Complaint Review: Rent A Center - Belle Vernon Pennsylvania

Xracman; Again, there is NO grace period on past due accounts for rental especially from my state. I do know that there are some minor rental laws that vary from state to state, and maybe there is some sort of grace period in PA where you are from, I don't know. But in most states including NC, there is no grace period. Once the rental agreement is one day past due, it takes a reinstatement fee to renew the agreement. (It's called reinstatement fee for a reason, NOT late fee). It's up to the consumer if they choose to continue to pay, or turn the merchandise in, simple as that. If the consumer keeps the merchandise without paying for it, yes, they go into collections and the store will attempt to contact the customer. The best advise I could give is that the consumer needs to read their rental agreements and not just sign away. I have no reason to lie to anyone. What would I get out of to lie to people on this site, hmmmm. Nothing is what I would get. Apparently you are upset because I'm not blowing up the situation and trying to down RAC, but instead I'm giving legit advise. It's up to the consumer if they want to take the advise from a current Store Manager, or take one from an ex-employee. There are postings on the website where I DO agree with the consumers and I have given them the advise on what to do. As for me being, "RAC ripoffreport watchman", I think not. I'm just stating the facts since that's what people are needing/wanting to know. Another thing I do not do is down anyone else on this website like some people have tried to do to me. Apparently I've upset some people because I'm posting the truth and not dramatizing the situation.

Xracman; Again, there is NO grace period on past due accounts for rental especially from my state. I do know that there are some minor rental laws that vary from state to state, and maybe there is some sort of grace period in PA where you are from, I don't know. But in most states including NC, there is no grace period. Once the rental agreement is one day past due, it takes a reinstatement fee to renew the agreement. (It's called reinstatement fee for a reason, NOT late fee). It's up to the consumer if they choose to continue to pay, or turn the merchandise in, simple as that. If the consumer keeps the merchandise without paying for it, yes, they go into collections and the store will attempt to contact the customer. The best advise I could give is that the consumer needs to read their rental agreements and not just sign away. I have no reason to lie to anyone. What would I get out of to lie to people on this site, hmmmm. Nothing is what I would get. Apparently you are upset because I'm not blowing up the situation and trying to down RAC, but instead I'm giving legit advise. It's up to the consumer if they want to take the advise from a current Store Manager, or take one from an ex-employee. There are postings on the website where I DO agree with the consumers and I have given them the advise on what to do. As for me being, "RAC ripoffreport watchman", I think not. I'm just stating the facts since that's what people are needing/wanting to know. Another thing I do not do is down anyone else on this website like some people have tried to do to me. Apparently I've upset some people because I'm posting the truth and not dramatizing the situation.

Xracman; Again, there is NO grace period on past due accounts for rental especially from my state. I do know that there are some minor rental laws that vary from state to state, and maybe there is some sort of grace period in PA where you are from, I don't know. But in most states including NC, there is no grace period. Once the rental agreement is one day past due, it takes a reinstatement fee to renew the agreement. (It's called reinstatement fee for a reason, NOT late fee). It's up to the consumer if they choose to continue to pay, or turn the merchandise in, simple as that. If the consumer keeps the merchandise without paying for it, yes, they go into collections and the store will attempt to contact the customer. The best advise I could give is that the consumer needs to read their rental agreements and not just sign away. I have no reason to lie to anyone. What would I get out of to lie to people on this site, hmmmm. Nothing is what I would get. Apparently you are upset because I'm not blowing up the situation and trying to down RAC, but instead I'm giving legit advise. It's up to the consumer if they want to take the advise from a current Store Manager, or take one from an ex-employee. There are postings on the website where I DO agree with the consumers and I have given them the advise on what to do. As for me being, "RAC ripoffreport watchman", I think not. I'm just stating the facts since that's what people are needing/wanting to know. Another thing I do not do is down anyone else on this website like some people have tried to do to me. Apparently I've upset some people because I'm posting the truth and not dramatizing the situation.

