Overview: How Sears Layaway Works

Nov

12

2009

 

Any questions? leave a comment or check out Sears.com/layaway

Layaway Fast Facts

• A Layaway contract is 8 weeks (except for fine jewelry which is 26 or 52 weeks)
• The Initiation Fee on all new Layaway contracts is $5*
• $15 or 20% down payment (whichever is greater) is collected when merchandise is put into
Layaway
• The Cancellation Fee is $10*
• Bi-weekly (every two weeks) payments are required
• Sears Layaway Program is available in Sears Full Line, Sears Hardware, Sears Grands,
Sears Essential Stores, Sears.com (not available in Automotive, Outlet Stores)
• Layaway merchandise will be returned to stock seven (7) days after a missed payment*

Unauthorized Merchandise

The following merchandise cannot be put in Layaway:
• Clearance Merchandise
• Home Appliances
• Automotive Merchandise
• Consumables
• Doorbusters/Early Open Specials
• Licensed Business (i.e. Optical, hearing aids, etc.)
• Gift Cards
• Beer and wine
• Flammable products and fuel
• Food and other perishable merchandise
• Live plants and horticulture
• Oil and chemical based products
• Photo Finishing and Portrait Studio pictures
• Chemicals
• Gas additives
• Magazines
• Paint thinner
• Pool chemicals
• Cellular phones and beepers

Layaway Transactions Rules

• You can use one or any combination of these acceptable payment options:
o In store: Cash, Check, Debit Card, Sears Cash Card, coupons or EBT Cash
(Note: EBT food stamps are not allowed)
o In store and online: credit card (Sears Card, Sears MasterCard, Visa,
MasterCard, Discover, American Express), Sears Gift Card, PayPal.
• New Layaway contracts cannot be created if you have other delinquent Layaways
contracts
• No partial takeouts or partial cancellations are permitted
• Except where prohibited by law, there will be no price adjustments after 30 days from the
date you start your layaway. Multiple price adjustments on the same items are not permitted.
Price adjustments are not allowed on clearance merchandise.
• Person initiating Layaway must be the same person finalizing Layaway. A picture ID is
required for all new Layaways, pickups and refunds.
• If you make a payment that is less than the minimum amount due; your payment due
date is not advanced to the next biweekly cycle. You are still obligated to fulfill the rest of
the current payment balance before the system will advance your next payment due date

Additional provisions for online layaway customers

• The merchandise must be available at the local store for pick up in order to be placed on
Layaway. Look for merchandise with the Layaway icon to determine eligibility
• Access layaway contract management functionality through www.sears.com/layaway or
click on your Open Orders in the Order Center portion of your Profile
• Contract cancellations are not allowed online
• Layaway contracts must be picked up in store where merchandise is being held within 25
days after the final payment is made
• Price adjustments cannot be facilitated online

Tips for Holiday Shopping

Nov

06

2009

This holiday, things will be a bit tight for my family; as I’m sure it will be for many families across the country. Anything I can do to make my dollars stretch, even just a little bit, will help tremendously.

Between my husband and I, we have about 25 people to buy for this year with a $750 budget. We have one daughter, seven parents, seven grandparents, seven younger siblings, and six nieces and nephews – so it’s going to take a lot of hard work and creativity.

Over the next 6-8 weeks, I’ll write about my holiday shopping journey. Hopefully, we can work together to take control of our budgets and make our dollars work harder and smarter for us. Feel free to share what you have learned over the years. We're all in this together!

 

Below are a few tips that I will be implementing into my holiday shopping routine.

 

1. Set a Budget – This is a must! I have found that if I don’t formally decide on a budget (and put it in writing), I could spend up to 2-3 times what I had unofficially intended. And, this year isn’t a good year to get off track.
2. Make a Holiday List – We don’t realize just how many special people we have in our lives until we pull out the pile of presents from the closet and start wrapping. Be careful. This could throw off our budget! Take control by deciding from the start when it’s appropriate to provide a group gift or shop just for kids.
3. Don’t Forget About Those Gifts You Bought on Sale – In January! – If you are like me, you buy things when they are on clearance and put them away for future use. This could save you money or it could cost you. Most of the time, I find that I have way too many gifts for the number of people I have to buy for, because I bought things just because they were on sale. If you do this, just be sure to add the items you already purchased to your budget document/holiday list to help you pair up those great bargains with a loved one.
4. Buy Popular Items Now – Yes, I love sales, too, but popular items will sell out quickly, so get them while you can. If you don’t want a repeat of the Cabbage Patch dilemma of the 80s, purchase those special gifts now. If you aren’t able to purchase, see if your item qualifies for Layaway. For a small fee, you put your items aside and pay a little each week until you pay it off. Check out Sears’ new Online Layaway program for added convenience.
5. Get a Christmas Club Card –Purchase a Christmas Club Card online at Sears.com or Kmart.com. It is quick and easy, and you can earn a 3 percent reward just for purchasing. 

