Kmart’s Big Layaway Giveaway Plus Program Overview

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

When my kids were little, their Christmas Wish Lists were much longer than our ability to pay. I remembered how my parents used layaway to provide for my brothers and sisters when I was a child, so I decided to give it a try. I loved how it helped me budget for the holidays and made it easier to stay within our means; while still giving the kids a lot of what they were hoping for.

I also loved how the items remained at the store until I completed the payments and picked them up so there was no need to look for hiding places and no worry the boys would accidently come across them. The storage convenience alone is worth using the service; but it also allowed me to shop when the selection was the best reatest, so I was able to get the hot toys before they disappeared from store shelves.

My choices in the 90’s were very limited but now many stores are realizing the value store layaway programs provide for their customers so many large retailers have added them recently. But beware, not all programs are have the same benefits and you won’t find the same customer-friendly features at all of them.

Kmart Layaway Advantages

My personal preference is the same store I used in the early 90’s and the same one my mom used in the 70’s – Kmart. I chose them then and now because they have great prices, a fabulous selection, and more importantly, really great layaway policies that are customer-friendly. Plus there’s no interest charges and you can cancel any time.

Kmart free layaway is available year-round and for just about any item they sell, including big items like appliances and furniture. Better yet, you can put your item on layaway online (online layaway items are identified as “Available for Layaway” on their product page). You contract length is determined by where you put your items on reserve – online contracts are 8-weeks (4 bi-weekly payments); in-store you choose from 8- or 12-weeks. 12-week plans (6 bi-weekly payments) are only available for purchases of $300+ and is not available at all locations.

I’ve also used Kmart’s shop in one state and pick up in another option – it means no shipping of gifts to my niece in Texas. I order and pay in Washington State and she picks up at her local Kmart in Texas. It’s perfect! Now you can do the same with layaway! The plan is available nationwide and better yet, there’s no minimum item or transaction amount. Kmart is ahead of the curve in fabulous features to make shopping for the holidays, or any time, easier.

How Much is My Payment?

I found Kmart’s online payment calculator extremely helpful – find out what your bi-weekly payments will be over an 8- or 12-week payment cycle. It’s so easy to use and spells out exactly what’s expected, when, and how much. You can also just add the item to your cart and it will figure out the payments for you based on the item.

Fees

There is a small fee plus down payment required which is collected when you open the layaway account. The fee for an 8-week contract is $5 with a down payment of 10% or $15, whichever is greater; for a 12-week contract, you’ll need to pay a down payment of 10% or $30 whichever is greater

Payment and Cancellation

Payments are due twice a month and they’ve made paying so convenient – pay online or at any Kmart register with your payment of choice (cash, check or debit/credit card). Once your item is paid for you arrange pickup and it’s yours! You have 7 days from the payoff day to pick it up.

You can cancel your layaway at any time for a small fee – $10 for an 8-week contract and $20 for a 12-week contract. I feel it’s reasonable as you’ve had the merchandise set aside for you and it wasn’t available for sale.

What will I be laying away this year?  I haven’t even started thinking about holiday shopping yet although I know I should. I expect my holiday gifts will include some electronics as well as some new games for the kids who are now adults. As for me, I’m hoping for a new office chair!

Win with the Kmart’s Big Layaway Giveaway!

You have a chance to win some amazing prizes from now until November 17th in the Kmart’s Big Layaway GiveawayKmart’s Big Layaway Giveaway. There’s one giveaway per store per week, every week. It’s a great time to win shop for the holidays and win some great prizes. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  Ends 11/17/12.  For Official Rules, visit a participating Kmart location or www.kmart.com/layawaygiveaway.