There is no interest charged to consumers, no credit checks involved and customers can return the merchandise at any time. There are approximately 8,000 stores in all 50 states. Customers include students, temporarily assigned business executives, military personnel and in-transit families. Statistics provided by America's Research Group, August 1999. All other statistics provided by APRO's 1998 Statistical Survey.
Rentals are normally for either one week or one month at a time.
At the end of the week or month, the customer can either terminate the agreement without any cost or obligation, or renew the contract by making another advance rental payment. At the onset of the agreement, the customer is told very clearly what that prescribed number of renewals is, and the total dollar amount in rental payments he or she will have made by the time ownership is an option. Because renters pay as they go, and no credit is extended, credit reports on customers are not obtained. Previously rented items are refurbished and re-rented at reduced rates.