are rent-a-centers a rip off?

Not if you need something short term, but if you want to buy, then yes its very expensive. My sister rented a DVD player and it cost her about $600.00 when it was all said and done. And the DVD player was at Wal-Mart for $99.00. So its best to lay-away new things or save. Because a living room set will probably cost you $4000.00.

The rental outfits provide a way to either get temporary furnishings - if you are in twon for a short time, for example, or having guests for an extended time - or obtain furnishings at a relatively low up-front price - and a staggering ultimate cost. These companies are really in the finance business. They make their money by providing you that television at a price between 2 and 4 times what you would pay for it retail. Even if you put it on a cedit card at high interest or financed the TV purchase, you'd pay less over time. If your credit will hold up to financing the purchase of your new TV, then do it through a competitive store rather than the rental company.

Renting something with the intention of making all the payments until you own it is a waste of money, as you will pay much more than just buying the item outright. But if you only plan on using it for a short period of time, it doesn't make sense to buy it, so rent away.

they can be like one time was looking to buy a ps2 and the local rent a cent had one but by the time it was to be paid off it would have cost way over 1000 bucks,, and they only cost like what 150 now,, back then they were 250 I think,, but yes thay can be but if you dont have credit and need some and want something bad enough I guess its worth it,, though i never did get my ps2 there finaly got one a year later,,

Yes. They are a prime example of predatory lending. They have ridiculous prices for second rate products but convince people to buy from there by saying "its just $40 a week " or whatever. If you look at the APR you will find you are paying 30% or more in interest.

yes!!! Your best bet is to save your money for a few months and go buy the item at a real store with cash!!!

Only to be used by people that can't pay cash are has bad credit for something.