Xracman; Again, there is NO grace period on past due accounts for rental especially from my state. I do know that there are some minor rental laws that vary from state to state, and maybe there is some sort of grace period in PA where you are from, I don't know. But in most states including NC, there is no grace period. Once the rental agreement is one day past due, it takes a reinstatement fee to renew the agreement. (It's called reinstatement fee for a reason, NOT late fee). It's up to the consumer if they choose to continue to pay, or turn the merchandise in, simple as that. If the consumer keeps the merchandise without paying for it, yes, they go into collections and the store will attempt to contact the customer. The best advise I could give is that the consumer needs to read their rental agreements and not just sign away. I have no reason to lie to anyone. What would I get out of to lie to people on this site, hmmmm. Nothing is what I would get. Apparently you are upset because I'm not blowing up the situation and trying to down RAC, but instead I'm giving legit advise. It's up to the consumer if they want to take the advise from a current Store Manager, or take one from an ex-employee. There are postings on the website where I DO agree with the consumers and I have given them the advise on what to do. As for me being, "RAC ripoffreport watchman", I think not. I'm just stating the facts since that's what people are needing/wanting to know. Another thing I do not do is down anyone else on this website like some people have tried to do to me. Apparently I've upset some people because I'm posting the truth and not dramatizing the situation.

All facts aside, the most obvious one remains. The original poster chose to simply LIE to their child, saying they were giving a gift of merchandise that was not owned. That is where the moral high ground fell. If you cannot tell a child the truth, you are not setting a good example. While I hate RAC, if your financial planning cannot involve planning ahead for birthday/Christmas gifts etc. you will be setting a fine example for your family. RAC is in business to make money and they prey on lower income families. Not too far from payday loan operations. There are no ethics, maximizing profit is paramount.

When people read these reports need to be reading them entirely because Linda did say she was going to return the merchandise right after she said she wasn't going to pay them another red cent. D, from NC, what, are you RAC's ripoffreport watchman? And why are you continuing to lie to these people because there is a day grace period now isn't there? And 5 for monthly customers. All RAC employees lie to their customers, don't let anyone tell you different and I challenge any employee to tell me different because in one way or another you lied to a customer to get that delivery or made up some excuse for a service issue.

RAC IS a good company to deal with when you are in a situation that you are in need of furniture, appliances, computers, etc. and you don't have the credit or do not want to utilize your credit to obtain the merchandise for your home. The terms are clearly explained to each customer when they sign the rental agreement. If you have any questions about the terms, ask! As for collections, there are no grace periods. Every customer is asked to pay their account on time and NOT even be one day late. If there is no communications to the store why you are late, the store will do everything possible to get in touch with you. This is including but not limited to calling home, cell, references, work, running by the house, etc. It boils down to this; pay on time, or return the merchandise. A lot of people don't understand this. Think about it when you rent a movie from the local movie rental store, or if you rent a car from a car rental place. The items must be paid for in advance. Either you pay on time, or you return the merchandise.

No one held a gun to your head , threatened to break bones or any bodily harm, if you didnt sign the contract. maybe you should have read it better. you went to rent a center becuase you couldnt afford the 179 dollars at one time. your sons bday was that day and you didnt want to dissapoint him. that sounds like a typical rent a center customer. we are there to provide an option for people that cant afford an xbox bigscreen all at once. we charge alot of money, because we have to make up for the cost of manpower it takes to get payments and such. if you had a bad pay history and you were 3 days late again, chances are the person that was there to get the xbox was told by someone higher then a store manager to get it. when you buy a car you get ripped off you pay at least 2.5 times what it is worth. when you buy a computer from a manafactuer you pay double what it cost. well rent a center doesnt get discounts from these people on a large scale. they pay close to what you do. so they charge more the make money. as far as lineing pockets well your not lineing mine nore is any other customer they are not lineing the district managers or store managers either. i live in a single wide trailer. many people that rent from R.A.C make alot more oney than R.A.C's employees do. so who's pockets are you lining.? all that money comes in but only about 15% is profit for the company.

