I KNOW Rent-A-Center is going to rape me on interest

[Mortis]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

[Hadassah]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?


I haven't, but I know someone who did and the answer is yes.

[Wookinstien]

I got some nice stuff from there but remember the Rental battle cry.


BOHICA!!!



STANDS FOR BEND OVER HERE IT COMES AGAIN....

[Mortis]

Cool

I'm thinking of just knuckling under and paying a bit to be comfortable

[Mortis]

I got some nice stuff from there but remember the Rental battle cry.


BOHICA!!!



STANDS FOR BEND OVER HERE IT COMES AGAIN....

Yeah, I hear ya......

But it's the "have nothing and sleep on a futon mattress on the floor"

or

"spend some and be comfortable and actually be able to invite people over"

[WorldWatcher]

Cool

I'm thinking of just knuckling under and paying a bit to be comfortable


Comfortable or stylish?


In the early 80's after coming back from overseas and setting up my first apartment, I saved a bunch of money by hitting yard sales and buying from the "For Sale" section of the newspaper.



>>>>

[Sallow]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

One word.

IKEA.

[chichimama]

I did Rent a Center for a while. Yea, you will get raped. But I thought the quality of furniture was pretty good.

[Sallow]

Comfortable or stylish?


In the early 80's after coming back from overseas and setting up my first apartment, I saved a bunch of money by hitting yard sales and buying from the "For Sale" section of the newspaper.



>>>>

Also a great idea.

And Ebay.

[chichimama]

Comfortable or stylish?


In the early 80's after coming back from overseas and setting up my first apartment, I saved a bunch of money by hitting yard sales and buying from the "For Sale" section of the newspaper.



>>>>

Best prices on electronics - the sale at the Navy barracks when the kids realize they can't take their TVs, stereos and surround sound systems to the ship with them. :))

[Hadassah]

One word.

IKEA.


OK, why IKEA?

[Citizen]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

Man I would think that through. Usually they're less-than average quality-wise and that interest rate will be far more than a raping. It will be outright Jeffrey Dalhmer like.

[Mortis]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

[WorldWatcher]

Best prices on electronics - the sale at the Navy barracks when the kids realize they can't take their TVs, stereos and surround sound systems to the ship with them. :))


Well that's true - but actually I was talking about furniture. :mrgreen:


I was assuming we were talking about tables, chairs, beds, etc...

My family unpacked a bunch of "other stuff" (Dishes, Silverware, Glasses, Cups, Linens, etc...) from the basement that my Mom had put away while I was stationed in Japan.


>>>>

[chichimama]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Air matress on the floor and turkey hotdogs. Been there, done that.

Be patient Morty. Be patient. In the meantime, see if there's a local church or charity organization that can loan you some furniture. Also look into volunteering at the food bank. Some of them re-pay you by letting you take a bag of groceries home.

[Citizen]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Well bro, I've been there. A man has to do what a man has to do, until he can do even better. I'd try to find the heaviest couch they had--none of that flimsy ****.

[Sallow]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Oh stop whining...;)

Seriously..don't rent furniture.

Go to Ikea..yard sales and Ebay.

Little patience..grasshopper.

[bella-day]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Mort,
I worked for one of these outfits a very long time ago (pre-college). They don't discuss interest and there's a reason for it...you would get a better deal from a loan shark.

The outfit I worked for had a contract that went on for pages and pages. Most people never bothered to read it of course. Within the contract was a statement giving the right for the repo people to enter your home by any means whether you were home or not, in order to repo the furniture/electronics/whatever.

You would come out better going to rooms to go. They have a deal where you will not be charged any interest for a couple of years.

Or...hit the garage sells in some of the better neighborhoods.

Given what I learned of the rent-to-own business during my short "career" with them...I would avoid them at all cost.

I quit that job for a lower paying one because the job made me feel like a con artist. So for my own peace of mind and self respect I quit.

[Stuball]

OK, why IKEA?
Inexpensive and stylish if you dont mind putting stuff together yourself

[WorldWatcher]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....


Oh - I understood.

What's the interest rate and what's the term?

Would you care to share a ball-park figure of how much you're talking? ($1000, $5000, $10,000)

Do the benefits of "gotta have it now" now really outweigh the benefits of "slow and steady" acquisition?



Do you have any options for any type of load at a more reasonable rate?


>>>>

[Mortis]

The rate is harsh.

If I buy about $2,000 it'll run me $3,000 + to pay off.

[jeepers]

OK, why IKEA?

It's super cheap.

[bella-day]

Inexpensive and stylish if you dont mind putting stuff together yourself

Curiosity got the best of me. I had to google the name.

They do have some very cool looking stuff at a great price.

[Stuball]

Curiosity got the best of me. I had to google the name.

They do have some very cool looking stuff at a great price.
I have the Halm Bed I love it

[Hadassah]

I'm gonna check out IKEA myself. And Rooms to Go.

[VRWCbabe]

I agree with IKEA. I have IKEA tables and they're practically indestructible, and they still look great - important considerations for a person with a toddler.

[bella-day]

I have the Halm Bed I love it

I notice they have platform beds. Those things are hard to find.

A friend of mine has been in search of one for months now.

She will get this link.

[bella-day]

I'm gonna check out IKEA myself. And Rooms to Go.

Rooms to Go is a great place for those of us with decorating deficiencies.

Everything is color/pattern coordinated. You literally can buy the entire room.

I haven't purchased anything from them. But one of my stepsons and his wife bought a living room from them a couple of weeks ago.

It's a beautiful room.

[Dreamy]

Oh stop whining...;)

Seriously..don't rent furniture.

Go to Ikea..yard sales and Ebay.

Little patience..grasshopper.

I agree Sallow. Why incur a debt and an obligation if there is a better way. Mortis,you are trying to start over,regroup,give it time. It will give you a temp "feel good" feeling to acquire a piece of furniture until the monthly/weekling bill comes in like clockwork.

[jeepers]

The rate is harsh.

If I buy about $2,000 it'll run me $3,000 + to pay off.


I'd wait. No way would I pay interest like that. Do you know how to do 'side work'? Odd jobs? Things that you can do on the side to make some extra cash? Got a service to offer on craig's list?

Get some cash and hit some garage sales, church basement sales, Ebay, even craig's list. Check that last one out first. I know I was looking at it when we were talking about getting a piano for our daughter and saw a lot of things being given for free because someone was moving. Sort of like 'you can have it if you come over here and get it. I'm dumping it because i'm moving out of state for a new job" sort of thing. Some of it looked like total dreck, but I did see a few decent pieces.

