Rent-A-Center harassed my young children and vandalized my door because my payment was one day late. Rip-off! Oxon Hill Maryland

Thank you for you offering excellent advice!

There isn't _any_ excuse for Rent-A-Centers criminal business antics, and I find your excuses for this scamming company reprehensible.

Here is a suggestion:

Take what you would be spending for the first month at a RAC type place, go to the garage sales and you'll probably find a good deal. What you get at garage sales isn't always in the best shape, but sometimes you can get real good stuff for little or nothing, just to haul it away.

Now that you have what you need, take what you would be spending at a RAC type place and stick it in it's own debit card account. Make payments to your new debit account. After a while, you'll find that your account has grown to the point you may be able to go out and pay cash for something new. Start out cheaper and work your way up to the more expensive stuff, if that's what you want.

Good luck to all and good shopping.

This woman's house was NEVER vandalized by RAC. They put some Post-It notes on the door. They have a very lightweight glue, barely stick to themselves on a good day. This does not count as damaging a door in any way. This woman does not pay her bills and RAC made an attempt to collect the money or the unpaid for items, just as they should. She won't get a restraining order against her creditor. The woman is a nut at best, a criminal at worst.

I do not particularly like to read "Chill out and pay your account on time." There is NEVER any excuse for this crime.

If you're a Rent-A-Center employee, expect to be dissed in a forum such as this--you're working for cut-throats. If you think you'll garner any respect, you're nuts. And watch yourselves--bad publicity is never good and chances are, you, the individual, will have to take the brunt of it. Is ten bucks an hour worth your hassle?

If you're a Rent-A-Center customer, expect to be constantly contacted by by Rent-A-Center; they'll take liberties in harrassing you. They do not have any sort of collateral for the merchandise in which you have rented from them. It's imperative you pay on time so you are not charged for late payments--talk to them if you're having difficulty. They may be able to set aside your goods until you can pay for it.

I will be upfront with you on this matter. I am a Rent-A-Center employee from another state. I will agree, some tactics are not permissible by RAC policies.

I am an account manager, part of my job is to go to customer's homes when no contact is made. I deal with this on a daily basis. It is frustrating at times when customer's duck & dodge.

When you sign your rental agreement, it should have been explained to you that your renewal payments are due on, or before the due date.

If you follow the rental agreement, you will never be called or visited on this matter.

Most payments are affordable. This would be based on your personal situation.

It is the consumer's responsibility to ascertain whether or not they should make ANY financial commitment to any company.

Collection Calls are an everyday occurence by any organization to collect a defaulted agreement.

Collection visits are unique with our company. (except maybe buy here pay car companies)

As far as your children being harrassed. I do not feel that is appropriate and should not be tolerated by our company.

Maybe you should report this particular store to RAC's Corporate Office.

Trust me, it will get results.

But in the future, if you get in a financial jam when doing business with Rent-A-Center, just be honest with them. We do have Lifetime Reinstatement. You get in a jam, just ask them to pick up the merchandise. And reinstate the agreement at a later time.

If this particular store gives you problems, go to another RAC location.

The whole company is not as bad as you make it out to be.

I was a RAC customer before I was an employee.

I know since I have been an employee, there have been instances where customers would not allow the store to make good on a problem.

So relax,

Take a deep breath,

And find a RAC location that will help you.

As I was reading this persons post, I wasn't going to comment. However, that Masshole decided that she would stick her two cents in and so me being from NYC had to set her straight. In true Masshole fashion she thought that she was better than everyone and those who are late on bills are all worthless and need to be shot. Well, I got news for you even if you can't pay on time you have rights. Those rights say that bill collectors CANNOT contact you after 9 pm. It also says that they cannot be harrassing or intimidating or present false info. Putting we missed you stickers ALL OVER the door when they clearly SPOKE with somebody is false info. Realistically, and I'm not advocating this, someone could let this moron in the front door and then blast them right back out with a 12 gauge because they were in thier house. I mean do you really think that by being a insuffrable pain that people would respond to you. Or maybe if you treated them with a little respect that they would be more cooperative. Granted some people are idiots who have problems not paying bills but that's not everyone.