No one held a gun to your head , threatened to break bones or any bodily harm, if you didnt sign the contract. maybe you should have read it better. you went to rent a center becuase you couldnt afford the 179 dollars at one time. your sons bday was that day and you didnt want to dissapoint him. that sounds like a typical rent a center customer. we are there to provide an option for people that cant afford an xbox bigscreen all at once. we charge alot of money, because we have to make up for the cost of manpower it takes to get payments and such. if you had a bad pay history and you were 3 days late again, chances are the person that was there to get the xbox was told by someone higher then a store manager to get it. when you buy a car you get ripped off you pay at least 2.5 times what it is worth. when you buy a computer from a manafactuer you pay double what it cost. well rent a center doesnt get discounts from these people on a large scale. they pay close to what you do. so they charge more the make money. as far as lineing pockets well your not lineing mine nore is any other customer they are not lineing the district managers or store managers either. i live in a single wide trailer. many people that rent from R.A.C make alot more oney than R.A.C's employees do. so who's pockets are you lining.? all that money comes in but only about 15% is profit for the company.

No one held a gun to your head , threatened to break bones or any bodily harm, if you didnt sign the contract. maybe you should have read it better. you went to rent a center becuase you couldnt afford the 179 dollars at one time. your sons bday was that day and you didnt want to dissapoint him. that sounds like a typical rent a center customer. we are there to provide an option for people that cant afford an xbox bigscreen all at once. we charge alot of money, because we have to make up for the cost of manpower it takes to get payments and such. if you had a bad pay history and you were 3 days late again, chances are the person that was there to get the xbox was told by someone higher then a store manager to get it. when you buy a car you get ripped off you pay at least 2.5 times what it is worth. when you buy a computer from a manafactuer you pay double what it cost. well rent a center doesnt get discounts from these people on a large scale. they pay close to what you do. so they charge more the make money. as far as lineing pockets well your not lineing mine nore is any other customer they are not lineing the district managers or store managers either. i live in a single wide trailer. many people that rent from R.A.C make alot more oney than R.A.C's employees do. so who's pockets are you lining.? all that money comes in but only about 15% is profit for the company.

No one held a gun to your head , threatened to break bones or any bodily harm, if you didnt sign the contract. maybe you should have read it better. you went to rent a center becuase you couldnt afford the 179 dollars at one time. your sons bday was that day and you didnt want to dissapoint him. that sounds like a typical rent a center customer. we are there to provide an option for people that cant afford an xbox bigscreen all at once. we charge alot of money, because we have to make up for the cost of manpower it takes to get payments and such. if you had a bad pay history and you were 3 days late again, chances are the person that was there to get the xbox was told by someone higher then a store manager to get it. when you buy a car you get ripped off you pay at least 2.5 times what it is worth. when you buy a computer from a manafactuer you pay double what it cost. well rent a center doesnt get discounts from these people on a large scale. they pay close to what you do. so they charge more the make money. as far as lineing pockets well your not lineing mine nore is any other customer they are not lineing the district managers or store managers either. i live in a single wide trailer. many people that rent from R.A.C make alot more oney than R.A.C's employees do. so who's pockets are you lining.? all that money comes in but only about 15% is profit for the company.

You judged to quickly, twirp. She didn't say she WOULDN'T return the merchandise, silly! Want to talk about integrity--learn to read for comprehension, for starters.

Marcus--DO NOT DEFEND RAC CROOKS! But I will agree that strict fiscal planning is in order when making large purchases--or renting R.A.C. merchandise. R.A.C. is not a company to fool around with, under any circumstances--they will make the customer's life miserable with unethical (and illegal) business practices. Why R.A.C. has to go to the extent they do to get the items (when the law is clearly on their side where it concerns Larceny)--but they haven't any right to vandalize homes, harrass children, show at your place of employment announcing your the status of a customer's account, etc! Customers and potential customers; BEWARE! PLEASE, BEWARE!