I'd focus on the true basics. A table and chair set to eat at. A couch or overstuffed chair to sit in. An end table with a lamp. Btw, let your friends know that you're interested in hand me downs and you might get some spontaneous offers for upohlstered furniture. A lot of thrift stores will not take this sort of thing anymore unless it's totally pristine. When we moved, I had a chair with an ottoman in perfect condition, but it was a little dusty. NOT dirty. No spots, no tears, no wear.

NO ONE would take it! As soon as I said, "I'd clean it first" (I didn't have time to do this.) they told me that they had no one to do it. We're not talking visible dirt here folks. Not one thrift agency would pick it up. I was stunned. So my husband put the word out with his 'men friends' and eventually some guy got it and loved it. It was a perfect 'man chair' if ykwim.

But no one is going to do this if you don't let them know.

[bella-day]

You may want to check Overstock.com too.

They have some really nice pieces of furniture for good prices.

I've never ordered furniture from them but have made many purchases (jewelry I have a weakness for shiny things) and have never been disappointed.

They even have comments posted from people that have purchased various items. The comments are very honest. They post the good ones and the bad ones.

[Stuball]

I notice they have platform beds. Those things are hard to find.

A friend of mine has been in search of one for months now.

She will get this link.
Halm is a platform bed and we went for King size .we need room for 3 cats one big mutt.............................................. ..........and us

[PeterGriffin]

IKEA and used and a little patience would be my advice. I still hit up IKEA for a lot of stuff like lighting and kitchen stuff and knick knacks. The directions will drive you nuts on the more involved pieces, but it's still worth it. IKEA has decent stuff with great design and very affordable.

This is a joke, but this picture captures perfectly what the instructions would look like if IKEA ever built a computer:

http://www.weltfrauschaft.de/blog/wp-images/ikea_computer.gif

I've been buying some things from Craigslist lately, which seems to work best if you live in a large city and keep checking back. Scored a couple of nice TV's for the extra bedrooms and a Honda lawn mower in great shape for a song.

I think we've all been in your situation at one point or another. When I first moved to LA to start my biz I had a business plan, a futon, and about another 4 months before I was able to get my SBA loan through. For those 4 months I lived in a garage, and not the converted into apartments garages that are so common in LA. I mean I lived in a garage, sleeping next to a damn Buick every night. It sucks a bit but it won't kill you and you'll save a lot of money. I know it's tempting but I'd think real hard about the rental option.

[bella-day]

IKEA and used and a little patience would be my advice. I still hit up IKEA for a lot of stuff like lighting and kitchen stuff and knick knacks. The directions will drive you nuts on the more involved pieces, but it's still worth it. IKEA has decent stuff with great design and very affordable.

This is a joke, but this picture captures perfectly what the instructions would look like if IKEA ever built a computer:

http://www.weltfrauschaft.de/blog/wp-images/ikea_computer.gif

I've been buying some things from Craigslist lately, which seems to work best if you live in a large city and keep checking back. Scored a couple of nice TV's for the extra bedrooms and a Honda lawn mower in great shape for a song.

I think we've all been in your situation at one point or another. When I first moved to LA to start my biz I had a business plan, a futon, and about another 4 months before I was able to get my SBA loan through. For those 4 months I lived in a garage, and not the converted into apartments garages that are so common in LA. I mean I lived in a garage, sleeping next to a damn Buick every night. It sucks a bit but it won't kill you and you'll save a lot of money. I know it's tempting but I'd think real hard about the rental option.

I can remember a time when a big wood spool (you know the ones that once had electrical line around them), passed for a coffee table.

We had plastic milk cartons that sat on either side of our mattress on the floor that passed for night stands.

Even then, those were very happy days.

[chichimama]

I can remember a time when a big wood spool (you know the ones that once had electrical line around them), passed for a coffee table.

We had plastic milk cartons that sat on either side of our mattress on the floor that passed for night stands.

Even then, those were very happy days.

Hell yea! The wooden spool. I had one. I usually used cardboard boxes covered with old bed sheets for end tables.

[bella-day]

Hell yea! The wooden spool. I had one. I usually used cardboard boxes covered with old bed sheets for end tables.

My Mom took pity on me and made a table cloth for the wooden spool and the plastic milk crates.

I still have the table cloths.

[jeepers]

I can remember a time when a big wood spool (you know the ones that once had electrical line around them), passed for a coffee table.

We had plastic milk cartons that sat on either side of our mattress on the floor that passed for night stands.

Even then, those were very happy days.

Cement bricks and boards make a bookcase.

I was lucky that I got family hand me downs when I needed them early on, but there is a whole lot of 'make do' when you need to.

Lived here without a couch for two years because we dumped a lot of stuff before we moved, and before I could buy what we needed, my husband lost his job. I still have a major furniture deficit, but you'd be surprised what you can do without when you have to.

There is what you need and what you would like to have and those are two very distinct things.

[chip]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

Mortis where you live? Im in the furniture biz and may know someone in your area that can help you save some green.

DO NOT USE RAC.

[AvgGuyIA]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

If you're that hard up, don't waste your money renting furniture you'll have to give back someday. Go to a Salvation Army/Goodwill store. They have furniture that's not in too bad shape, but it won't be as nice as Rent-a-Center quality. Then slowly save your money and buy nicer pieces to build your furniture collection.

[bella-day]

Cement bricks and boards make a bookcase.

I was lucky that I got family hand me downs when I needed them early on, but there is a whole lot of 'make do' when you need to.

Lived here without a couch for two years because we dumped a lot of stuff before we moved, and before I could buy what we needed, my husband lost his job. I still have a major furniture deficit, but you'd be surprised what you can do without when you have to.

There is what you need and what you would like to have and those are two very distinct things.

Isn't it the truth.

We also had a bookcase/entertainment center like yours.

After Katrina I learned tons about the difference between need and want.

I will never forget how good that blow up mattress on my own concrete floor felt.

There's no place like home.

[Mortis]

Mortis where you live? Im in the furniture biz and may know someone in your area that can help you save some green.

DO NOT USE RAC.

Chip, I'm moving to Rhode Island.

And I have crap credit

[Pudge]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

I would advise against it.

By the time you finish paying out of your rear end on a rental you could have bought the furniture over and over again.

They kill you with interest, and in the contract it says that if you default they can break into your house to retrieve the stuff.

Bite the bullet, look around for some good secondhand stuff, and save your money, then upgrade when you can afford it.

