Sometimes it's hard to cough up enough cash for big-ticket items all at once.
It's tempting to break out the plastic, but there is another option - layaway.
Layaway "can be a nice way to afford something you might not be able to pay for all at once. You can make payments and don't need credit," said Nick LaFleur, spokesman for the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona.
Though layaway can be a good option for some, there are things to consider.
LaFleur said the "number one thing is: You want to know the terms and conditions, such as how long it can be on layaway and dates payments can be made."
Since unforeseen occurrences happen to everybody, consumers should also find out what the refund policy is.
"If you change your mind, there may be a restocking fee or you may not be able to get a refund," LaFleur said.
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Also, most retailers have an opening fee and a down-payment policy to put purchases on layaway.
One last tip is to shop around and know the options.
If consumers see something they like at one store, they should "go to another store to see if they have better terms and conditions."
LaFleur said that consumers should "really understand all facets of the layaway before they sign up."
layaway policies
Layaway policies vary by retailer. Here are a few of the big ones.
Walmart
• Fee: $15.
• Down payment: $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater.
• Minimum total purchase: Individual items must be $15 or more, and total layaway purchase must be at least $50.
• Fine print: Full refund of layaway open fee on a Walmart gift card upon final payment. If the order is canceled or not paid in full, the open fee is not refunded.
• Cancellation fee: None.
Source: Walmart news release.
Kmart
• Fee: $5 for the eight-week plan and $10 for the 12-week plan. Fees waived through Nov. 17.
• Down payment: For the eight-week plan, $15 or 10 percent, whichever is greater; for the 12-week plan, $30 or 10 percent, whichever is greater.
• Fine print: The 12-week option is available only for purchases of $300 or more. Payments must be made every two weeks.
• Cancellation fee: $10.
Source: kmart.com
Toys "R" Us
• Fee: Free until Dec. 16.
• Down payment: 20 percent of total price plus applicable taxes.
• Fine print: Half of the total price of order must be paid within 45 days and final payment must be made within 90 days or by the "holiday cutoff," whichever is sooner.
• Cancellation fee: $10.
Source: toysrus.com
In this new, occasional column, Star reporter Angela Pittenger will share tips, ideas and news about how Tucson consumers can find value and stretch their budgets. Send suggestions, ideas or questions to her at apitteng@azstarnet.com or 573-4137.