To Mr. Marcus and other concerned individuals: I wrote my complaint in May and have moved on to other things. As a matter of fact, I called the Rent a center the next day and they came and picked up the item.. That was back in May, when I said I wasn't paying another red cent thats what I meant. As a matter of fact a game I bought my son was in it. BIG DEAL in October, 5 months later. And guess what my sons birthday is in two weeks. I think I'll pick him up a little something at Rent A Center. (SMILE !!) Oh by the way I am a collection manager, thank you all for all your expertise. Mr. Marcus look there are people with the same interests as you. You should all hook up somehow.

To Mr. Marcus and other concerned individuals: I wrote my complaint in May and have moved on to other things. As a matter of fact, I called the Rent a center the next day and they came and picked up the item.. That was back in May, when I said I wasn't paying another red cent thats what I meant. As a matter of fact a game I bought my son was in it. BIG DEAL in October, 5 months later. And guess what my sons birthday is in two weeks. I think I'll pick him up a little something at Rent A Center. (SMILE !!) Oh by the way I am a collection manager, thank you all for all your expertise. Mr. Marcus look there are people with the same interests as you. You should all hook up somehow.

To Mr. Marcus and other concerned individuals: I wrote my complaint in May and have moved on to other things. As a matter of fact, I called the Rent a center the next day and they came and picked up the item.. That was back in May, when I said I wasn't paying another red cent thats what I meant. As a matter of fact a game I bought my son was in it. BIG DEAL in October, 5 months later. And guess what my sons birthday is in two weeks. I think I'll pick him up a little something at Rent A Center. (SMILE !!) Oh by the way I am a collection manager, thank you all for all your expertise. Mr. Marcus look there are people with the same interests as you. You should all hook up somehow.

To Mr. Marcus and other concerned individuals: I wrote my complaint in May and have moved on to other things. As a matter of fact, I called the Rent a center the next day and they came and picked up the item.. That was back in May, when I said I wasn't paying another red cent thats what I meant. As a matter of fact a game I bought my son was in it. BIG DEAL in October, 5 months later. And guess what my sons birthday is in two weeks. I think I'll pick him up a little something at Rent A Center. (SMILE !!) Oh by the way I am a collection manager, thank you all for all your expertise. Mr. Marcus look there are people with the same interests as you. You should all hook up somehow.

I learned many years ago, back when I was 15 or so, that 90% of humanity doesn't like to hear the truth, because they failed to see it. I guess you're in the same category, so all you can do is attempt personal insults. That's fine - I remember in junior high when kids used to do that, so I suppose it's to be expected. Regardless of your attempts at slander, there are 4 things you need to consider. 1 - you signed the agreement stating you would pay for it, and that the terms were reasonable. 2 - you still have their merchandise and have openly stated you would not pay for it. 3 - you refuse to take the first step by admitting to yourself that you jumped in before looking. You did not evaluate your situation and signed the agreement just because your son wanted the system. 4 - you refuse to just be an adult about it and simply say, "you're right, I should return it", "you're right, I'll pay for it", or "you're right, I'll call the manager to make arrangements". All four show a lack of integrity - the exact reasons why they're now "hassling" you. Those are why.

I learned many years ago, back when I was 15 or so, that 90% of humanity doesn't like to hear the truth, because they failed to see it. I guess you're in the same category, so all you can do is attempt personal insults. That's fine - I remember in junior high when kids used to do that, so I suppose it's to be expected. Regardless of your attempts at slander, there are 4 things you need to consider. 1 - you signed the agreement stating you would pay for it, and that the terms were reasonable. 2 - you still have their merchandise and have openly stated you would not pay for it. 3 - you refuse to take the first step by admitting to yourself that you jumped in before looking. You did not evaluate your situation and signed the agreement just because your son wanted the system. 4 - you refuse to just be an adult about it and simply say, "you're right, I should return it", "you're right, I'll pay for it", or "you're right, I'll call the manager to make arrangements". All four show a lack of integrity - the exact reasons why they're now "hassling" you. Those are why.