[jeepers]

IKEA and used and a little patience would be my advice. I still hit up IKEA for a lot of stuff like lighting and kitchen stuff and knick knacks. The directions will drive you nuts on the more involved pieces, but it's still worth it. IKEA has decent stuff with great design and very affordable.

This is a joke, but this picture captures perfectly what the instructions would look like if IKEA ever built a computer:

http://www.weltfrauschaft.de/blog/wp-images/ikea_computer.gif

LMAO! That's really not a joke. :lol:

IKEA is a great place for 'stuff'. Five bucks for a light that you mount on the wall. Three bucks for a set of plastic cutting boards. I could spend hours poking around in that place. It is also absolutely the best place for people to get bang for their buck if they're just starting out.

[Pudge]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Pish. That's part of growing up. I have fond memories of buying a bed at a thrift store, trucking around to yard sales looking for things. It's fun. I couldn't imagine coming home to a bunch of stuff that wasn't mine.

And hell, do you know how many different ways I can prepare ramen?

Just one.

And I lived on that stuff for years.

Don't start out living beyond your means, it's not worth the hazards you risk.

[chichimama]

Big Lots is great for inexpensive stuff, too.

[Pudge]

Chip, I'm moving to Rhode Island.

And I have crap credit

Having poor credit will only make any deal you sign even worse. RAC just got their asses handed to them in a lawsuit in NJ... I don't have a link but it's recent and it should show up in a Google search.

RI's not that bad, not as expensive as CT or MA are to live in.

[bella-day]

Pish. That's part of growing up. I have fond memories of buying a bed at a thrift store, trucking around to yard sales looking for things. It's fun. I couldn't imagine coming home to a bunch of stuff that wasn't mine.

And hell, do you know how many different ways I can prepare ramen?

Just one.

And I lived on that stuff for years.

Don't start out living beyond your means, it's not worth the hazards you risk.

Hey ramen can be fantastic!

Add a little green onion, along with some chopped meat and pretend it's lo mein.

Did I spell that right?

You can find some of the coolest stuff at garage sales and flea markets.

[jeepers]

Isn't it the truth.

We also had a bookcase/entertainment center like yours.

After Katrina I learned tons about the difference between need and want.

I will never forget how good that blow up mattress on my own concrete floor felt.

There's no place like home.


No kidding! I know that I've gone through it in my own comparably small way but I would imagine after a disaster like that, it's all about a clean space to live in and a soft place to lay your head. Hot water and soap in a shower. A warm meal. Puts things into dramatic perspective.

Step by step, piece by piece. Meanwhile, life goes on.

[bella-day]

Big Lots is great for inexpensive stuff, too.

Oh yes!

I have knick knacks that I purchased at Big Lots. Beautiful pottery and such.

Can't beat them for cheap dinner ware, kitchen gadgets, and such.

The one we have here in town even carries cherry wood furniture.

[countmein]

When I was first starting out, I had a small livingroom in my apartment. Furniture consisted of a hard park bench, a director's chair, and a 13" B&W TV on milk crates. As a matter of fact, the bathroom sink was IN THE LIVINGROOM. Thankfully, my dad, a cabinetmaker, built me a screen to partician off the bath area. I loved that apartment.

[Dreamy]

Mortis,found this looking around:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=rentacenter

[Jesso]

Don't waste your money renting furniture.

Listen to me and everyone else and go with Ikea or something like that /second hand.

My ex has most of our old furniture, so I'm gonna be in the same boat soon. I'm hitting flea markets, finding cute cheap basic pieces (end tables, etc) and redoing them myself.

[jeepers]

Hey ramen can be fantastic!

Add a little green onion, along with some chopped meat and pretend it's lo mein.

Did I spell that right?

You can find some of the coolest stuff at garage sales and flea markets.


Ramen: When you throw in the noodles and flavour packet, throw in a whipped egg. Egg drop soup. If ya want to get fancy, a rinsed can of shrimp, too. LOL

[Pudge]

LMAO! That's really not a joke. :lol:

IKEA is a great place for 'stuff'. Five bucks for a light that you mount on the wall. Three bucks for a set of plastic cutting boards. I could spend hours poking around in that place. It is also absolutely the best place for people to get bang for their buck if they're just starting out.

Also, for domestics, put your manhood aside and go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I never knew there were so many different styles of soapdish.

[chichimama]

Oh yes!

I have knick knacks that I purchased at Big Lots. Beautiful pottery and such.

Can't beat them for cheap dinner ware, kitchen gadgets, and such.

The one we have here in town even carries cherry wood furniture.

I love their pottery and candles. I bought a 63" wind chime set for $20 at Big Lots. It sounds like church bells - so pretty.

[chip]

Chip, I'm moving to Rhode Island.

And I have crap credit

Geez Rhode Island. Too far North East.

The stuff at RAC isnt worth what your gonna pay for it plain and simple. You would be much better off catching a sympathetic ear at a garage sale or yard sale.

I know it sucks not having something to sit on but not as much as its gonna suck forking over your hard earned cash for an overpriced piece of furniture that youre not gonna be happy with anyway.

[bella-day]

No kidding! I know that I've gone through it in my own comparably small way but I would imagine after a disaster like that, it's all about a clean space to live in and a soft place to lay your head. Hot water and soap in a shower. A warm meal. Puts things into dramatic perspective.

Step by step, piece by piece. Meanwhile, life goes on.

That it does.

I will never forget my first hot meal. It was 2 weeks after the storm. The company I contract for started feeding people so they would show up to work.

Never did I think a hamburger patty, corn, and green beans could taste so good.

When we moved back in here we didn't even have cabinets in the kitchen. We managed to mount our kitchen sink on top of a piece of plywood.

It worked!

[bella-day]

Mortis,found this looking around:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/searchresults.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=rentacenter


Those places are like vultures.

The outfit I worked for years ago loved it when people were late with the payments.

The $25 a day late fee was where they made the biggest profit and if they could repo...what the heck...just rent it again as if it was new.

[Pudge]

Hey ramen can be fantastic!

Add a little green onion, along with some chopped meat and pretend it's lo mein.

Did I spell that right?

You can find some of the coolest stuff at garage sales and flea markets.

I love ramen, I just can't eat it much anymore. When you have something every day for 3 years you just reach your limit. I used to add in some stir-fried frozen broccoli florets and chicken (usually thighs because you could get a big 4-lb. pack on the cheap for like 3 bucks)

Where I lived, there was a Salvation Army dropoff in the parking lot next to our house. We would find things that were too big to fit in the bins- tables and chairs, mattresses, couches, the like. We got permission to 'barter' on those things because they only picked up once or twice a week, so they told us that we could take something if it was outside the bins. Also, we would trade too, and donate stuff that we were replacing if it was still in good condition. Oh, the loot we scored! I got a whole queen-size bed- frame, box spring, and mattress still in the plastic. That bed lasted me 4 years and I had to leave it when I moved to PA.

