Comments on: Anybody used Rent-a-Center to buy furniture?

By: The Godless Heathen

The Godless Heathen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:59 +0000

DON’T DO IT!!! It is a rip-off. I bought a livingroom set from them years ago, not only is it about three time regular retail, but I paid in $2200 and missed two payments and they reposessed the stuff and I was out both my furnuture and my money. I’d buy used stuff before I ever bought from them again.

By: Niklaus Pfirsig

Niklaus Pfirsig — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:59 +0000

The rent-to-own path means that you will have paid 2 or 3 times the retail price before youown the item.

By: psa1002

psa1002 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:59 +0000

I used Rent a Center once trying to purchase a washer/dryer. You’re better off if you check your local phone book for a furniture store that will let you establish credit.
It cost more to rent it then it did to go to the laundromat. So I sent them back and bought a pair from Sears.
Still have the pair.

By: Libby B

Libby B — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:59 +0000

I got things from Rent-A-Center years ago. Yes, they are over-priced, yes they rip you off and they are sometimes filled with cock roaches… their "low weekly payments" are forever and you may pay 3 or 4 times as much that way. Go to craigslist.org to look for decent priced items…. stay away from RAC. Also contact local churches and see if they can refer you somewhere… if your income is low enough there are ministries out there to assist you… but they don’t really advertise… get on the phone and make some calls and check craigslist…

By: Leon T

Leon T — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:55:59 +0000

When you buy from rent-a-center (RENT TO OWN), you have come to the end of the road. They are the very bottom of the barrel. Poor quality, terrible contracts, and they pay their cost for that junk on the second or third payment. Salvation Army is much better If you have no money try "BIG LOTS".
When you get a little money together try to buy quality.
Try to get discounts on floor samples you may be able to strike a good deal from a small local retailer.
There are lots of websites with lots of product. The problem is the price doesn’t always match the quality. If you plan on only keeping your furniture for 1 to 5 years and treat your furniture with kid gloves Ikea may be a good choice, however, ask anyone that has had Ikea furniture for a while or attempted to move it. It tends to auto destruct upon moving. Those cam lock type assembly hardware just don’t like to be moved. What makes it fairly inexpensive is what makes it poor quality. The whole thing is about freight and warehouse space. This should NOT YOUR PROBLEM. In my humble opinion, virtually all assemble yourself furniture is inferior quality mostly made of particleboard filled with formaldehyde. My family and I have been in the furniture business both manufacturing and retailing for over 60 years. Our retail store went on line almost 20 years ago. I understand both manufacturing and retailing. I sell what I make every day of the week in my store. Consider checking out a local store with less than 5 to 10 stores. Remember, the larger the chain, the poorer the quality and service.
In addition, in this difficult housing market, many both large and small stores are struggling and over 20,000 retail furniture stores both large and small has gone out of in business in the last 18 months. PAY BY CREDIT CARD for a little protection. I have noticed fairly good quality furniture in Costco. It is very seasonal for them and the selection is very limited but well priced and good quality.
Authentic Mission style furniture also known as Arts and Crafts furniture is a timeless choice. When it is made using the traditional methods that make it truly authentic it is a bullet proof choice. You will have something that will last and last. Many stores sell Mission Style furniture that is not made in the traditional way using solid oak. Instead, they use what they call solid wood. That is code for particleboard. Baloney is meat. The Barn Furniture sells Mission furniture built with the traditional methods in a multitude of price ranges