When it comes to layaway plans, read the fine print - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

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

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
    Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. 
    Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.  If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:39 AM EDT2013-05-22 10:39:00 GMT
    These days, getting a gift card as a present has happened to most of us. But, it still doesn't guarantee that it's a gift you'll love.
    These days, getting a gift card as a present has happened to most of us. But, it still doesn't guarantee that it's a gift you'll love.
  • 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.  

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

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
    You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. 
    You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.  But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
    Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries?  Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book! 
    Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia.  Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens!  As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:17:14 GMT
    The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area!  Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.
    The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area!  Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.  But first, she stopped by Good Day to cook us up one of her favorite recipes.
Powered by WorldNow

1551 Briarcliff Rd., NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Main Number: (404) 875-5555
News Tips: (404) 898-0100

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