[Pudge]

Oh, and also, we had those chairs we used to call the "flip-and-****". It folded into three sections and it was a chair when folded, and a mattress when unfolded. You can still get them, I think. I had one of those on tour and it made sleeping in the van or on someone's floor quite manageable.

[jeepers]

That it does.

I will never forget my first hot meal. It was 2 weeks after the storm. The company I contract for started feeding people so they would show up to work.

Never did I think a hamburger patty, corn, and green beans could taste so good.

When we moved back in here we didn't even have cabinets in the kitchen. We managed to mount our kitchen sink on top of a piece of plywood.

It worked!

Seriously, as people, what do we actually NEED? I would LIKE mahagony built-ins, walnut floors and hand-tufted wool oriental carpet under my feet.

What I NEED is a clean floor and socks. LOL

[Ithaca is George's]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

If you have an Ashley showroom near you, I'd recommend checking them out before going with the loan sharks at any of the rental companies.

My wife and I purchased about $5,000 worth of furniture from Ashley during one of their "no payments for 12 months, no interest for 36 months" deals and paid off the balance before the end of the 36 month period. Thank you Ashley for the no interest loan. Granted, they rape you if you go beyond the 36 month period, but if you plan it out, you can save a great deal of money.

The furniture, while not the best, has certainly held up well for us.

[bella-day]

I love ramen, I just can't eat it much anymore. When you have something every day for 3 years you just reach your limit. I used to add in some stir-fried frozen broccoli florets and chicken (usually thighs because you could get a big 4-lb. pack on the cheap for like 3 bucks)

Where I lived, there was a Salvation Army dropoff in the parking lot next to our house. We would find things that were too big to fit in the bins- tables and chairs, mattresses, couches, the like. We got permission to 'barter' on those things because they only picked up once or twice a week, so they told us that we could take something if it was outside the bins. Also, we would trade too, and donate stuff that we were replacing if it was still in good condition. Oh, the loot we scored! I got a whole queen-size bed- frame, box spring, and mattress still in the plastic. That bed lasted me 4 years and I had to leave it when I moved to PA.

We have a GoodWill store here in town.

People donate furniture and people that work for GoodWill refurbish and then sell it at the store.

You can get some really nice stuff there.

Another place here local is the Home of Grace. One of my favorite local charities. It's a rehab for men and women.

They take in used furniture, clean it up, restore it, and then sell it for great prices.

Over the years I've gotten some beautiful pieces of furniture from the store.

Mort maybe surprised and pleasantly so if he checks out places like that.

I had to give up ramen...cholestoral...nasty creature.

[SarahG]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

They will rape you on interest. My boss got some furniture at Big Lots for his family room at a really good price. It's very nice too.

I would consider buying a piece at a time rather than renting from those sharks.

[EnchantedFrog]

Anybody remember the guy a while back who made an entire apartments worth of furniture from free fedex packaging materials?
http://foundersdiary.com/images/fedxtab.jpg

[Pudge]

I think ramen is 50% salt too.

You bring up another point, Bella. I would rather my money go to a charitable place like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Liberty Thrift (we have them in PA, it's a Christian-run thrift store that has some of the most incredible furniture at great prices, and it's used to help all sorts of people- most notably veterans and prisoners trying to turn their lives around). I don't get all snooty about it, but I'd rather my money go there than to predatory, obscene loan sharks like Rent-a-Center.

Seriously Mort, there's way too many options, all of them better than RAC. Keep looking. You'll sleep better on a futon mattress than you will on a bed that's costing you 30% interest.

[bodecea]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?


They are set up outside all the military bases here in San Diego and have a rep of ripping off our young sailors and marines.

[chip]

They are set up outside all the military bases here in San Diego and have a rep of ripping off our young sailors and marines.

Why arent those young sailors and marines buying from NEX?

[Pudge]

Why arent those young sailors and marines buying from NEX?

Rental places usually offer no money down, delayed payments and such. When they kick in along with the interest, though, it's enough to ensure at the very least that you will never really "rent to own".

They have the same scam at music stores. "Buy now and pay nothing till 2008!" but when 2008 arrives you're paying up to 36% interest. A lot of musicians fall for it because it's a good short-term deal, but few bother to pay off the item before the high interest hits.

[bodecea]

Why arent those young sailors and marines buying from NEX?


Some do....but a lot of the young ones are inexperienced on finances and think they are getting a great deal. Unfortunately three businesses flourish outside our bases...bars, rent to own centers, and hock shops.

[FC1(SW) RETIRED]

I feel your pain Mortis.

I am moving soon as well, Down to the Pascagoula/Gulfport area and I don't even have a place yet. I'll be living in a hotel/motel for at least a few weeks. But the Shipyard pay will eventually make up for that. All I have is true essentials, a bed and clothes.

It may sound off the wall but if you can wait, a folding card table can work for a table and you can get a folding chair pretty cheap. For a bed, an Air Mattress works in a pinch. Do yourself a favor and don't go to RAC regardless of your credit. You can pick up things a little at a time. Prioritize what you need and get it one piece at a time if need be. Sure it may take a month or two put you will own it all and not have RAC sucking you dry.

Just my two cents worth. Good luck.

[SarahG]

Anybody remember the guy a while back who made an entire apartments worth of furniture from free fedex packaging materials?
http://foundersdiary.com/images/fedxtab.jpg

I don't remember that but it's kind of weird and different. That table looks like it really wouldn't hold much of anything.

You can get furniture for nearly free if you are willing to do the work like scouting the garage sales. You have to get up pretty early in the morning to get the good stuff though.

[FC1(SW) RETIRED]

Some do....but a lot of the young ones are inexperienced on finances and think they are getting a great deal. Unfortunately three businesses flourish outside our bases...bars, rent to own centers, and hock shops.

Those aren't the only ones. Some businesses thrive on ripping off those kids. In a few places the Military has tried to close them off with limited success.

[chip]

Rental places usually offer no money down, delayed payments and such. When they kick in along with the interest, though, it's enough to ensure at the very least that you will never really "rent to own".

They have the same scam at music stores. "Buy now and pay nothing till 2008!" but when 2008 arrives you're paying up to 36% interest. A lot of musicians fall for it because it's a good short-term deal, but few bother to pay off the item before the high interest hits.