I learned many years ago, back when I was 15 or so, that 90% of humanity doesn't like to hear the truth, because they failed to see it. I guess you're in the same category, so all you can do is attempt personal insults. That's fine - I remember in junior high when kids used to do that, so I suppose it's to be expected. Regardless of your attempts at slander, there are 4 things you need to consider. 1 - you signed the agreement stating you would pay for it, and that the terms were reasonable. 2 - you still have their merchandise and have openly stated you would not pay for it. 3 - you refuse to take the first step by admitting to yourself that you jumped in before looking. You did not evaluate your situation and signed the agreement just because your son wanted the system. 4 - you refuse to just be an adult about it and simply say, "you're right, I should return it", "you're right, I'll pay for it", or "you're right, I'll call the manager to make arrangements". All four show a lack of integrity - the exact reasons why they're now "hassling" you. Those are why.

I learned many years ago, back when I was 15 or so, that 90% of humanity doesn't like to hear the truth, because they failed to see it. I guess you're in the same category, so all you can do is attempt personal insults. That's fine - I remember in junior high when kids used to do that, so I suppose it's to be expected. Regardless of your attempts at slander, there are 4 things you need to consider. 1 - you signed the agreement stating you would pay for it, and that the terms were reasonable. 2 - you still have their merchandise and have openly stated you would not pay for it. 3 - you refuse to take the first step by admitting to yourself that you jumped in before looking. You did not evaluate your situation and signed the agreement just because your son wanted the system. 4 - you refuse to just be an adult about it and simply say, "you're right, I should return it", "you're right, I'll pay for it", or "you're right, I'll call the manager to make arrangements". All four show a lack of integrity - the exact reasons why they're now "hassling" you. Those are why.

Mr. Marcus From the amount of responses I am getting from you, you seem to be lonely.. Perhaps you might want to try chat im lonely or something and not a consumer web site... Your opionion on how I feel about Rent a Center is like the old saying..Opinions are like ---holes everyone has one. Also I really dont think that I need someone who missed his Dr. Phil calling to comment on any aspect of my life he knows nothing about.. Perhaps with the time on your hands you can go back to school and actually get that physcology degree. Now its been interesting to say the least.. NO RESPONSE NEEDED.. Have a great weekend go to the zoo or something. P.S. Do you own Rent a Center? Because my comment was not a personal attack towards you. Ms. Linda Monessen, Pa.

I used to be a "collection Specialist" for Rent-A-Center about 6 years ago in the Ft. Lauderdale Florida area. On your Rental Agreement IF you took the time to read it and not just signed and Initialed like they try to get you to do you would have seen the total amout of the product as well as the total after making your payments. Also the fact that it says in this contract that if your late the actions that the company can do to get restitution for payment or product. I am not saying they did was right with calling your work and all the fact of the matter is when they call you at work and tell them that they are NOT ALLOWED to call your work anymore they should not because this is illegal AFTER the request is made. Now it is your word against the collector's on the phone that you said this, so I would also suggest sending them a Certified letter telling them that they are on notice not to call your place of Employment. Another thing you said was that you were not paying another red cent for this product to them, They do have the right to go to the local court's and file for whats called a "Writ or Replevin" of the merchandise and what this allows them to do is to take a local Police Officer or Sherrif and a lock smith and enter your house to repo the merchandise if your there or not, this is usually something they will do as a last resort and ONLY if the merchandise is still worth re-renting and them making the money back to cover this cost wich could be several hundred dollars so in alot od cases they will not do that and just continue the collection activities towards you. NOW keep in mind the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act ( FDCPA ) is a government mandated way to try and collect from someone who has not paid a debt and is in effect on MOST collections activities, BUT Rent-A-Center as well as other Rent-To-Own companies do not fall under this mandate but willingly adhear to it's Rules and Regulations. I hope you understand I am not backing up YOU or the Company just throeing my 2 Cents in. Good Luck