Granted some stores are better than others on customer service. I have used these people to buy mattress and I made sure it was new!!!. I thought "hey after I pay this off I'll get the boys a new nice bunk bed" what a horror that was. I was told the bed was in the back in boxes they had one new that was a bunch of crap the bed I received was falling apart they even gave me stained mattresses. My mom was there when they delivered them so I got to see it when I got home I was HOT too they were falling apart, had busted drawers and was dirty. So I called and ask for the manager, he ask what it would take for me to keep them I told him about all the stuff wrong with them he said I'll charge you only half for them I said no I pay half only if you get me new mattresses and fix the drawers and ladder. I was told ok, well the next week rolled around and nothing was done but the payment was due, so I paid it and told the person that took it my bunk beds need fixed and I wanted to know when the mattresses would be in. He said he would have to talk to the manager and call me back, we suprise suprise no one called and another payment was due. I told them to come and get them and do you know it almost was a month before they came I had to call the corporate office three times and tell them I wasn't paying due to suppose to be picked up three times and they were no shows... When they did send someone it was one person he scrstched my wood floors, let my cat out and too an hour to move out. So thats the last we'll EVER do business with them.

But I will be D*** if people continue to put down RAC employees (I'm not saying every RAC employee is wonderful) but here in COLUMBUS they are saints.. My husband works for RAC and I've been in his store when people come in and they all treat everyone like their your best friend. The only time you will have trouble from RAC IS IF YOU DONT PAY.. Believe me my bills aren't always on time and I know how it is to live paycheck to paycheck.. COME ON HOW MANY AMERICANS HONESTLY DON'T LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK? But why blame the company for their actions that you are making them take. Doesn't make sense to me...! I can't say you darn phone company why did you turn off my phone i only owe $300.. dont make sense, does it? RAC has wonderful customer service and they will treat you as you treat them if you disrespect them and dont pay or constantly pay late and dont even have the kindness to call them than what choice do you give them? (ps.. i'm not saying they have the right to break in or BREAK DOWN THE DOOR) but they do have the right to try to collect their money or their merchandise!

Thank you for my spill.. please excuse any misspelled words or grammer..

"When I was having these problems and the bill collectors would leave the "we missed you" stickers on my door, I went to Kinko's and had printed up 50 "I missed You too" stickers."

So, you're claiming that you didn't have the money to pay your bills, but you somehow found the funds to go to Kinko's and make up some stupid as stickers? Yeah, that will certainly play well in front of the judge. I hope you get what you deserve.

I am a former employee of Rent A Center. I was employed ther for 4 years and I was a store manager. This is not a surprise to me. Rent A Center employees are required to hit certain numbers for collection each week. If a customer is late on a payment, and especially if they have multiple accounts, the account manager will be more aggressive in collecting on this account than if another customer is late and has only 1 account past due versus a customer that has 3 or 4 accounts past due. My advise is to save all doorhangers they leave and have neighbors tell you what happened because the employees will go to your neighbors home and ask them if they have seen you and when the best time to catch you home is.

It stinks that this happened to you, but I also think we are being left out of some details. You are saying that just by being 1 (one) day late they bothered to come to your home and try to collect the furniture? That doesn't add up. It isn't logical. I am sure they would much rather have their money with huge interest fees and late charges than the furniture back. One day? Hmmmm....

How old are you children that they were home alone? I hope that you make an honest attempt at keeping up with these payments now. If something has to suffer, skip something else where they won't come to your home to try to take back your things and put your children, who are home alone in possible jepordy.

When I was having these problems and the bill collectors would leave the "we missed you" stickers on my door, I went to Kinko's and had printed up 50 "I missed You too" stickers. On it was a line that said "I was here and you wuzzn't, now You is here and I isn't. Expect payment on (date)" and I attached them to the creditor's door after their business hours.