I know how they work, I sell furniture to them both, RAC and the military. :razz:

Not to mention 15 years running a furniture store. Ive always wondered why the military doesnt offer financing to its members, especially since they are making a profit on the product.

[Pudge]

Some do....but a lot of the young ones are inexperienced on finances and think they are getting a great deal. Unfortunately three businesses flourish outside our bases...bars, rent to own centers, and hock shops.

Don't forget strip clubs and porn shops.

[wwrwtw]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?


http://www.mybobs.com/locations/furniture-store-warwick-ri.asp

Mortis....get on Rt2 North...go about a mile and take the exit for Rt 117. Go straight thru the light and this place will be on your right in the plaza...across from TGI Fridays.

[rosiegirl]

Go to yard sales, like the others suggested! :)

[Wookinstien]

Don't forget the first plans I used to get that starter furniture.

1) Salvation Army shops and Goodwill Shops

2) Get a truck and a friend and cruise apartment complexes you will often find people will put couches, matresses, and chairs out besides the dumpsters. Just get a steam cleaner and you are set.

3) The final thing was kind of unique here at work there is a young lady getting her first house and she placed a note up on the bulleting board here stating that if anyone has extra furniture that needs a kind caring and attentive home she would provide it. She is getting some nice responses.

[WorldWatcher]

Chip, I'm moving to Rhode Island.

And I have crap credit


Mortis, thanks for the info earlier.


Now.


Suck it up. Hardship is sharing a room with 48 other guys, one T.V. (no cable), a 2" foram mattress over a storage area about 8" deep. MY GOD MAN THE SMELLS alone after a 4-day liberty in Hong Kong are enough to ruin your nose for life!!!!!!!!!


Especially since you say your credit rating is crap. Hold on tight for a year, pay as you go, beat down the bills, and slowly work on getting your credit rating back up to a decent level. After one year with some effort I will venture to say you will be in much better shape then you would be by going farther into debt and paying high rates of interest. On top of that the sense of pride and accomplishment alone will be worth it.



JMHO of course.


>>>>

[iamredbeard]

You can find some decent stuff at garage sales and at goodwill.

[Gray]

Having another bill every month when you are struggling will send what little quality of life you have down the crapper.

[wwrwtw]

Mortis....pick up a "Reminder". It's a local free paper that people place ads in trying sell stuff. You can find them in convenience stores like Cumberland Farms. There is one not far from your new place down Rt 3

[iamredbeard]

TLC often has shows about how someone picks up junk at a flea market and then makes it look really nice.

There are lots of things that you can do with a limited income if you are creative.

[Gray]

You can find some decent stuff at garage sales and at goodwill.

Those places like the salvation army are best used if you check with them once a week.

I needed a coffee table and after three Saturdays in a row found a nice one for 25$

[iamredbeard]

Those places like the salvation army are best used if you check with them once a week.

I needed a coffee table and after three Saturdays in a row found a nice one for 25$

Thats what I am talking about. ;)

[Gray]

Thats what I am talking about. ;)

The merchandise moves quickly........being patient and checking back often will net a good item at a good price.

Get one item at a time..

[FC1(SW) RETIRED]

Mortis, thanks for the info earlier.


Now.


Suck it up. Hardship is sharing a room with 48 other guys, one T.V. (no cable), a 2" foram mattress over a storage area about 8" deep. MY GOD MAN THE SMELLS alone after a 4-day liberty in Hong Kong are enough to ruin your nose for life!!!!!!!!!


Especially since you say your credit rating is crap. Hold on tight for a year, pay as you go, beat down the bills, and slowly work on getting your credit rating back up to a decent level. After one year with some effort I will venture to say you will be in much better shape then you would be by going farther into debt and paying high rates of interest. On top of that the sense of pride and accomplishment alone will be worth it.



JMHO of course.


>>>>


That's why we try and keep it freezing cold in the Bearthing Compartments. Average Temp, Cold enough to freeze a polar bears ass off. Helps keep the smell down. My last ship wasn't 48 others, it was closer to 80.

[wayoverthehill]

Rooms to Go is a great place for those of us with decorating deficiencies.

Everything is color/pattern coordinated. You literally can buy the entire room.

I haven't purchased anything from them. But one of my stepsons and his wife bought a living room from them a couple of weeks ago.

It's a beautiful room.I like The Roomstore. Same idea as Rooms To Go as far as "no-interest" etc. Never had any problems with them. I would avoid Rent-A-Center type places at all costs. They exist to screw people over.

[wayoverthehill]

I can remember a time when a big wood spool (you know the ones that once had electrical line around them), passed for a coffee table.

We had plastic milk cartons that sat on either side of our mattress on the floor that passed for night stands.

Even then, those were very happy days.You can get those little round tables with the three legs that screw in for about $5 at Walmart. A table cover is less than $10 and you can eat on it in a pinch. I had a couple of those for bedside tables a few years back. If you're feeling adventurous, you can buy a glass top for an extra $5. Check out Target and Walmart for simple furniture too. I got all my bookcases from Target. Lowe's has TV stands and entertainment centers you can assemble yourself too. There are all kinds of options rather than paying 33% interest and having to worry about them trumping up some reason to repossess it right before you make the last payment. Seriously.

[chip]

You would come out better going to rooms to go.

Careful with RTG

Their bedrooms and dining rooms are fine. The upholstered product is pretty dicey.

The bulk of their service issues come from upholstery

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/furniture/roomstg_qual.html

[PeterGriffin]

Some do....but a lot of the young ones are inexperienced on finances and think they are getting a great deal. Unfortunately three businesses flourish outside our bases...bars, rent to own centers, and hock shops.

There has to be one of the highest densities of bedroom and furniture stores on the planet on Miramar Road, right by MCAS Miramar. It's amazing. I stopped into a couple when I was looking for a bed and they're all full of overpriced crap.

[bodecea]

Don't forget strip clubs and porn shops.


Actually, here in San Diego, they've been zoned out of the Base areas. They are here, but not near the bases anymore.

[wayoverthehill]

Big Lots is great for inexpensive stuff, too.Ooh, yeah! Forgot about them!

[PeterGriffin]

Mort, here's another way to look at it. If you find some stuff used and clean it up, maybe refinish or repair it, chicks dig the hell out of that.

"OoOooOo Morty, you're so creative and resourceful! I must have you."

[Gray]

Big Lots is great for inexpensive stuff, too.

Just don't buy electronics there.

