What are your opinions on layaway?

I adore layaway... it's the sole reason I've been able to afford a limited I would have otherwise missed on one occasion and right now it's also the reason I'm being able to purchase on of my dream dolls~

 

I think it's awsome and I'd much rather get more expensive dolls on layaway. It kind of makes me feel at ease to give the money slowly rather than all together and gives me time to save up more between payments.

 

I haven't used it yet, but I do wish more sites had layaway to try. sometimes i think that it might be the only way i can get another doll Now with my budget.

 

Layaway is both a curse and a blessing. If not for layaway I wouldn't have been able to order some dolls, but I prefer paying outright.... Aah layaway just makes it to easy to spend money you shouldn't be spending.

But I think that's per course the hobby in general

 

Layaway scares me. I don't like the idea of paying it off little bits at a time. I'd be afraid to lose the money if I couldn't keep paying. It's a commitment, and you never know what life will throw your way. Sometimes the money needs to go somewhere else, and I wouldn't want to choose between a doll payment and a car repair or something like that.

 

I've used layaway a couple of times with Leeke. It used to scare me a little -- I would think 'gee, what if something unexpected happens and I can't make the payments?' Then I gave it a try and it all went very smoothly. Definitely don't do it if you really aren't sure you can make all the payments on time, but if your situation is fairly stable, it is a good tool -- especially with LEs that you can't wait and just buy later. You just have to be realistic about what you can afford to pay, what if any upcoming expenses you might have to deal with, etc.

 

I definitely don't think people should use layaway on a regular basis.
I understand if they really want a LE or if it was a gift, but for a regular doll I just don't understand it. A lot of people think they're in an economically stable position, but during these times, you never really are. (Unless you're some super important person, I guess.)
If you don't have the money, then don't go for the doll, it's as simple as that.
It's great that layaway is offered as an option, and it's a great feature that doll sites have. However, this is a small scale example that leads people into debt. As many people already know, dolls should be bought with extra money with a large margin for leeway. It's not supposed to be "I have to buy an extra piece of bread today, I suddenly can't pay for my doll."
But that's just my take on it, other people can think otherwise.

 

Layaway though would prevent a doll from being sold out and missing out on it. I realize there are a lot of dolls in the world but I think layaway is a good option if you love one and just don't have all the funds.

 

I think layaway is a good option, but I personally do not intend on using it. I think it's more fun to save up and reach a goal than to have it on a payment plan! But, that's just my opinion...

 

I think layaway in general is a good idea, it is better to buy something and pay in installments until you have paid off the total and then get the item than to buy it on a credit card as it gives people who can't afford expensive items by paying the whole cost upfront a way to purchase something they really want without the possible issues with using credit. Layaways don't incur interest and if you can't make payments then you lose only what you have paid, it doesn't have the same potential to spiral out of control as using credit cards or other forms of credit and also the person you are buying from doesn't have to worry about never getting paid for an item they have already delivered.

For some people saving up can be really difficult whereas committing to a smaller manageable monthly outgoing is more effective for them, for example my fiance can be a bit impulsive with money so if he knew that I had a few hundred pounds saved up somewhere for a doll purchase (not important savings but just luxury item savings) he could possibly be irresponsible and buy himself something he couldn't afford and expect me to help him pay other things with my money, therefore if I want to buy a more expensive doll layaway is better for me as there is no lump sum sitting around tempting him while I try to save up.

 

There really shouldn't be any possibility of 'not getting to finish paying' or not getting the doll, unless you're quite financially irresponsible (or don't have a steady income at all).

I've bought almost all my dolls on layaway, and I love it. It encourages me to budget carefully (which is a really useful skill!) and encourages me not to make impulse buys (because the doll won't be arriving for a long time anyway).

 

Personally I think whether layaway is a good idea depends on the situation.

If it's from a private seller, I would not choose to do layaway. Anything on the secondary market is going to show up again eventually, so I'll either have the money right when I see it or I'll have to do without until the next time the item comes up. As a seller I'm happy to offer layaway to others, although I rarely have people take me up on it so maybe other folks agree with me here.

If it's from a company I trust and know will be in business by the time the product is scheduled to be finished, then in that case I'm happy to do a layaway when it's offered. May as well have the money sitting in my bank account earning interest for all that time if I have the option to do so.

 

Layaway is VERY convenient when purchasing a doll or making a commitment to it. I personally love this option. Though I have not done a layaway option through a company yet, only a seller.

 

I think layaway is fantastic, but I prefer to pay in full. Being able to spread the payments out (particularly for a more expensive doll like an LE) is a nice option to have, especially if you limit your monthly leisure/hobby/doll budget.

 

I just I'm a little hesitate to go for layaway...I've only bought 2 dolls but already know my 3rd. I like paying in full and getting it over with I guess and I'm not good at waiting.

 

layaway is of the devil!!, but
having said that i'm using it alot to buy
dolls i wouldn't be able to get any other
way. I've got one doll on it and after i pay her off.
in a month or 2 i'll be putting Trinity on one. i hope to
have her by the end of summer. can't wait
to get my new girl home in 2 weeks!!

later brad

 

Layaway has been a godsend for me as a college student who is struggling with money. If layaway hadn't been an option for so many of the dolls/heads I have purchased, I would probably not have any dolls at all.

 

I like layaway for limited items or things that I suspect will sell out before I have saved enough to feel comfortable putting down the entire cost.
For example, I just happened to stumble upon the news thread of Oasisdoll Sacha a little while after she was released and "fell in love" but did not have doll money saved and was not planning to buy another doll until the end of the year, so I put down just enough to reserve my doll then paid off the rest in two months. I have done this a few times because I knew I would certainly have the money within the layaway timeframe; however, I would not use layaway for anything, limited or otherwise if I was not confident I would continue to receive a steady paycheck.

I don't think there is anything wrong with layaway programs or with companies/people offering layaway not refunding payments if the buyer fails to finish paying. I have read and heard many complaints and sob stories from people who lost money on layaway, but that is a risk one takes when starting one. If something unexpected and costly happened, I would just have to deal with losing money on my layaways... and imo, if you do not know how you are going to pay the total cost of something within the provided timeframe, you should not start a layaway.

 

I have a doll on layaway right now and I was very glad to be able to get that option, as she was a limited doll and I didn't know if she would still be in stock when I got my next paycheck UuU

 

I think layaway is great for purchasing items which have a limited time - something on the MP, a limited edition from SOOM etc. - but I think those are really the only circumstances where layaway should be used because of the fact that you can easily over-extend your finances by pursuing too many layaways, something which I have seen many people on here do.

I prefer to buy my dolls outright whenever I have the ability to do so, and if I have to pursue a layaway I make sure that it won't be a long one OR I am totally assured that I will have the finances in future. I don't like to spend money that I'm not sure I'll have in future, and it is very irresponsible to do so anyway... this is also the reason why I do not have a credit card.