Rent A Center ripoff abuse fraud Plano Texas

I am a very happy customer with Rent A Center. I must rebuttal this. I went t RAC for a computer and because I had horrible credit is why i went there I had dealt with them in the past and could not say anything nice about my experience there except they were on it when it concerned getting there merchandise. As I already knew the whole deal on yes if I had better credit I could of just got credit somewhere but this is not the case. I do understand how they make their money ect.. 

So even with my past experience i did understand that when there is a serious problem within the company itself they are really good at corporate because yes I had to go that far one time. But again Im one of those people who like the merchandise now as impatient as the rest.

I went to my nearest store which was not near at all about a 20 minute drive in Wa. i got my computer and was not computer literate at the time i signed up with an internet provider blah... Something was not going right at all I kept going to and from there office with them sending me away thinking i was happy until i finally went in to explain the situation that IE was not working. they said they would give me another computer and see how that goes because they could not test in store have to send off blah.. blah.. i was upset and irreitated by this time and demanded my money back i will go some where else, no they could only give me partial I said I would be back to get the rest. Went down the street and explained the situation the that RAC and they hooked me up.

I called there main office and they told me to go back to the store and get the rest of my money no problem.

I soon became one great customer to RAC I had things that I paid for and some things that went and gone but I always got the respect of a valued customer. They would hire new people and get told not to call my number ever, I paid on time and fell behind at times but they have the best managment team ever there and would recomend them to everyone. but as a customer with bad credit so i understand that i have to pay more in the end when i want the things i need and if anyone thinks different then im sorry. But i had RAC backing me when times where hard and the compassion i needed when i felt so down about my finacial findings. They also helped me when movers where trying to take advantage of me as they all usually do. I give RAC  10 stars for all they did for me and continue to be a customer. They are the best company ever. I have great things to say about the people at Rac on everett mall way in evertt wa. Do not be fooled but always remember their are some companies that are good and Rac is top knotch

On Thursday August 10th I had a break-in in my apartment that resulted in the theft of some of my rented property. I instantly filed a police report when I got home and the cop took my statement and there were even witnesses who heard sounds coming from my apartment and saw cars pulled up near my apartment building. 9 days later (today) I am woken up to a loud banging on my door. I had already informed rent-a-center of my situation and they sounded real understanding on the phone (the second time) the first time they called I ended up having to curse them out because they were insistent on my paying them the balance even though I had just informed them that my property, their property and my safe had all been robbed [i recommend no one buy one of those small sentry safes, they are easy to break] so anyways, I'm thinking that we are in an understanding, and I'm still waiting for the follow through on the case and next thing i know rent-a-center is at my door. I let them in to take what remained of their property (a chair and PC speakers) and one of them bends down to touch the modem adapter and says its warm (which i guess means i have a computer even though its plugged in still which would keep it warm) so they start accusing me and call the cops. cops come in. and now they are accusing me of theivery. Telling me 'I've done heard and saw everything, you won't get away with it' and I laugh at him. I thought about filing a complaint but I decided against it. They act like mafia henchmen (where's my money, etc. etc.) and im just looking at them. i feel almost sorry for them. but its whatever. now that I read these...I know my situation is not alone. hopefully rent-a-center changes its policy. I mean I was going to continue my account after everything was squared away, now I decided against it...wisely.

On Thursday August 10th I had a break-in in my apartment that resulted in the theft of some of my rented property. I instantly filed a police report when I got home and the cop took my statement and there were even witnesses who heard sounds coming from my apartment and saw cars pulled up near my apartment building. 9 days later (today) I am woken up to a loud banging on my door. I had already informed rent-a-center of my situation and they sounded real understanding on the phone (the second time) the first time they called I ended up having to curse them out because they were insistent on my paying them the balance even though I had just informed them that my property, their property and my safe had all been robbed [i recommend no one buy one of those small sentry safes, they are easy to break] so anyways, I'm thinking that we are in an understanding, and I'm still waiting for the follow through on the case and next thing i know rent-a-center is at my door. I let them in to take what remained of their property (a chair and PC speakers) and one of them bends down to touch the modem adapter and says its warm (which i guess means i have a computer even though its plugged in still which would keep it warm) so they start accusing me and call the cops. cops come in. and now they are accusing me of theivery. Telling me 'I've done heard and saw everything, you won't get away with it' and I laugh at him. I thought about filing a complaint but I decided against it. They act like mafia henchmen (where's my money, etc. etc.) and im just looking at them. i feel almost sorry for them. but its whatever. now that I read these...I know my situation is not alone. hopefully rent-a-center changes its policy. I mean I was going to continue my account after everything was squared away, now I decided against it...wisely.