The collectors eventually got the hint, being that I can either be home waiting for them to knock on my door or out earning a living - but not both at the same time.

i too was a customer, who became ill and had problems paying on time for a couple of weeks, if their practice is home calls after 5 days then they constantly violate those practices. also because you use people as references does not give them the right to harass tham if they can't get in touch with you. They can be sued for this. also to peeking in someones windows especially after dark is not only an act of invasion of privacy, it is dangerous. How do you know the difference between a peeping tom in the dark, a burgular, or rentacenter? they also have been known to call and come to customers homes after business hours which by law is 9am to 9pm.. Maybe when one of them gets hurt by mistake for peeping in someones windows these practices will stop. I was hospilized and their manager called my references demanded "his" computer. when he was told I was in the hospital he demanded that the reference person go to my house and let him in. Also before i became late the store manager would call me harassing me two days before my bill was due. Their merchandise is going back asap, and not only will I never deal with them again, I will tell every one I can not to either, after all "Word of mouth Is your best advertisement"

What we are forgetting is that these customers have signed a binding agrement to renew their lease agreement on or before their due date. If the contract goes 16 days unpaid, it becomes void and the contract (typically) states that the company has the right to take possesion of the merchandise.

Speaking from experience, the customers that are receiving visits at home have made absolutely no effort to contact the store and explain the situation or make arrangements. Nine out of ten times their phone numbers are disconected, voice mailboxes full, or have phones that are set to not receive incoming calls.

So, all in all, they are actively trying NOT to have any type of communication with the company. Not to mention the home visits where they are very obviuosly home, but pretend not to be. All it takes is simple communication!

What we are forgetting is that these customers have signed a binding agrement to renew their lease agreement on or before their due date. If the contract goes 16 days unpaid, it becomes void and the contract (typically) states that the company has the right to take possesion of the merchandise.

Speaking from experience, the customers that are receiving visits at home have made absolutely no effort to contact the store and explain the situation or make arrangements. Nine out of ten times their phone numbers are disconected, voice mailboxes full, or have phones that are set to not receive incoming calls.

So, all in all, they are actively trying NOT to have any type of communication with the company. Not to mention the home visits where they are very obviuosly home, but pretend not to be. All it takes is simple communication!

What we are forgetting is that these customers have signed a binding agrement to renew their lease agreement on or before their due date. If the contract goes 16 days unpaid, it becomes void and the contract (typically) states that the company has the right to take possesion of the merchandise.

Speaking from experience, the customers that are receiving visits at home have made absolutely no effort to contact the store and explain the situation or make arrangements. Nine out of ten times their phone numbers are disconected, voice mailboxes full, or have phones that are set to not receive incoming calls.

So, all in all, they are actively trying NOT to have any type of communication with the company. Not to mention the home visits where they are very obviuosly home, but pretend not to be. All it takes is simple communication!

What we are forgetting is that these customers have signed a binding agrement to renew their lease agreement on or before their due date. If the contract goes 16 days unpaid, it becomes void and the contract (typically) states that the company has the right to take possesion of the merchandise.

Speaking from experience, the customers that are receiving visits at home have made absolutely no effort to contact the store and explain the situation or make arrangements. Nine out of ten times their phone numbers are disconected, voice mailboxes full, or have phones that are set to not receive incoming calls.

So, all in all, they are actively trying NOT to have any type of communication with the company. Not to mention the home visits where they are very obviuosly home, but pretend not to be. All it takes is simple communication!

I am a credit manager at a RAC store in Columbus, OH. What I have usually found that when a customer reacts to collection activity on their account, they are acting out of embarassment. The previous manager is correct--we usually do not do a field chase on an account until they are at least 5-7 days past due, per policy. The proof behind this is simple: I can make 20-30 phone calls in the time it takes to visit one account. Why pay 2 people over $11 an hour, pay for gas in a vehicle, insurance, etc., for something that may not be effective?

Do some account managers cross the line? Yes, and it is usually my job to find out who does it, and counsel them, or have the store manager handle it. Virtually all of the abusive account managers that I have known have been terminated simply because their way of business is ineffective.

As for the previous employee who claims that is how Rent-A-Center trains its employees, she is unfortunately not being truthful, since that is NOT how RAC trains its employees. In Focus I, our training manual, there are 10 forbidden acts in it, and all of them deal with abuse. If she were trained differently by a manager, then that was his training program, not RAC's.