Linda said she kept the unit because she had "already put in so much money" to rent it. Realize this money is gone, no matter what you do. All it got you is use of the unit for a time, and an OPTION to buy it for the remaining payments. If the remaining payments total more than the price to buy it elsewhere, it makes no sense to exercise that option. Return the unit before you waste any more money on it. You could try negotiating with the manager for a lower buy out price, if you can pay a lump sum that is less than the price elsewhere. It may work or it may not. He's not going to like you to return the unit though, since then he wouldn't get any more money from you. Video game machines can be rented from video stores also. If you only need one for a few days, that is going to be a better deal. No matter if you rent first, then buy, or buy on credit, it always costs more to get something first and pay later. Often a lot more. Don't let your son's birthdays catch you by suprise. If you want/need to buy expensive gifts, save up money first. Trying to impress someone with a gift that you can barely afford is a costly proposition-- financially and emotionally. As for the "ruthless" collections, the company is definitely not taking the moral high ground, but in business of any kind that isn't a concern. They didn't loan her a lot of money, just a $179.00 game player, which she has paid for several times over. Still they do have the legal right to continue demanding more money or the player back. In part, they do this to cover losses from people who didn't pay much at all. That's another reason not to use a rent to own store, if you're an honest customer they have to rip you off in order to break even.

let's say it's just about the 'collection tactics'. What do you expect them to do? If you loaned someone $400, and told them that you expected to be paid back within 2 months a total of $450, and they either paid you part or none, wouldn't you try to contact them? Wouldn't you try to get money back? The word here is DILIGENCE. I'll say it again. Prices are clearly posted near the item. You agree to the terms when you sign up for the item. You agree to the payment arrangement. You really can't complain now that they are trying to collect on what's rightfully theirs. It's your responsibility to make timely payments. If you don't, don't complain when they try to collect from you. If you can't afford the terms, or the price, or you're not sure if you'll have the money at any time, don't rent. It's that simple. Save your money, go buy an Xbox at Gamestop. If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. If your paycheck comes after his birthday, get him something cheaper...like a game...on his birthday, and then buy him the Xbox when you're capable. It's called budgeting.

Reread my report..I do believe my complaint was the collection tactics they used when I was late with a payment. I bought my son a play station II for his birthday the year from Wal Mart. I am quite aware of prices sir. I am a single parent of 2 and his birthday fell before my pay date. I intended to return the x box to rent a center and go to wal mart. But once you throw money away like that you get caught up. And rent a center is hard up for business recently the sent me a voucher for 450.00 towards the same item. I will never be a customer of theirs again. And finally dont you have anything better to do with your time.

As a renter of Rent-A Center, all I can say is this. You knew an Xbox would run you $179 retail. The price that Rent-A-Center charges you is clearly posted in the store as being almost 3X what it's worth, not to mention the fact that it's used. Why would you then buy it from Rent-A-Center, and then complain when you are paying the price that they quoted you? For the same money you invested in this, you could have saved for that Xbox, had your son wait just a month or two, and went and bought one used at GameStop for about $140-$150. My point? That being...you really don't have a valid argument here. The price is clearly posted. It tells you how much -THEY- charge for the item, as well as how much you pay above and beyond that price, and a total. Even if the contract was confusing (which it is), the price posted isn't. It's very easy to understand. You really can't complain about the payment term or price, because it was quoted to you. If you didn't take the time to shop around for a better deal, honestly that's your bad. Target, KMart, BestBuy, Circuit City, Wal-Mart...all of these stores carry Xbox machines for their actual retail price. The only thing I can advise? Next time, shop around. Do some research first. If you're not in the know about a certain item, use the Internet to find out your options. A quick search on Google will tell you everything you need to know.