[chip]

Mort, here's another way to look at it. If you find some stuff used and clean it up, maybe refinish or repair it, chicks dig the hell out of that.

"OoOooOo Morty, you're so creative and resourceful! I must have you."

LOL

[Mortis]

LOL Pete!

Okay, guys and gals....

I'll be sleeping on a futon mattress spead on the floor.

I'll eat leaning against the counter.

And I'll let you know when it's furnished.

[Mortis]

Anyone got a spare shower curtain?

[Hadassah]

Anyone got a spare shower curtain?

I do.

[Mortis]

You mailing it?

Or are you bringing it over when you come over to fill my fridge?

[chip]

You mailing it?

Or are you bringing it over when you come over to fill my fridge?

:))

My gut tells me it would be cheaper to buy you a sofa than fill your fridge.

[Hadassah]

You mailing it?

Or are you bringing it over when you come over to fill my fridge?


:think:

A 6 hour drive just to bring you a shower curtain and some food? Nah, I'll just mail it.

Need curtains, too? I have a gazillion of them that I don't need or want.

[Mortis]

:))

My gut tells me it would be cheaper to buy you a sofa than fill your fridge.

Hot dogs, hamburger, milk, and bagged cereal from Wal-Mart. Add Mac-n-Cheese.

I'll be living off of this stuff for a while

[PeterGriffin]

Hot dogs, hamburger, milk, and bagged cereal from Wal-Mart. Add Mac-n-Cheese.

I'll be living off of this stuff for a while

Maybe we need a "Kick ass meals for $7 & Under" thread.

[Gray]

Maybe we need a "Kick ass meals for $7 & Under" thread.

That's actually not a bad idea.

[Hadassah]

Hot dogs, hamburger, milk, and bagged cereal from Wal-Mart. Add Mac-n-Cheese.

I'll be living off of this stuff for a while


You forgot something...coffee!

[Mortis]

You forgot something...coffee!

Once I buy a coffee pot.

[PeterGriffin]

Once I buy a coffee pot.

$2-3 bucks for a Mr. Coffee at a garage sale. I think that's what I got for mine.

PM me your address and I'll send you a house warming present. For reals.

[FC1(SW) RETIRED]

Once I buy a coffee pot.

Actually, you don't need one. Just think about it. All a coffee pot does is heat the water and pour it over the grounds, letting it seep through a filter eliminating grounds in your cup.

Push comes to shove all you really need is a pan to boil water, some grounds and something to filter it through, and something to hold the hot coffee.

[VRWCbabe]

Well, he's good for dishes now! Woohoo! I can go buy the polka dotted dishes that I want now! :) :) :) :)

I'm sending Mort a complete set of really nice nautical print dishes. I liked them when I got them (I was married to a sailor at the time) but now that I'm divorced from said sailor, I want the nice girly polka dotted ones that match my glassware! I swore, though, that I wouldn't buy any more dishes until I found a home for some of my old dishes, and now I have! YAY ME, and yay mort! They're nice dishes and they have some serving pieces, too, so now he won't have to eat off paper anymore. :)

Thanks Mort!

[Mortis]

Any time, babe!

And thank you!

[Mortis]

http://providence.craigslist.org/fur/348386869.html


Wow!!!!

I like this!

[VRWCbabe]

Any time, babe!

And thank you!
No way, THANK YOU! I'm happy to do it. In my life, I've had some really amazing people who have helped me out when I needed it, and this is my way of paying it forward. Someday, Mort will pay it forward too. Besides. Now I can go buy my polka dot dishes and not feel guilty about having enough cabinet space. :)

[JenyEliza]

I'm not trying to whine here, guys and gals....

But....

I don't have a single stich of furniture, and next weeks paycheck is blown because of the first month's rent.....

I'll be eating cereal and hot dogs for a week til my next paycheck comes in....

And I don't want to be sitting on a milk crate while I'm eating my Captain Crunch....

Hey Morty...when I was starting over in my first place after my divorce, I had two kids and no money and this was the furniture we had:

1 20 year old TV
1 donated by my parents VCR so kids could watch Barney tapes
1 crappy $50 yard sale couch
1 full size bed (mine)
1 adult sized dresser (mine)
2 baby cribs (theirs, they were just 2)
2 baby dressers

That was it. We didn't have cable or satellite TV, or much in the way of creature comforts for a while.

I've paid cash for everything we've bought since we moved into our house in July 1997--and now 10 years down the road, I'm hiring a junk hauler to take away our junk, we have so much.

Pace yourself and DON'T GO INTO DEBT WITH THE RENT A CENTER PEOPLE.

Put aside a little out of every paychek for creature comforts. Before you know it, you'll have a pile of money to spend CASH on the things you want.

I'm glad I did it that way, rather than being raped financially.

Best wishes....Jeny

[JenyEliza]

Well, he's good for dishes now! Woohoo! I can go buy the polka dotted dishes that I want now! :) :) :) :)

I'm sending Mort a complete set of really nice nautical print dishes. I liked them when I got them (I was married to a sailor at the time) but now that I'm divorced from said sailor, I want the nice girly polka dotted ones that match my glassware! I swore, though, that I wouldn't buy any more dishes until I found a home for some of my old dishes, and now I have! YAY ME, and yay mort! They're nice dishes and they have some serving pieces, too, so now he won't have to eat off paper anymore. :)

Thanks Mort!

Yay you!! :clap:

I'll have to dig around in our garage and see if there's anything worth shipping to Morty too. :mrgreen:

[JenyEliza]

I'll eat leaning against the counter.



That's what I did until we got a kitchen table. My parents got the kids a little plastic table and chairs set that I put in the kitchen where a real table and chairs went, and that's where they ate. I stood at the counter.

We did this probably 6 months before my brother's wife's parents gave us a table and chair set they didn't want (which has long ago been replaced).

[iamredbeard]

Hey Morty...when I was starting over in my first place after my divorce, I had two kids and no money and this was the furniture we had:

1 20 year old TV
1 donated by my parents VCR so kids could watch Barney tapes
1 crappy $50 yard sale couch
1 full size bed (mine)
1 adult sized dresser (mine)
2 baby cribs (theirs, they were just 2)
2 baby dressers

That was it. We didn't have cable or satellite TV, or much in the way of creature comforts for a while.

I've paid cash for everything we've bought since we moved into our house in July 1997--and now 10 years down the road, I'm hiring a junk hauler to take away our junk, we have so much.

Pace yourself and DON'T GO INTO DEBT WITH THE RENT A CENTER PEOPLE.