On Thursday August 10th I had a break-in in my apartment that resulted in the theft of some of my rented property. I instantly filed a police report when I got home and the cop took my statement and there were even witnesses who heard sounds coming from my apartment and saw cars pulled up near my apartment building. 9 days later (today) I am woken up to a loud banging on my door. I had already informed rent-a-center of my situation and they sounded real understanding on the phone (the second time) the first time they called I ended up having to curse them out because they were insistent on my paying them the balance even though I had just informed them that my property, their property and my safe had all been robbed [i recommend no one buy one of those small sentry safes, they are easy to break] so anyways, I'm thinking that we are in an understanding, and I'm still waiting for the follow through on the case and next thing i know rent-a-center is at my door. I let them in to take what remained of their property (a chair and PC speakers) and one of them bends down to touch the modem adapter and says its warm (which i guess means i have a computer even though its plugged in still which would keep it warm) so they start accusing me and call the cops. cops come in. and now they are accusing me of theivery. Telling me 'I've done heard and saw everything, you won't get away with it' and I laugh at him. I thought about filing a complaint but I decided against it. They act like mafia henchmen (where's my money, etc. etc.) and im just looking at them. i feel almost sorry for them. but its whatever. now that I read these...I know my situation is not alone. hopefully rent-a-center changes its policy. I mean I was going to continue my account after everything was squared away, now I decided against it...wisely.

On Thursday August 10th I had a break-in in my apartment that resulted in the theft of some of my rented property. I instantly filed a police report when I got home and the cop took my statement and there were even witnesses who heard sounds coming from my apartment and saw cars pulled up near my apartment building. 9 days later (today) I am woken up to a loud banging on my door. I had already informed rent-a-center of my situation and they sounded real understanding on the phone (the second time) the first time they called I ended up having to curse them out because they were insistent on my paying them the balance even though I had just informed them that my property, their property and my safe had all been robbed [i recommend no one buy one of those small sentry safes, they are easy to break] so anyways, I'm thinking that we are in an understanding, and I'm still waiting for the follow through on the case and next thing i know rent-a-center is at my door. I let them in to take what remained of their property (a chair and PC speakers) and one of them bends down to touch the modem adapter and says its warm (which i guess means i have a computer even though its plugged in still which would keep it warm) so they start accusing me and call the cops. cops come in. and now they are accusing me of theivery. Telling me 'I've done heard and saw everything, you won't get away with it' and I laugh at him. I thought about filing a complaint but I decided against it. They act like mafia henchmen (where's my money, etc. etc.) and im just looking at them. i feel almost sorry for them. but its whatever. now that I read these...I know my situation is not alone. hopefully rent-a-center changes its policy. I mean I was going to continue my account after everything was squared away, now I decided against it...wisely.

He was so driven to help, "For the record I am not an angry ex employee who got mad or fired for something stupid at RAC. Like many customers, I became tired of their business practices and left. The only reason I am writing this is to offer fair warning to consumers.," that he joined anohter company that works in the same business and makes the same transaction. What a wonderful guy! lol

I just wanna tell Kay don't belive what your saying about calling the 800 number. I got proof a store manager had someone forge someone else's name to a contrct just to rent a computer. I not only have a copy of the contract but also have an affidavit of fact from a witness that was at the store when the store manager told them when they ask no sign who's name is on the contract.

Let me tell you how this story goes from here when RAC couldn't get the computer back they filed charges using this fraudulent rental purchase agreement. First of and foremost RAC willingly commited fraud and condoned it. But yet when the store managers a$$ is on the line and in trouble for their actions they use the law to bail them out.

As for as the 800 number you speak so highly of, Here's the run down on that... The 800 number was called and Plano was informed about all this and provided with a copy of the contract that was forged and also the affidavit of fact that outline what happen and that the store manager to this person to forge someone else's name. Here's what the did, They are still pursuing criminal charges even after they have gotten the computer back and oh yeah as for as the store manager well lets just say nothing happened to Her.

