When it comes to layaway plans, read the fine print - Fox 2 News Headlines

FOX 5 I-Team investigates

When it comes to layaway plans, read the fine print

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

Layaway plans for purchases have been back for a while, but this holiday season more and more retailers offer it. Like any good deal, you need to read the fine print to make sure you know what you're getting.  

Layaway means you can have an item held at a store until you can pay it off, usually in installments. Once you've paid the bill, you can take it home. When the economy tanked, layaway re-surfaced.  

Many of these layaway plans are similar, but they do have their differences.  

Walmart

According to the company's web site, its layaway plan is for in-store purchases only. You can't do it online. To get started, Walmart has a $5 layaway fee that is refundable with your final payment.  And you have to put down $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater. It has to be picked up by Dec. 14h.

Sears

Over at Sears, the pick-up date is early - December 3rd. Sears has a four-installment payment plan.  You will also have to have a down payment of $20 or 20 percent. Their web page shows that some of their online products are available for layaway, but not all.

Best Buy

Not all Best Buy stores participate in layaway, but the ones that do have a high minimum purchase of $250. There is also a 5 percent layaway fee on top of the purchase price. And you'll need 25 percent for a down payment.

Make sure you read the fine print. Know that if you if you cancel your order, you can get your money back although the retailer will likely keep the initial fee.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.  
  • Monday, May 20 2013 8:26 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:26:58 GMT
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?  Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.  So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Powered by WorldNow

WJBK-TV | Fox 2
16550 West Nine Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075

Main Station: (248) 557-2000
Newsroom: (248) 552-5103

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices