Aaron’s Rent a Center, which became Aaron’s, Inc. in 2009, is a specialty retailer that serves moderate income customers by providing them a pre-approved rental agreement for furniture, electronics, and appliances that allows them to eventually own the items after paying them off over a six to twenty-four month period.
While credit is not necessary, customers must have a proof of residence and making rent or mortgage payments, and friends or family members that are willing to be used as references. Aaron’s makes the process fairly straight forward, although there are a few variations in the rental plans offered.
Aaron’s ServicePlus
Service Plus is an additional service that provides customers benefits during their leasing period. For only an additional 10% charge per payment customers will receive free delivery and set up of merchandise including demonstration on how to use electronics or other appliances. The initial processing fee is waived, and you get an extra 60 days of extended warranty (this does not apply in North Carolina or California). Another feature of this service is the “payment holiday” that customers qualify for after 4 months of on time payments, which allows you to postpone your next payment. This could be convenient for people who temporarily need the money for unexpected bills or during the holiday season; of course, it is important to make paying your lease off a priority so that you will own your merchandise within the time frame you agreed upon.
However, if after you enter into the leasing agreement you decide that you would prefer to pay off the balance in full, Aaron’s also gives you that option. If you pay the full amount within 120 days you will pay only Aaron’s “Every Day Low Price” rather than the extra fees associated with your lease. This might be the best reason become a service plus member–you will not be stuck in a contract if your circumstances change (perhaps an expense you thought you might occur never materialized, or you were gifted money from an unexpected source, etc).
On the other hand, if you do not want to or cannot keep your leased furniture at the present time, Aaron’s will allow you to return it to them after your minimum lease period; later, if you decide you would like to rent from Aaron’s again, you will be able to pick up where you left off on your original lease. This is known as the Lifetime Reinstatement service. Conditions of this service varies, and may not be offered at all locations. Contact your local Aaron’s, Inc center for more information.
Aaron’s LeasePlus
You choose the lease ownership plan that best fits your budget: 12, 18 or 24 months. Whichever plan you choose, you can pay it off as quickly as you like –- the sooner you pay it off, the more you save on the cost of lease services. You will get the furniture immediately after your first payment and assembly, delivery, and setup are included in the cost.
Aaron’s provides a way to furnish your home with good quality furniture for a reasonable price, as long as you pay on time or early. While buying and owning your furniture or other home items will always be more cost effective, leasing provides a way for customers who might otherwise not be able to afford these items to have them. Aaron’s has living, dining and bedroom sets available as well as accessories for each room.
If you are in need of appliances, Aaron’s has vacuums, washer and dryer sets, refrigerators, computers, and oven ranges. You can also choose between new and gently used furniture and appliances. All used merchandise is examined and approved by Aaron’s before it is leased.
If you are interested in looking into leasing from Aaron’s, there is a store locator service on their website and there is also an option to have a representative call you so that you can make arrangements to find the furniture that will fit your needs.
Aaron’s can provide the furniture or appliances you need when you don’t have the money to buy it outright, but unless you’re sure you can make the payments on time, it might be better to look into used items that you can find via Craigslist and other sources.