She's still a store manager even with all the evidence Plano had in black and white. So please don't be so quick to back the 800 number cause if it really worked like you so belive it does the charges would have been dropped and RAC would have a EX manager looking for a new job. So just beware of the company you so trust in and feel they are upstanding. I'm not here to argue with you I just wanted you to know the facts.

I rented a Pro stereo system for my club from the local RAC. I was treated very nice and always felt respected. I fully expected to pay off the system in full within 90 days and was given a great price as the unit was rented for some time before I got it. If I was a day late I would get 4-5 calls a day or a visit at my business by the "load up crew" wanting to be paid. I did feel this was poor customer service as I have a business in town and intented to pay in full within a month by this time.

Finally the last time I was a day late (I work till 3:00am and sleep till late afternoon) as I was sick and received 6 calls at home and work demanding payment. I called Dean the manager and reported the rude treatment and he apoligized telling me it was a new employee. I understand this as I was in MAJOR RETAIL MANAGEMENT (3-4 million a month stores) for 5+ years before opening my own business. Dean handled this well but it soured me on RAC. After I had paid over $500.00 on the system I had it picked up.

I was told I had a $500.00 store credit that could be applied IN FULL to any other item I purchased/rented in the future. That has yet to be the truth. I have checked on several units (stereo) for the speakers mainly and am given between $200-$300 dollars credit depending on the unit. I ask, if I have a $500.00 store credit why do you only apply a portion of it to a purchase I am interested in. I am told "it just works out that way, thats the company policy". Well the company shows I have a $500.00 credit, I want a $600.00 cash system and get $200.00 credit. Am I the only one that sees a problem here?

I so far rate my experiance with RAC at an 8 out of 10, BUT it will be dropping quickly if I dont receive my entire $500.00 credit on another system or unit I require for my business.

A "so far happy" RAC customer.

After I got fired from RAC, I too went to work for a competitor. At this store, the management takes the time to actually train you. Not just throwing a 10 pound Focus 1 book at you, and expecting you to be a pro at the job based on that book, and those stupid videotapes. Account manager is a respected postition at this store, and is basically second in command. I've been there for 2 weeks, and the regional manager has already contacted me, personally, and let me know that he can see a difference in the store's numbers. This store works with customers, and actually respects them too. I have also taken a few of RAC's customers, and I'm not done yet.

As for RAC, this should sum up what they think about their employees and customers. I mentioned in my previous post that the store manager got demoted to EA, and sent to a different store. The customers hated her because she belittled them, and made it very clear what she thought of them. The store's credit sucked because of HER. She was also the main reason the store couldnt grow. We were picking up 2 BOR for every customer gained, and most of it was because of her attitude. Some customers said that if we got rid of her that they would come back. When the new manager came in, the store started growing, and credit got straightened out. Well...Guess who is back at that store, but not as EA, but CREDIT IO!!!!

That store just absorbed a Rainbow Rentals. With her as Credit IO, it wont take long to get the numbers down...the BOR numbers that is. The credit numbers will shoot up again. Oh well.

The competitor that I work for now opened last August, and in that short time, they GREW. They have 388 customers as of today...many of them with more than one account. Talk about a slam dunk!

Kay, In direct response the "tone" and beligerence in your letter, I wanted to advise you of something. Our region did have store mgr of the year, as well as mgr of the month, and awarded the best mgr of the year a crystal trophy for their performance.

I outgained EVERY STORE IN MY MARKET COMBINED (159 BOR in a year, over $100,000 INCREASE IN REVENUE, OVER $80,000 INCREASE IN PROFIT. I know you think you know what you are talking about, but you don't. I missed 3 opens and closes the entire year - and they were all on holidays.

If you doubt it go online and call the stores in market 149....they all know who I am. I didn't feel a need to qualify myself in my report, since it was posted as nothing more than advice for the consumer. But the store # WAS 01174, FERN PARK, FL, R022, M0149. Three months laterr the store is losing and can't hit credit to save their lives.

I went to a competitor, as did many of my co-workers (2 with 6+ years of experience and one with 11 1/2 years of experience) they are working with me now at a competitor because of my mgmnt abilities. As some of the other rebuttals I have read said, RAC treats their employees the way they treat their customers.

