Layaway - to Do, or Not to Do? and How?

[c00p]

So I looked back at some really old threads and was reading about doing a layaway plan - but typically only for large purchases in excess of $100. Since today's economy seems to be the hot item, and layaways are doing so good at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc., has anyone thought of or are you already doing some sort of layaway for anything not as big as $100??
I'm just wondering if this would help boost sales in the next few weeks if I were to offer out a layaway plan for sales of even $50+. Thoughts, suggestions, ideas, experiences?????

 

[jrstephens]

I wish our Walmart still had layaways. I loved that for Christmas presents! I have no advice on PC layaway just my thoughts on Walmart.

 

[starrmarie]

How would you do layaway? It could not count towards the hosts show...right? Would you not offer it at shows? I think it would get to confusing for me to keep straight. Sorry, I just asked more questions and didn't ans. any! Just don't understand how this works, I guess I should go read some old threads. lol

 

[gailz2]

I'd think layaway would be a pretty dangerous thing to try. Way too much book work and how about people not totally paying, etc? It just doesn't sound like a good idea to me. To say nothing about possibly being stuck with merchandise.

 

[c00p]

Well my thoughts were (if I were to offer it) that I obviously wouldn't order anything for them until I had full payment. And, if I gave them a deadline (say to have it back in time for Christmas) then I could submit 1 show with a bunch of "layaway" orders on it.

 

[candiejayne]

seems like it would work if you are willing to make it work, and it doesnt have to be too much bookwork for you. Just get an envelope keep cash in it, when there is enough cash to fulfil the order, then do it. If you get enough for host benefits, then save them up and get yourself a xmas present or two too! I think it's a wonderful idea. I would get one of those carbon copy reciept books and give them a reciept with their total due, then a deadline of payments. I'd also draw up some paperwork that tells them dates due, when order will be placed (for xmas). But if they don't make it by then, give them the choice, their money back, or keep on saving up for it. I don't see how it would work for a show though.

If they want something at the show but can not afford, we might suggest to them to buy gift certificates in the amount they can afford at the time, then once they have enough they can order what they want through HO! They count for show numbers dont they?

 

[vwpamperedchef]

For me, it would be a headache! My thats JMHO!

 

[pamperedlinda]

I'd get them to host a show and get their items free or discounted.

 

[cwinter474]

Well my thoughts were (if I were to offer it) that I obviously wouldn't order anything for them until I had full payment. And, if I gave them a deadline (say to have it back in time for Christmas) then I could submit 1 show with a bunch of "layaway" orders on it.

I think this would work, As long as you can keep it all straight.

Good Luck

OT - I got a email from Sears, they are offering Layway on some products this year.