Layaway: Officials say read the fine print before you put money down

MADISON – Many businesses offer layaway programs to give shoppers a chance to lock down the season's hottest gifts without needing to pay in full upfront -- and at least one major retailer has already launched its holiday layaway program.

That said, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is asking shoppers to study up on a store's respective policies before agreeing to a layaway plan.

Some retailers offer consumers the opportunity to shop at brick-and-mortar stores for their items and make the layaway payments online, but layaway on an online purchase may have different terms from those in the store. For example, physical stores may require you to make incremental payments within certain monthly timeframes, but the online layaway terms may require automatic withdrawals from your checking account or through a third-party payment service. Read the fine print on the website closely and call the company's customer service line if you have any questions before you make an initial payment.

Consider these tips when researching a layaway program:


    Get the merchant's layaway policy in writing and keep receipts of the payments you make on the merchandise. These documents may come in handy if you have a problem with the seller.

    For additional information or to file a complaint, visit the Consumer Protection Bureau at datcp.wisconsin.gov, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or send an e-mail to datcphotline@wisconsin.gov.