You are disillusioned if you think you make a difference in the of eyes of corporate personel at RAC. AND FOR THE RECORD, KAY, MITCH FADEL PERSONALLY TOLD ME AND EVERYONE IN MY STORE THAT HE WISHES EVERY STORE HE VISITED WAS ON PAR WITH MINE - THAT IT RAN EXACTLY THE WAY A STORE SHOULD RUN- WITH TEAMWORK AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY. One bad month in 14 and I was told by the market manager that I "had already been paid for the last 13 - they don't count."

So save your rhetoric for some other loser manager you sit around pretending to be the first female genius in rent to own. And don't try to talk down to me about who I am or why I left RAC. You were obviously too ignorant to absorb the intent of what I wrote in the originating post on this issue.

The commentaries listed above are interesting and give the reader a full scope of the wide array of attitudes in the Rent A Center ranks. I do realize that people in the higher echelons of this muti-billion dollar a year conglomerate company, either A; have been richly rewarded for their hard work and determination. Or B; have marched to their position over the backs of the unsuspecting employees who buy the dream of reaching a similar station in life with "Hard work and etermination".

Problem is, this dream is unattainable if, in addition to hard work and determination, honesty and integrity are included. There are some who have bought the lie, and essentially w***e themselves to this company, devoid of these qualities. I have wintessed market managers, and regional directors show up on "Beat the RD day" and BS and finagle their way into customers pockets, overloading them with merchandise to reach higher #'s. And leave us to clean up the credit mess that is left behind.

Make no mistake, this is by no means a "pity party", I am just a guy who works to feed and clothe his family everyday. What is nice is that I can establish a genuine rapport with people and still make sales. And I get a good night sleep, knowing that I did my best to maintain integrity and honesty in my work. Rent A Center is as a "forbidden fruit" if you will, it is so appealing at a glance but as you reach it's innards you either realize the poison within, or succumb to the intoxication of money and greed at the expense of your family, friends, whatever it takes.

This is not about justifying your actions, either as one who is disatisfied with the way Rent A center treats their employees and customers. Or as one who has clearly bought the lie, sold their soul to greed. One who jumps to defend this Co. has obviously been deceived and is either a market manager or in the least a store manager who will soon find out that your hard work does not matter unless you rip off more people and get higher.. and higher... and higher #'s at the expense of honesty, integrity, and betrayal of your fellow co workers. Its more than being "disgruntled" its refusing to march under a flag of compromise. Think about this...

While I respect your individual experiences as (ex)employees, this type of behavior is the exception and not the rule with RAC. Market Managers, Store Managers getting caught doing the types of things that you're speaking of regularly lose their jobs.

RAC has over 3,000 stores and out of those 3,000 stores there are bound to be individuals who are what you've described. I've run across a couple of those myself -- but you know what? Those people are no longer with the company. Market Managers who play "favorites" and let Store Managers get away with things always end up having it bite them in the behind... ALWAYS. It is just a matter of time. The people who have made it to positions such as Regional Mgr's and so on didn't get there by being stupid or letting some store mgr. or market mgr. who thinks they're slick pull the wool over their eyes.

For those of you still employed with RAC - follow the complaint procedure. Understand this... paper trails don't lie - delivery slips don't lie. Time cards don't lie. Keep a log -- a "diary", if you will, of what is going on. Give names, the date and time, the situation, etc., anything that will prove what you're saying... and the customers will always back you up if you're telling the truth. When the time comes for the shoe to drop, you will have all your ducks in a row and whoever is doing whatever that is against company policy WILL lose their job -- especially when it can be shown that it is a pattern of operation. And you don't just send your complaint to the Market Manager, you send it to the Regional, to the home office... and send a copy to Mark Speese. Trust me, they are very interested in what goes on in their stores -- they don't put up with garbage like that.

Lastly, don't make the mistake of labeling everyone because you have a bad taste in your mouth. You don't know Mark Speese personally, do you? So what if he has or intends to purchase a house in the Bahamas? The man didn't get to be CEO of the largest rent to own chain in the nation by being stupid and lazy -- or by letting people run over him. He's very, very good at what he does -- and he's a fair man who doesn't put up with what you're describing - I've seen him walk into a store and tell the manager, "Get out of my store"... he doesn't play. Besides, if you worked your way to that position, would you live in an average house on average street? Doubt it -- I know I wouldn't. That type of comment makes you look petty and small -- begrudging others their success that they've worked hard for, especially when you would do the same. In case you didn't know, Mark Speese started out in the industry at the bottom, too. So did Mitch Fadel -- they didn't "buy" their way into the company. They ended up with their positions because they're GOOD at what they do. So if you want to complain, do so FAIRLY. Don't accuse or run down people that you don't know.

