Who Does Layaway Online? A List of Current Retailers

Layaway is a purchasing method where consumers make a series of payments over time for an item, with the retailer holding the item until the full price is paid. This system allows individuals to secure desired goods without immediate full payment, providing a structured approach to budgeting for larger purchases.

Historically, layaway was common in physical stores, offering a way to reserve items and pay in installments. The concept has now evolved, adapting to the digital landscape to include online purchasing options.

Online Retailers Offering Layaway

Several online retailers offer layaway services, providing consumers with a flexible payment alternative. Amazon, for instance, provides a layaway option on select products, dividing the total cost into five payments over an eight-week period. This program requires an initial 20% down payment, with subsequent bi-weekly installments until the item is fully paid, and does not charge additional fees or interest. This Amazon layaway program might not be available in all regions.

Traditional department stores like Kmart and Sears extend their layaway programs to online purchases. These retailers require a down payment, often around $10, and implement service fees for the layaway plan, which can range from $5 to $10 depending on the plan’s duration. Kmart and Sears offer plans spanning eight or twelve weeks, with payments due every two weeks.

Specialized online platforms such as LayawayLand.com operate exclusively as layaway retailers, offering a broad spectrum of products from electronics to home goods. These dedicated sites provide flexible payment schedules, including weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly options, and may require a deposit along with potential cancellation fees.

Many major retailers have transitioned away from traditional layaway, opting instead for “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services, which allow immediate possession of goods. While online layaway is still available, it is less universally offered by large general merchandise stores. Consumers interested in online layaway should check a retailer’s payment options, as availability and terms can differ significantly. Availability may also depend on the item category or price.

How Online Layaway Works

Engaging with an online layaway program begins with selecting the desired item on a retailer’s website. Customers proceed to checkout, where they select layaway as their payment method. This step involves a clear indication of the item’s eligibility for layaway.

An initial down payment is required to reserve the item. This down payment can be a fixed monetary amount or a percentage of the total purchase price, varying by retailer. The retailer then holds the merchandise until the full payment is completed.

Subsequent payments are made according to a predetermined schedule. These payments are processed electronically through the retailer’s online portal or via scheduled deductions from a linked checking account. Consumers make incremental payments until the entire balance, including any applicable fees, is satisfied. Once the final payment is received, the retailer releases the item for shipment or in-store pickup.

Key Aspects of Online Layaway Agreements

Online layaway agreements include terms and conditions consumers should review before committing to a purchase. Payment schedules are set for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly installments, allowing consumers to manage their budget. The total duration of these plans can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the retailer and the item’s price.

Many layaway plans are interest-free, meaning consumers only pay the purchase price of the item plus any associated fees. Service or processing fees are common, a flat charge ranging from $5 to $10, which is often non-refundable. Some agreements may also specify a minimum purchase amount for layaway eligibility.

Cancellation policies detail the consequences if a consumer decides not to complete the purchase. If a layaway plan is canceled, the item is returned to stock, and the consumer may face a cancellation or restocking fee. This fee can be a fixed amount, such as $5 to $55, or a percentage of the item’s value, ranging from 5% to 15%.

Refunds for payments made prior to cancellation depend on the retailer’s policy; consumers might receive a partial refund, store credit, or forfeit payments entirely, less any applicable fees. Missed payments can lead to automatic termination of the layaway plan and forfeiture of prior payments.