Rent A Center and late payment?

Question

I just rented a lap top and furniture from Rent-A-Center. I payed my week up front for both things and got a week free as that was the special. My pyment for both things are due tomorrow. I have been off week for a while now because both my babies have been sick and I have no body willing to watch them while I work. If I call them and tell them the situation, and that I won't have the payment untill my next payday which is the following Friday, do they usually work something out with you or can they demand their stuff back? I just got the stuff two weeks ago. Like I said, I payed my week and got one week free and tomorrow it's due. Has anyone ever been in this situation?

By the way I hateee going through Rent A Center but we have been moving and untill we can buy new furniture and all that I have no other choice. But I know people who have been through h**l with these people.

Answer 1

call customer service and ask for help

Answer 2

You probably won't like my answer, but I'm compelled to try:

  Return all the "stuff" to Rent-A-Center.  RAC is nothing more than a (semi) legal loansharking operation.  They prey on those who are struggling financially.  And they will play very rough when you can't make the payments.  They've been known to send threatening, bullying "thug" types to your home to repossess the goods when you can't pay on time.  And those are the RAC's who abide by the law.  You don't want to encounter the others...

In the best of circumstances -- when you're able to make the payments-- it's still a no-win situation.  You'll end up paying a fortune for low-quality junk, whereas if you save enough for a nice down payment... you can buy your furniture on time from a reputable establishment.

In the meantime--- I know you have children and furniture is a must, but there are options that will see you through until you've saved a bit to buy new.  There's nothing wrong with "gently-used" (we've all been there) and you'd be surprised how many people have nice pieces of used furniture they're looking to give away.  If I were you, I'd call every agency in the book that offers assistance to low-income families.  Get the word out to everyone you know that you need a few pieces of furniture-- surely someone knows someone with an extra item or two.   If that doesn't help to hook you up with at least a sofa and chair, start calling churches and tell whoever answers the phone about your dilemma re: having no furniture.  Lot's of kind folks would love to help you and your family, I promise.

In the future, avoid places like RAC and "PayDay" loan operations as if they had the plague.  They advertise how they "help"... but what they really do is HURT those who can least take the hit.  

Take care of yourself and those precious babies... Look towards the future, and don't let anyone take advantage.

Good Luck, hon.