SHC-MichelleH is a new Sears Holdings associate writing about her experiences utilizing Sears.com.

How Sears Online Layaway works

Nov

04

2009

Planning to use new Online Layaway? Read the below FAQs and visit Sears.com/layaway to find out how it works. Or comment on this post, and we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Online Layaway FAQ

Q What is Layaway? A Layaway is a service that allows you to reserve items today, and pay for the item over a specified period of time. Once completely paid off, you can take the item home.

Q How do I put items on Layaway? A Shop Sears.com and choose the item you wish to purchase. During your shopping experience, you will be notified if the chosen item is eligible for Layaway. At checkout, you will have the opportunity to purchase your items today and or start a Layaway contract. Our easy to use website will take you step by step through the Layaway process.

Q. Is there a fee to start a Layaway order? A Yes, there is a non refundable fee for each Layaway contract. The fee ranges from $1- $5 based on certain state laws.

Q. What form of payment is accepted for my Layaway purchases? A. You can use any form of payment that is currently accepted on our online site.

Q. How long is a Layaway contract? A. For most items, Layaway contracts are 8 weeks long. For certain items (i.e. Jewelry) the contract could be 26 weeks or 52 weeks. These contract lengths are determined by the cost of an item. At time of Layaway order, you contract will expressly state the length of the contract.

Q. Do I need to make regularly scheduled payments? A. Yes, payments every two weeks are required for each Layaway contract.

Q. How do I make payments every two weeks? A. You have the option of either making your payment online at Sears.com/layaway or by visiting the Sears store in which the merchandise is being held. You can make payments at any register.

Q. How do I receive my merchandise after I have made my final payment? A. After final payment is received, you can pick up your merchandise at the Sears store in which your merchandise was reserved. Please reference your Layaway contract for store location.

Q. Can I cancel my Layaway order? A. Yes, customers can cancel their Layaway contract at anytime. However, all cancellations must be done in person at the store location in which the merchandise is being held. Additionally, partial cancellations are not allowed.

Q. Is there a fee for canceling my order? A. Yes, a non refundable fee will be charged for canceled orders. The fee varies by state, but will not be more than $10.

Q. Can I access my payment and purchase information online? A. You can view and manage all of your account information online 24-7. Simply login at Sears.com/layaway.

Online Layaway at Sears.com

Oct

14

2009

 

You asked, Sears listened!  Sears is now offering online layaway to make shopping as convenient as possible.  What a way to make your holiday shopping that much easier! Click here for more information on the online Layaway program.

To use online layway, shop for your item on Sears.com.  You will be able to place the item on hold and make your weekly payments through Sears.com.  When the payment is complete, just visit your local store for pick up! 

This program, along with the Christmas Card, provides customers the flexibility to shop any way they prefer, whether in store, or from the comfort of your own home! 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Shop Your Way

Oct

05

2009

What’s the mark of a superior shopping experience? Is it great customer service from knowledgeable sales people? How about a store with a large selection and a convenient location?  If both are important to you, you’re in luck, because Sears Hometown Stores want you to “Shop Your Way.”  It’s a philosophy where shopping revolves around you 24/7.

 

The in-store experience that you have come to expect in a Sears Hometown Store is even better because it has been integrated with the on-line convenience of sears.com. You can now research and compare products on-line at home on your computer or on-the-go with your mobile phone.  And when you’re ready to buy, your local Hometown Store will have your merchandise ready for pick-up.

 

You will still be able to rely on the personalized customer service in a Sears Hometown Store, and if a product is not carried in-store, your sales person can help you find what you need among the thousands of items sears.com. You can even have it shipped to your home.