I am a former account manager for RAC. I was hired by a manager who later lost the store. My training (the only training I knew) was as I later found out inadequate. This manager was moved to another store as an EA. (executive assistant) The new manager was a nice guy, and I liked the way he did things right off the bat. I'll get back to the new management in a little bit, but now, I want to list the things I did for the company that were "above and beyond the call of duty"

These are only a few examples...
1 Christmas Eve...For some reason, someone accepted in a Colby bunkbed, and had not examined it when it was delivered to the store. This woman had rented it as a suprise for her kid, who had wanted a bunk bed for months. I drove to another store an hour away to pick up another bunkbed so that this 'D (delivery) could happen that day AFTER we closed early for Christmas Eve. This house was already about 30 minutes from our store, so I drove a total of 2 and a half hours just to make this woman happy. I didnt have a problem with that, but after set up, I got back home around 10:00.

2 They understaffed the store one day...2 people on a Thursday. I was off. I got a phone call, and was asked to come in. I had things to do that day, so I told them that I would be in when I could. I got there at 4:00. Little did I know that they had an insurance claim 'D for a fire victim's family. A 7 BOR (Back on Rent...1 BOR=1 rental agreement) 3 bedroom groups with mattresses, a big screen, a living room group with lamps, and coffee/end tables, a dinette set, and washer/dryer...Second story apartment. It took 2 trucks loaded completely to get this done. I didnt get back to the store until 11:30 PM on my day off.

The EA at that store before the management change was constantly telling me that I should be our market's next Credit IO promotion because of how I ran people in the field, and kept my route in standard. THEN, they raised the standards, and I had 2 bad weeks. I began to participate in this "harassment" If someone was 1 day late, I would call them, and all their references, and some of the people, I would run the first day that they were late. I've done it all..Harassing people that had $3000 into a rack stereo system, and threatening to pick it up, I have entered a house when no one was home to pick up a 15+ account...once, and it scared the crap out of me. I did this of course with the manager, and market manager's blessing. I have had a customer request that I NOT come to their house because they didnt like me, but they sent me anyway, and the customer's son wanted to fight me, I have left notes threatening legal action when a customer was not home, I have belittled customers into paying when they really didnt have the money, when they could have come in the following Friday to make it up...All this because my job was constantly on the line because of the BS company standards. I KNOW how the previous poster felt when he said that he felt like a drone. Within a day after I was fired, my fiancee, and other people who are close to me said that I seemed like a completely different person.

My last 2 weeks there, the EA started blaming me for EVERYTHING, and, I got written up for the stupidest things, such as failure to follow assigned procedure...I had a delivery into a different town...an hour away. I left the store at 7:00PM. I was asked to do a service call when I got back...of course, none of them wanted to do it. When I got back, it was about 9:20PM. I called the customer, because of the time, I thought that maybe one of the other people had gone to do this service call. They told me that they didnt have a problem anymore, so I went home. Wouldnt you? If someone says that the problem ISNT a problem anymore, are you still going to go out there? Anyway, it turned out that it was in fact still a problem. I was blamed for losing that account because I didnt go out there...even though I called to touch base with them, planning on going out there if it hadnt been taken care of. I also got written up because I didnt clean up a mess in the back room. But, the fact that I had 3 times in a row before backed the truck up, and loaded it with empty boxes that had been unpacked by someone else, and left. Stupid petty BS. I had a target on my back.