Put aside a little out of every paychek for creature comforts. Before you know it, you'll have a pile of money to spend CASH on the things you want.

I'm glad I did it that way, rather than being raped financially.

Best wishes....Jeny

The key is to buy cheap, there are plenty of decent cheap furniture I see at garage sales and at goodwill. Heck I usually see a usable coach in my apartment dumpster once every couple months. By cheap and then when it can be affordable upgrade things one at a time. I remember not that long ago that I got a decent coffee table for $10 at salvation army. I had a dining room table but more often than not I ate at the coffee table. Start really simple and from there upgrade to better things when you can afford it.

[Mortis]

I'm going over Craig's List with a fine toothed comb.

[VRWCbabe]

Between Cragislist and Hannity, you're going to be hooked up! I'll also put the word out with my TON of friends who are in Boston (less than an hour from RI) and see what they have that they need to part with. I've got probably 20 college friends in Boston, and I bet they have some good stuff, too.

ETA, I'll send out a call to the poptarts list as soon as I get sub'd to it. We'll see what we can turn up.

[biggestal]

Not to be nosy (but I will)

How did you end up with NO furniture.

ya gotta plan ahead.

I'd sleep on the floor until I could save enough money to buy a good to great bed. No cheap stuff. 40 bucks a week.

You'll have a good bed by Christmas.

after you have you bed do the rest of the furniture the same way

Save. save. save.

Then save some more.

You'll have a great place in a few years. :clap:

[krowe]

Rent a center will charge you over three times the price of new furniture for used furiture. My vote is to not get it and save your money for a better deal. Suck it up.

[FidelisAdMortem]

Rent a Center is currently being sued by various state consumer affair agencies.

[krowe]

Waste of time. Damn the state.

[Citizen]

The rate is harsh.

If I buy about $2,000 it'll run me $3,000 + to pay off.

Sweet mother of god. That's harsh. Can you pay it off early? If so, you could probably save a little next year at tax time.

[Mortis]

Al, do you REALLY want to know?

[jetfire612]

Mort, here's another way to look at it. If you find some stuff used and clean it up, maybe refinish or repair it, chicks dig the hell out of that.

"OoOooOo Morty, you're so creative and resourceful! I must have you."


:)) Are we that transparent?

[jetfire612]

Mort...like a lot of people said....garage sales, second hand stores/consignment shops are the way to go for now. You will feel A LOT better not having a bill due every month. While it takes some work, you can find some killer furniture at garage sales, you just have to start early.
Another great place is if you have a second hand store in a ritzy neighborhood. You can even find sharp clothes at some of those places in addition to nice couches, dining room sets.....but again, it takes time.
Also, check the "for free" section in your newspaper. You may have to drive a distance to get stuff but that's a good place to start too.
Classifieds/craig's lists have great bargains and if they have been on the market for awhile, you can easily bargain with the seller.

Good luck!!!

[Mithrastan]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

Don't do it.
Look for something used and save until you can purchase something without getting raped so hard.

[SarahG]

Mort...like a lot of people said....garage sales, second hand stores/consignment shops are the way to go for now. You will feel A LOT better not having a bill due every month. While it takes some work, you can find some killer furniture at garage sales, you just have to start early.
Another great place is if you have a second hand store in a ritzy neighborhood. You can even find sharp clothes at some of those places in addition to nice couches, dining room sets.....but again, it takes time.
Also, check the "for free" section in your newspaper. You may have to drive a distance to get stuff but that's a good place to start too.
Classifieds/craig's lists have great bargains and if they have been on the market for awhile, you can easily bargain with the seller.

Good luck!!!

So much good advice here for Mortis. You need a truck to carry the stuff home is the only thing. You could tie some things on the top of your car on in the trunk but a couch or bed will be hard if you don't have access to one.

[Fatfingers]

My neighbor's wife bought a couch at a garage sale today, for twenty bucks. It's a very nice couch. All my furniture is hand me down. i eventualy bought nice stuff for my bedroom, but i saved and paid cash. I don't understand why someone would use these rent to own places for furniture and electronics. Why take on the debt? If you can't afford to save the money to buy it, you can't afford the payment for it either. I have read a lot of good advise in this thread. Don't take on more debt, pay off exhisting debt.

[biggestal]

Al, do you REALLY want to know?

Sure why not.

don't whine and be honest.

[Davidj]

I've gotten some really nice stuff at a reasonable price from Rent A Center.

The first Item I got was a Lazy Boy Leather reclyner. We went the full contract on that and paid about 1500 bucks. I got an HP 5.1 Megapixel camera. I did the 90 days same as cash and only paid 200 for it, its a sweeet camera too. I'm currently renting a sectional and a stove, both for a decent price I think. The best thing about rac is the customer service. After my reclyner was paid off my son broke the back of it by being an ass and slamming it against the wall as he reclyned. Rac came over and replaced it for nothing. My Couch got a tear from my Great Dane, they came over and fixed it. The manager at Rac knows I'm a computer geek and let me take home a new laptop to try. He said, try it for a week, if you don't like it bring it back no big deal.
I've had a great experience with RAC, of course they charge more then retail, but how else could someone with a mid level income afford a 1500 Lazyboy, a 2400 couch and so on.

[Ithaca is George's]

A little off topic, but somewhat related - has anyone caught the commercial for Cash Now (or some similar sounding kind of name)? It's the one where Gary Coleman (what you talking bout Willis) is the spokesperson.

The company claims they will give almost anyone a loan and it will be in your account w/i a few hours of approval. If you read the fine print at the end of the commercial, however, they state that they charge an APR of 95.6%!!!!

What the hell! You'd get a better rate from Tony Soprano!

[SarahG]

A little off topic, but somewhat related - has anyone caught the commercial for Cash Now (or some similar sounding kind of name)? It's the one where Gary Coleman (what you talking bout Willis) is the spokesperson.

The company claims they will give almost anyone a loan and it will be in your account w/i a few hours of approval. If you read the fine print at the end of the commercial, however, they state that they charge an APR of 95.6%!!!!

What the hell! You'd get a better rate from Tony Soprano!



:lol:

These companies simply prey on people without credit. It is disgusting really but your comment about Tony Soprano was funny.

[Mortis]

Sure why not.

don't whine and be honest.

Because like a moron I gave my ex-wife everything after our divorce.

Because Arya is squared away and didn't need me to buy any furniture for her when I moved in.

So I have what I had after my divorce.

Clothes.

A computer.

About 2,000 books.

[VRWCbabe]

I've gotten some really nice stuff at a reasonable price from Rent A Center.

