange policies regarding the store or online layaway plan.

3. Do your holiday shopping, fill out the layaway forms, and keep a copy of all the layaway paperwork.

4. Make payments at the store where your layaways are until you pay for them completely. Save your layaway payment receipts every time you make a payment towards your layaway shopping. Always keep track of your layaway payments in case there is a discrepancy later on.

5. When doing your holiday shopping, put items on layaway only if you can realistically afford to pay for them through the store layaway plan.