My last week was even worse. My last Saturday there, I had a tooth that was KILLING me. I had only gotten about 2 hours sleep the night before because of it. Several customers commented that I looked half dead. The market manager was there that day, and I went in the office with her, and the store manager. They both gave me permission to get it taken care of on the following Monday. I went in, and did the Monday morning meeting thing, and the manager said that we really needed a full team effort to grow the store. I had gotten maybe 7 or 8 hours of sleep due to the pain in my tooth. After the meeting, I asked if I could go. The manager told me yes, so I went. I knew of a place an hour away that did extractions dirt cheap, so I went there. Even with my insurance, I'd still rather have to pay less. I was expecting an extraction while I was awake, so I ate breakfast that morning, which I threw up later. The dentist wouldnt touch it because there was infection there, so I had to be referred to an oral surgeon, who wouldnt do it because I had eaten. I still went back to work that day. The next day...I had about 3 hours of sleep that Monday night...I was down, and everyone knew it. BUT, I had a delivery. I misread the item number, and loaded the wrong big screen. That happens every now and then. We went back, and got the right one. Turns out that on Monday, they had delivered this guy a home theater system, and had tried to deliver the big screen, but because of angles, it wouldnt go through his door, so they got him a smaller one. When I went to hook it up, I realized that no AV chord was with the home theater system. This guy's place was on my way home from work, so I told him that I would bring an AV cable after work, and hook it up. He agreed, and on the way back, I told the EA. He started screaming at me, saying that we didnt provide AV cables. I should have known that, bla bla bla...If I rented a big screen, and a home theater system, and they told me that I had to buy my own AV cable, I'd tell them to take it back. We got back to the store, and his temper tantrum continued. He yelled because I took Monday off. I reminded him that I had permission to from the store manager, and the market manager. He asked me if I would have left that Monday after what was said at that meeting if the market manager was there. I said Yes. He said that was another problem. The next day, I was fired.

Rent a Center is a ripoff company that doesnt give a d**n about their employees, or customers. They expect 600% from their employess, and still treat their employees like dirt. My fiancee almost left me because I was always down, and negative. I'm GLAD I got fired. It saved my relationship, as well as my sanity.

I am writing in response to the debate above. As an employee at Rent A Center, I myself have witnessed and, am ashamed to say at a time or another participated in some of the practices that this major corp. not only condones but endorses. As I'm sure we all know, crap rolls downhill in the corporate world. They tell you upon hire that you are "guaranteed" 48hrs a week, but not that it is the minimum you are expected to work. But a typical workweek for an account manager is always over that. And if youre an I.O. (that is "inside/outside "manager")whew! Forget ever having time to spend with youre family! Yeah, you get 2 days off, Sunday & sometime in the middle of the week, so forget ever having plans for camping or whatever. Yeah I know...waaaaa, but you know what? When its this way day in & day out, with absolutely no flexibility you become sort of a drone. And the benefits? They Suck! PERIOD. If youre outside the network of medical providers, you still pay through the nose, usually about $60 bucks a week is shelled out of your check for these "benefits". Youre paid vacation is dictated by your manager and market manager, I know a guy who has been trying to get his for 2yrs! All because"we have to get our credit in line, have to get more sales!" Corporate greed is satiated by the sweat,and pretty much forced loyalty of its employees. However I've heard it once said"How much $ is enough?...a lil bit more!" They set goals, we struugle to reach them, bust our backs, do everything we can to do it, and when we cant reach it,we get to stay at work and harrass people at their homes until 9:00PM. Their are no incentives, sure their are bonuses, but you cant have them until youve been with the I/O position for a year, no matter how hard you work. A typical work day is almost always no les than 11hrs, which makes a good check, but I always thought that overtime was an option, a privelege, or something that was expected when there is a crush to meet a certain goal, not a requirement. Your're job is constantly held over your head, and sometimes your're expected to do things that are flat wrong, for instance, I heard of a market manager telling a store manager to go ahead and enter a pastdue customers home to retrieve our product, heres the catch, no one was home! And the market manager knew that! You are expected to lie about things as if it is the natural thing to do. I realize that there are ways of letting things be known to corporate, but they dont give a snort what goes on, as long as whatever it is, it makes a ton of dough, so Mark Speese;CEO, can buy that house in the Bahamas. And...the customers DO get ripped off, sure the 90day same as cash sounds good, but on day 91, it doubles. Do the math! A computer at $37.99 a week on a 104 week term, hmmm 37.99...104 weeks...= $3,950.96 oh..and then ..tax, so the gov. gets their slice, and voila! $4,251.23 + plus all the "friendly" reminder calls, and harassing of all your friends and family, not to mention calling work, when youre a day or two off track for 2 yrs.....all for a $700 computer! We need more employees to band together and fight for decent wages, decent hours, and decent benefits. Not to mention more stringent laws on "rent to own".