I have found when somebody has accused anybody that I have worked with of abuse, it is usually not entirely the truth; for instance, a previous manager of mine was attacked with a hammer for simply knocking on a customer's door. When the police were called, the customer claimed that my manager had "destroyed" his door. The police could see that this was not the case. I have been accused of many things, all of them false, simply because some folks do not want to pay their bill. In this customer's complaint, however, I am inclined to believe her, since I have known of such cases.

Finally, for those who claim that RAC is a ripoff, I would point out that due to federal and state laws, all costs, including total rent-to-own price, is listed on the contract, there is nothing hidden, and nobody forces them to get anything.

I AM A CURRENT CUSTOMER OF A RAC HERE IN TN. I HAVE HAD A DIVORCE, 4 CHILDREN, AND HAVE HAD SOME HARDSHIPS. THE STORE THAT I CHOOSE TO DEAL WITH IS FAIR, HOWEVER, ONE OF THIER EMPLOYEES SEEMS TO FIT THE PROFILE OF THE ONE IN TH INITIAL COMPLAINT.

THE MANAGER, HOWEVER IS OF THE UTMOST INTELLIGENCE. HE IS VERY CARING AND WOULD HELP ANY OF HIS CUSTOMERS IN ANY WAY. SOME PEOPLE JUST DO NOT REALIZE THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SOME OF US GO THROUGH IN OUR LIVES. SOME HAVE HAD THE LUXURY OF HAVING AN EASY LIFE AND A GREAT HOMELIFE.

THEY CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE FOR YOU NOT TO BE APPROVED FOR A FURNITURE LOAN AND FACE NOT HAVING ANYTHING FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO SIT OR SLEEP ON. PLEASE UNDERSTAND WE TRY TO DO THE BEST WE CAN WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND BELIEVE IN. PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR ANYONE ELSES WITH PETTY ARGUING.

IT WILL NOT HELP THE MATTER AT ALL. I CLAP FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT HAVE ANY FINANCIAL WOES, BUT FOR THOSE OF US WHO DO, PLEASE UNDERSTAND WE ARE PEOPLE ALSO AND IN OUR HEARTS WE NEED TO BE TREATED AS SUCH.

Beth:

How does placing stickers on a door saying "We Missed You" equal losing one's civil rights to privacy? For all the neighbors knew it could have been the plumber or something.(That is, assuming they even noticed the stickers, which I doubt that they did) And perhaps coming to repossess the furniture simply because the payment was merely a day late is a poor policy, but they had a legal right to do so and it does not amount to harrassment.

And no, I do not think that I should ignore complaints that I feel are out of line. Perhaps some individuals write them in anger and then later realize that they were being unreasonable, but you would be suprised how many people do not realize that they are being unreasonable, even after their anger has cooled. Trust me, I know from experience on other complaint sites.

As a former manager of RAC and Aaron rentals I will give you the inside. You've mention that you were a few days late. RAC and Aaron's policy is that we start calling the home 1-day after the payment was due. We will continue this for a period of 5 (five) days. The next step is a home visit to collect money we will continue home visit for 2 more days to try to collect back rent plus late fee ($5.00 or 10% witch ever higher) after seven days with no contact from customer (with promise to pay)we are force to collect merchandize. Now as far as getting a great deal I am sorry to disappoint everyone but you will never get a great deal at a rent to own store and this is why...

You've probably got a new living room with a 104-week term (24months) at about $24.99 (weekly) plus tax and insurance for a grand total of $37.31 but then again you pay monthly $149.24. Now it seems like a great deal but here is the catch.

The total amount is $3581.76 but only if you pay in the fist 60 days after the 60 days you start paying for rental fee. This is how it works

When you go and make your monthly payment $149.24 only $74.62 gets applied into the total amount (3581.765) and the other half $74.62 goes towards the rental fee so in reality your $35.81.76 living room will end up costing you4999.54 and that's only if you make payments on time

I have used rent a center before and paid the outrageous prices. The thing about it is, you figure up how much you have spent on the item and realize you could have bought it two or more times over but the thing is, when a person first gets the item, they don't have the funds to go and outright purchase the item. My main gripe with this company is they promised to report our payoff to the credit bureau and almost a year after paying it off, nothing on the report.