 

With so many options available, Sears is offering customers a premier shopping experience. If you’re a regular Hometown Stores shopper, make sure to take advantage of these online options.  If you haven’t shopped a Sears Hometown Store in a while, come back and rediscover a store that revolves around you.

 

Please voice your opinion and leave us a comment and please support your locally owned and operated Sears stores.

 

About Me

 

My name is Steve Swank, and I am the Divisional Vice President of Finance for Sears Off-Mall Formats.  My wife, four kids and I recently relocated to Chicago from Texas when I joined Sears over the summer. We are looking forward to experiencing snow and using our new Craftsman snow thrower that we purchased on sears.com.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – $100 Giveaway, Christmas Club Card

Oct

05

2009

We're giving away a $100 Sears Christmas Club Card every day on Twitter October 5th to October 20th!  That's 16 Sears Christmas Club Cards in 16 days!

 

Here’s how to enter (see below) or you can click here: http://bit.ly/Hometown

 

1) Follow @SearsHTS on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SearsHTS

 

2) Send the following Tweet (only one entry per day):

 

Follow @SearsHTS $100 Christmas Club Card giveaway in Oct! #Sears Hometown Stores & HA Showrooms #giveaway: http://bit.ly/Hometown

 

3) Send the same Tweet as above everyday for another chance to enter. Only one entry per day.

 

And, receive special offers from Sears Hometown Stores. (Did we mention you get $10 in welcome coupons from Sears.com for “EMAIL SIGNUP”?).

 

Please learn more about Sears Christmas Club Card savings program. Add value to your card until Nov 14th and we'll give you a 3% reward* bonus for cards activated through Nov 14th.

 

Good Luck!

Sears Hometown Stores

www.SearsHometownStores.com/twitter

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – New Store Openings

Oct

01

2009

This is an exciting time of year for Hometown Stores. Not only are we on the verge of the holiday selling season, but this is when new store openings hit a frenzied pace. Not sure why it happens, but every year we peak around now. If all goes according to plan, we will open an average of two stores a week from here until the end of the year. The challenges abound, but getting stores open on time and under budget is what our New Store Team does best. We know each one is special and unique to the owner and their community and we treat it that way. Despite having been involved with hundreds of store openings, the excitement, the anticipation, the anxiety…and the sound of the register ringing…is still a thrill! (Those who’ve been there know what I’m talking about.)

Working part time at Sears in Brockton, MA during high school, it would have been hard to envision where my career would take me or how the company would evolve. I’ve had the good fortune to work with incredibly talented people and live in some great places (I’ve got to tell you, Chicago is nice, but it doesn’t compare to Newport, RI or Hyannis, MA).  For the last 16 years, I’ve been involved in business development, having worked with Homelife Furniture, The Great Indoors, and Sears Home Appliance Showrooms. But growing Hometown Stores has proved to be the most exciting. With over 200 new stores opened in the last four years…obviously this is a winning format!

One thing that sets this business apart is the way we operate. The organization is lean and empowered. Team members are talented and accountable. We measure results in days- not weeks or months. New ideas are welcomed (actually required) and processes regularly reviewed and amended…change is a constant. All of this allows us to move, adapt and execute fast while ensuring a high degree of quality and consistency. When combined with the energy and enthusiasm of our owners, it doesn’t get any better for people who thrive on this sort of stuff.

 

If you’re able and can spare the time, please support locally owned and operated Sears stores.

About Me

My name is Peter Nero. I am the Director of New Stores for Sears Hometown Stores, LLC. I have two kids and have pretty much worked for Sears forever.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com \

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

  

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Take a Little Raford with You

Sep

30

2009

Most people will read this title and think to themselves, what could “take a little Raford with you” possibly mean? To me, it is personal reminder of how important the customer is in retail.  It is easy to get caught up in the daily activities or running a retail store or working for a large corporation and forget about the most important asset that any retailer has.  It is not the inventory, the store location, the land or even the brand image, it is the customer.

 

On my first trip to Northern California with my wife some years ago, we were stumbling through the Russian River valley with no real plan.  It was a fly by the seat of your pants vacation, no plans, we will figure out as we go along.   Looking for a place to stay one night, we stumbled upon a bed & breakfast with a couple of palm tress in the front yard and I said “we have to go in here”.