First, I didn't say I had been personally shot at. The complaints listed on RAC are nationwide and I happen to know of people who HAVE been shot at during work. Also (sad to say) RAC pays their employees better than a lot of law enforcement. And, YES, if I was being shot at, I would change my line of work... however, that is not the case.

Secondly, there are sexual predators, thieves and dishonest people in ANY industry, in any line of work. Police officers and judges take bribes and payoffs, mechanics overcharge and purposely misdiagnose vehicles, managers and employees in retail stores accross the nation steal from their employers - whether it is Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, Wal-Mart -- or RAC! TRUST ME when I tell you, if home office knew and if customers would CALL the 800 number (that IS what it is there for!) and make the complaint it WOULD be taken seriously. But instead, a lot of what we read in here are people saying "RAC is a rip-off" instead of reporting the actual person. There are many, many decent, hardworking people who work for RAC and RAC has policies and procedures in place if people would only put them into practice.

As far as your friend goes, RAC takes charges of sexual harrassment SERIOUSLY. Has she contacted this manager's Market Manager? If not, she should. I would also call RAC's headquarters and report it. THEY WILL act on it... but they can't do it if no one let's them know. Like anyone, they probably failed the infamous "Mindreading 101" course.

If your getting verbally abused, sometimes even to the extent of being shot at ask yourself is it worth it? shouldn't you consider a career in law inforcement being that your putting your LIFE AT RISK? A job that will definately benefit ANY community. And your doing this for rent a center????? Since you seem to have such a great passion for your job - wouldn't it better benefit the community to protect and serve instead of working for a company that works hard at ripping off the community and probably you too? And as far as those rent a center employee's that are working hard to support there families, how much supporting are they going to be doing once they get shot at? Get real!

I got as far as my last two payment's and was late due to a family emergency that required my money and your beloved rent a center refused to reinstate my agreement and demanded the mchdse back instead of taking my money. Im not stupid! What they really wanted to do was keep all of the money that I failthfully brought into that store every week and get the stuff back to just put it on the floor again to re-rent and rip off someone else. You guy's are rip off artist don't fool yourself and continue to sell your soul to the devil! I'll de damned if I'm going to get abused and shot at for any STORE!!!!

Im sure a career as a state trooper or police officer would pay better than RAC!

Oh and another thing. A friend of mine was recently sexually harassed by a RAC- STORE MANAGER in New Jersey. He delivered her mchdse. and gropped and made comments about her body during the entire delivery and she is currently seeking legal advise as to that situation. He even went as far as asking his co-worker that was helping him with the delivery to wait downstairs and give him a couple of minutes with her and then was stupid enough to tell her he did this.

Since there is a darn good reason for the employees to harrass and knock and carrying on- can you tell me what the reason was for this type of treatment?

What does Rent a Center do in a case like that?

First, there is no such "title" or "award" as "store manager of the year". There is "store of the month"... but no store of the year. Hmmm...

Secondly, any store manager understands that the prices ARE fair considering the risks involved in the business. MOST of RAC's customers are those people who have no other option. Why? Because their credit tends to be terrible and they can't get anyone else to extend them credit. If you have poor credit, you are going to pay through the nose because you are a RISK. Period. This is the same with credit cards, car loans, or any other business who decides to take that RISK in giving you a chance to be responsible.

RAC allows customers to have the merchandise in their home for $30 or so up front and(a store manager would KNOW this) gets burned on a regular basis. Customers run off with the merchandise, file for bankruptcy and I could go on and on - but I won't. All of these losses are calculated into the price of renting to own.

Do customers get "harrassed"? I guess it depends on what your definition of harrassment is. Are they going to call you? Yes. Are they going to come visit you if you don't make your payments? Yes. If you don't answer the door and you are at home and they KNOW you are at home, are they going to bang on your door? Yes. Have I heard employees say things they shouldn't? Of course -- and I've also heard those same employees get their rear ends chewed for being unprofessional. I have also seen employees get fired for the same thing.

Since you claimed to have been a store manager, if your employees were harrassing the customers, maybe you weren't doing your job? All employees are within earshot of the store manager and are routinely monitored closely.

And for the record, RAC treats their employees VERY well. They have paid vacations every year, 2 days off a week, stock options, medical/dental/ optical/life insurance options. Maybe you worked for a different RAC?