Sharrell, take back the furniture to Rent-A-Center and check out the Salvation Army or Goodwill thrift stores. I have purchased many nice items from both stores for very little money. Some of the stores even have a lay-away plan. It would be better to sit on the floor for awhile than to be in fear that your payment might be a few days late and you would be subjected to more humiliation. You have kids.....pretend you're camping. They'll love it.

First let me say I am sorry for your problem. This company who has been involved in many lawsuits for numerous things TRAINS their employees in these tactics. I guess I should say that you should consider yourself fortunate they didn't break the door down. This is also a training method of recovery.

Second I too would not allow my children to open the door to strangers. I guess I too am negligent somehow in parenting. Is that not correct Marilyn?

Third, honey pay attention they are ripping you off. The furniture that you LOVE is seconds and you are being charged about 3x's what it is worth. I do not know how far you are into the contract (that MUST deal with someone over the age of 18)but it would be most cost effective to go with a payment plan elsewhere. Penny's, Sears do offer lay-a-way and will allow you to pay things off in a timely manner, then deliver them.
I know sometimes this is an inconvience but...

Lastly, just a note. My daughter and son-in-law bought a bed from Rent-a-Center (different store than I worked at) and used me as a reference. When they could not locate my daughter they came to my home and broke down my door. That's right BROKE down my door. I was in the shower and had not even a clue WHO was at the door. I was attempting to get out of the shower to find out or call the police because of the intensity but, too late. Anyway the rational was that if she were not at her residence, then she must be at mine. Ironically, the night prior to this incident my daughter and family had been evacuated due to a gas leak in the building. Rent-a-Center (Joliet) knew of the gas leak. Many were removed from their homes, due to this.

In the end the "gentlemen" were arrested and charged. I was told that the remainder on the bed was waived...SO? And I got a nice settlement due to a Class Action suit for discriminatory practices by the company. That of course is a separate issue but it does imply the type of company Rent-a-Center is.

I didnt say Rent a Center Treated her like trash, (although Im sure she feels they did hence the report) I said the people rebutting her treated her like trash.

And yes I feel its the same when you think someone down on their luck looses their civil rights to privacy.
They dont have to let the whole neighborhood know her business, maybe if they couldnt reach her after a bit. But 1 day late I think they went a little far. The mail can be 1 day late for goodness sakes, and if thats what held up her rent, then to loose a good customer over 1 day is a bit silly huh?

I think if you feel a report is silly, you should ignore it, obviously at the time it was written the person was upset, and felt violated.

You honestly would compare this experience to something as horrible as a rape? You have to be kidding me!

Furthermore, I do not see how leaving "We Missed You" stickers on a person's door constitutes "treating someone like trash". It is merely a means to notify a person that they were missed.

Like I said, I'm sorry she was having a hard time financially. But the company is a business, not a charity. If they made an exception for her, they would have to make one for everyone.

How rude to treat someone down on their luck like they are trash! How sad a statement for our society.

This woman has every right to expect to be treated with dignity and respect even if she had a rough month with bills.

It can happen to anyone even you! And this comming from a person some would consider fortunate.

How dare anyone put her down for having a hard time, including the company she is a customer of.

Karma is a great thing honey, leave them to it, and go on with your life and children.

I hope your having a better time now.

Honestly you people are the type to blame a rape victim because of what shes wearing.

Ma'am, you say that people should not comment or give advice unless they know the situation fully. But how can we know the situation fully unless there is something that you left out? What is it that you are not telling us?

Also, did the "We Missed You" tags damage the door in anyway? Because if they didn't, then it is not vandalism.

I am sorry that you are having financial difficulties, but the company has the right to demand the furniture if you missed payments, unless you have a statement or contract saying otherwise.

This is my take on the situation, if there is something else I should know that is important, please post it.