The first Item I got was a Lazy Boy Leather reclyner. We went the full contract on that and paid about 1500 bucks. I got an HP 5.1 Megapixel camera. I did the 90 days same as cash and only paid 200 for it, its a sweeet camera too. I'm currently renting a sectional and a stove, both for a decent price I think. The best thing about rac is the customer service. After my reclyner was paid off my son broke the back of it by being an ass and slamming it against the wall as he reclyned. Rac came over and replaced it for nothing. My Couch got a tear from my Great Dane, they came over and fixed it. The manager at Rac knows I'm a computer geek and let me take home a new laptop to try. He said, try it for a week, if you don't like it bring it back no big deal.
I've had a great experience with RAC, of course they charge more then retail, but how else could someone with a mid level income afford a 1500 Lazyboy, a 2400 couch and so on.
What you are failing to understand is that if you had gone to an average furniture store, the Lay-z-boy YOU paid $1500 for could have been had for $600-$700. The $2400 couch? Probably more in the neighborhood of $1000-$1200. Just because that's what YOU paid for it does not mean that this is what it is actually worth.

[jungulator]

I don't know where you are at in the country, but there is a place called American Freight. I picked up a decent set of couches for $350 there.
http://americanfreight.us/

[biggestal]

Because like a moron I gave my ex-wife everything after our divorce.

Because Arya is squared away and didn't need me to buy any furniture for her when I moved in.

So I have what I had after my divorce.

Clothes.

A computer.

About 2,000 books.

wow tough luck. at least you have a PC.

Question: I guess a funished apartment is beyond your means at the present time?

[Mortis]

wow tough luck. at least you have a PC.

Question: I guess a funished apartment is beyond your means at the present time?

Al, I could try that, but you gotta understand......

This guy is letting me in for the first month's rent, because he knows I'm hurting. There is no "first, last and security"

I can smoke in the house.

I can have any animal I want, though I'm sticking with just a kitten.

It's close to work.

It's over 1,000 square feet, not some closet in an apartment building.

I gotta take everything into account, bro. Keep staying here where I am miserable, or get the hell out and suffer with nothing for a while.

I'll take nothing for $400, Alex.

[Davidj]

What you are failing to understand is that if you had gone to an average furniture store, the Lay-z-boy YOU paid $1500 for could have been had for $600-$700. The $2400 couch? Probably more in the neighborhood of $1000-$1200. Just because that's what YOU paid for it does not mean that this is what it is actually worth.

While true that I paid more then if I had gone to a furniture store it would have been hard for me to save up 1000-1200$ in any decent amount of time. Paying a rather small fee every week works out better for me and my wife.

[wwrwtw]

Mortis....There is a huge flea market every Sunday near your new place.
Get on Rt2 South....Take a right across from the Showcase Cinemas. (Division Rd.) I think it would be the 3rd light (not sure but it the next light after the entrance ramp to 95). Go about 1/2 mile or so and on your left will be the Rocky Hill Flea Market

[Mortis]

Yep, right across the street from Dunkin Donuts

[Spaceman Spiff]

But has anyone used them?

Is the quality of the furniture worthwhile?

While I may NEVER agree with anything you say I'm gonna give you a warning:

Don't look at R_A_C, don't talk about it and don't even acknowledge it's existance! These places are a ripoff. Instead of paying out the ass to have a new couch now save your money and buy your own in one big payment.

[pmcody]

A little background on me:
I grew up in the furniture reupholstery trade (family business since 1899). I have over 40 years experience working with and repairing quality upholstered furniture.

Rent-A-Center, along with any other rent-to own store does not sell quality furniture. The frames are made from half inch plywood. The fabric is "seconds"... not first quality run material. The furniture foundation (spring assembly) will not last 1 year under normal use.

Yes, they do sell "name brand" such as Ashley. However, ALL furniture manufacturers have a variety of furniture "lines". The rent-to-own industry purchases and sells the "bottom of the line" merchandise offered by the manufacturers. You can go to Big Lots/Odd Lots and purchase the exact same furniture for 1/4 the price.

Their appliances and electronics are little better... the same rules apply. The rent-to-own industry purchases the bottom of the line product offered by the brand name manufacturers.

Their case goods (bedroom furniture/dressers, etc) are the best press-board and laquer-paper money can buy. There is more wood in the paper your rental agreement is printed on than there is in a bedroom suite purchased from them.

Basically... they will sell you grossly over-priced crap that on it's best day wouldn't make respectable firewood.

[JewishMamaof2]

You could try Freecycle. They have them in just about every major city. I don't live anywhere near a city but will drive if I find something worth it. I have friends who have furnished their entire house( we're talking hutch,tables,sofas,tvs etc) from freecycle. All you have to do is type out what you want and people if they have it will write you back and set up a pick up time. Depending on your location some of them will drop stuff off.
Also, about the food. Do you have an aldi's near you? What about a salvage food store or whatever they are called where you live. ( the dented cans store?) I usually shop at aldi's for a family of 3 and have it all budgeted down to the dollar. I spend very very little actually. Might want to check out some of the frugal sites online for some ideas so you can venture away from the cereal and hot dogs! Good luck!

[jeepers]

A little background on me:
I grew up in the furniture reupholstery trade (family business since 1899). I have over 40 years experience working with and repairing quality upholstered furniture.

Rent-A-Center, along with any other rent-to own store does not sell quality furniture. The frames are made from half inch plywood. The fabric is "seconds"... not first quality run material. The furniture foundation (spring assembly) will not last 1 year under normal use.

Yes, they do sell "name brand" such as Ashley. However, ALL furniture manufacturers have a variety of furniture "lines". The rent-to-own industry purchases and sells the "bottom of the line" merchandise offered by the manufacturers. You can go to Big Lots/Odd Lots and purchase the exact same furniture for 1/4 the price.

Their appliances and electronics are little better... the same rules apply. The rent-to-own industry purchases the bottom of the line product offered by the brand name manufacturers.

Their case goods (bedroom furniture/dressers, etc) are the best press-board and laquer-paper money can buy. There is more wood in the paper your rental agreement is printed on than there is in a bedroom suite purchased from them.

Basically... they will sell you grossly over-priced crap that on it's best day wouldn't make respectable firewood.

So given this, what is the best furniture brand deal on a modest budget if you're looking for 'real furniture'?

[badpenny]

Halm is a platform bed and we went for King size .we need room for 3 cats one big mutt.............................................. ..........and us

Stu, isnt that Malm with a "M" not an "H"?