 

Well, needless to say,   that was my first Raford House experience and now I cannot go to California without a stay there.  The inn is always neatly kept and clean, not fancy, but not shabby by any means.   The difference that this inn has over any other in the area is the innkeepers, Rita and Dane.  Both go out of their way to make sure every guest in their home is comfortable.  They make you feel as though you are one of the family and not simply a patron who is paying to stay there.

In the morning, Rita makes one of the best breakfasts that you will have and Dane is always there to greet the guests and to talk about what plans they may have for the day before he heads off to work.   He makes sure everyone has directions to where they are going and points out the best place to stop for lunch, wine or if you want to canoe on the Russian River.  The thing that stands out the most to me is this: Before Dane leaves and the guests head out on their daily adventures, Dane gathers Rita in front of the fireplace, thanks everyone for spending part of their vacation with them, wishes everyone a great day full of fun and exploration, and for those who have to leave and go home to make sure and “take a little Raford with you” wherever you go.

 

All departing guests are given a special gift when they leave. It is not a 10% off coupon for your next stay or a bottle of wine; it is a large bear hug from Dane.  Many people have probably read Jack Mitchell’s book, “Hug Your Customer”.  I would venture to say that Dane has not read Jack’s book nor did he go to business school to learn the theories of customer satisfaction and the best methods for customer retention.   It is the simply the theory of making a personal connection with every customer and making them feel special.  It is as simple as thanking every customer who decides to walk through your door, even if they are not buying, and make them feel as though they are the most important asset that you have. Help all of your customers “take a little Raford with them” as they leave your store.

 

I would like to hear about a customer service experience that was above and beyond what you expected.  Please reply to this blog post and let me know about your experience

About Me

 

My name is Jon Phillips. I am the Director of Field Business Development for the Sears Hometown Stores. I look forward to hearing about your great customer service experiences.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

    

Creative ways to cut back-to-school expenses

Aug

11

2009

The Kalamazoo News ran an interesting article on creative ways to afford all of your back-to-school expenses. Look at #7!! Layaway is a great way to help you pay for all of your back-to-school purchases.

Story here: http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/08/being_creative_can_cut_backtos.html

Sears Layaway: How it works

Jul

23

2009

LAYAWAY FAST FACTS:

• A Layaway contract is 8 weeks.
• Bi-weekly (every two weeks) payments are required (25% of original balance due).
• Sears Layaway Program is available in Sears Full Line, Sears Hardware, Sears Grand, and Sears Essential Stores (not available in Automotive, Outlet Stores, or on Sears.com).

Exclusions are listed below as "Unauthorized Merchandise."

• Does not affect existing Fine Jewelry Layaway program (6/12 months).
• The Non-Refundable Service Fee on all new Layaway contracts is $5, except in Maryland, which is $1.
• The Cancellation Fee on all Layaways is $10.
• Down Payment is a minimum of $15 or 20% (whichever is greater).
• The Down Payment is collected when merchandise is put into Layaway.

UNAUTHORIZED MERCHANDISE

The following merchandise cannot be put on Layaway:

• Clearance Merchandise
• Home Appliances
• Automotive Merchandise
• Consumables
• Doorbusters or Early Open Specials
• Licensed Business (i.e., Optical, Hearing Aids, etc.)
• Gift Cards
• Beer and wine
• Flammable products and fuel
• Food and other perishable merchandise
• Live plants and horticulture
• Oil and chemical-based products
• Photo Finishing and Portrait Studio pictures
• Chemicals
• Gas additives
• Magazines
• Paint thinner
• Pool chemicals
• Cellular phones and beepers

LAYAWAY TRANSACTION RULES:

• Down payment and bi-weekly payments must be in cash, but final payment can be one or any combination of these acceptable payment options: cash, check, credit card (Sears Card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), debit card, Sears Gift Card, Sears Cash Card, coupons or EBT Cash (Note: EBT food stamps are not allowed).
• No partial pickups or partial cancellations of merchandise are allowed.
• Person initiating Layaway must be the same person finalizing Layaway. A picture ID is required for all new Layaways, pickups and refunds.
• Customers can receive only one price adjustment on advertised items within 30 days of the initial Layaway date.