Sharrell,

"Spellcheckng" dialogue?
Have you stooped so low?
A true indication that your argument holds no water!!! You lack integrity.

By the way, I made an error of grammar in my initial post, why don't you go back and try to find it?

Have you started saving for your children's education? or are you going to rent that too?

Wait....don't answer that, we already know.

Sharrell,

May I suggest you purchase a dictionary yourself? Inane is word, indignate is not. Perhaps you meant indignant.

inane ( P ) Pronunciation Key (n-n)
adj. inaner, inanest
One that lacks sense or substance:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Latin innis, empty, lacking sense.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
inanely adv.

inane

\In*ane"\, a. [L. inanis.] Without contents; empty; void of sense or intelligence; purposeless; pointless; characterless; useless. ''Vague and inane instincts.'' --I. Taylor. -- In*ane\"ly, adv.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

inane

\In*ane"\, n. That which is void or empty. [R.]

The undistinguishable inane of infinite space. --Locke.


Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

inane

adj : complacently or inanely foolish [syn: asinine, fatuous, mindless, vacuous]

Meredith, anyone with any sense should not take advice from you. You are first of all ignorant. Calling me a bad mother and a moron displays your ignorance. You don't know me at all. Also, there is no such word as "inane". Please consult a dictionary the next time you want to post messages.

As I wrote previously, you should not give advice or make comments until you know the situation fully.

Oh, yeah Rent-A-Center was not the best I could get. At the time I made the rental I had over $1500.00 in cash on me. I choose the furniture from Rent-A-Center because I really liked what I got and I still do.

I think Rent-A-Center has some of the best furniture merchandise around, but lacks in customer service.

Meredith, you sound bitter. Try giving that to GOD.

After reading your report, I have two questions. 1. Did you call them to explain the situation, and let them know that you would be paying X number of days late?

2. Where is the vandalism you claim. Unless they glued or painted the notes to your door in such a way that it damaged the paint or the surface, there is no vandalism.

One comment. If you don't want people to comment, don't post your report on a consumer website where people are able to respond.

I will rebutt, I will give comments, I will give suggestions. Why? because this is an open, public forum, if you can't handle it, you should have never posted your inane report in the first place.

"Rent to own"? better than own? NO it's not.

Face it you thought it was a "good deal" because it was the best you could get.

I do not need to "know your situation", I know it well, I am sick of people like you. Take responsibility for yourself. Your creditors have every right to demand their money. Is it Rent a Center's fault that your financial situation went in another direction? NO!!!! If you can't afford it, give it back.

Go get furniture at a yard sale , for christ sake.

I am not wealthy, but I pay my bills before/on time. I live within my means.

You are a poor example of a parent, you moron!

but after working the numbers on a store revolving charge or credit card with 29% interest, annual fees, $30 late and over the limit fees, $10 online payment fees, along with any misc fees they might add on your statement hoping you won't notice, Rent a Center didn't look so bad after all.

but after working the numbers on a store revolving charge or credit card with 29% interest, annual fees, $30 late and over the limit fees, $10 online payment fees, along with any misc fees they might add on your statement hoping you won't notice, Rent a Center didn't look so bad after all.

but after working the numbers on a store revolving charge or credit card with 29% interest, annual fees, $30 late and over the limit fees, $10 online payment fees, along with any misc fees they might add on your statement hoping you won't notice, Rent a Center didn't look so bad after all.

but after working the numbers on a store revolving charge or credit card with 29% interest, annual fees, $30 late and over the limit fees, $10 online payment fees, along with any misc fees they might add on your statement hoping you won't notice, Rent a Center didn't look so bad after all.

First of all, the furniture that I rent from Rent-A-Center is rent to own. A deal I thought was good at the time.

Furthermore, I was late on my payment due to some financial difficulty which warranted me to go in another direction. Being late on any payment for any reason does not give any company the right to harass anyone or vandalize their property.

Meredith of Weymouth, Mass. I suggest to you that you do not make comments or give out suggestions to people until you know their situation fully. Thank you.

You teach your children no to answer the door to strangers. You should also teach your children the importance of paying bills on time, then maybe when they become adults they will own furniture and not rent it.