Learn About Aaron's Furniture Rental Options

Overview of Aaron's Furniture Rental Business Model

Aaron's is a rent-to-own retailer that has been operating since 1988, with over 1,300 locations across the United States. The company specializes in providing furniture, appliances, electronics, and other household items through rental agreements rather than traditional purchase methods. Understanding how Aaron's operates helps consumers determine whether this rental model fits their needs and circumstances.

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The rent-to-own model works by allowing customers to rent items for a set period with the option to purchase them at the end. Customers make weekly or bi-weekly payments, and after paying a certain amount over time, they may own the item outright. This differs from standard retail purchases where customers pay the full price upfront or finance through a loan. Aaron's generates revenue through rental payments, and customers gradually build equity toward ownership.

The company offers products across several categories: living room furniture like sofas and chairs, bedroom sets including mattresses and dressers, dining tables, office furniture, kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and washers, televisions, computers, and gaming systems. Prices and rental terms vary based on the item's value and local market conditions. Each location maintains its own inventory, so product availability differs by store.

Aaron's operates both company-owned stores and franchised locations. The company went public on the NASDAQ in 2003 and has since expanded its digital presence. In recent years, Aaron's launched online ordering capabilities, allowing customers to browse inventory and make arrangements through their website before visiting a physical location. This expansion into digital services has made it easier for customers in some areas to explore options without an in-person visit initially.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting Aaron's, customers should understand that this is a rental-to-own service, not a traditional furniture store. The total cost of ownership through rental will exceed the item's retail price, but the weekly or bi-weekly payment structure may work better for some budgets than large upfront purchases.

Understanding Rental Payment Structures and Terms

Aaron's offers flexible payment schedules designed to accommodate different financial situations. The most common payment frequency options are weekly and bi-weekly. Weekly payments tend to be smaller amounts spread across more payment periods, while bi-weekly payments are larger but occur less frequently. Customers choose the payment schedule that aligns with their income timing and cash flow.

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The total cost of renting an item to ownership is typically 100% to 150% higher than purchasing it outright at retail price. For example, a sofa that costs $500 to buy might total $750 to $1,200 in rental payments over the ownership period. This markup covers Aaron's operational costs, inventory maintenance, delivery, and risk management. The actual percentage varies significantly based on the item type, quality level, and regional pricing differences.

Rental agreements typically allow customers to return items at any time without penalty after the initial commitment period. Initial commitment periods commonly range from 12 to 24 months, depending on the item and the specific deal offered. After fulfilling the initial agreement, customers can either continue renting, purchase the item, or end the rental. This flexibility means customers aren't locked into long-term commitments beyond the initial period.

Aaron's charges several types of fees beyond base rental payments. Delivery and setup fees apply to most items, typically ranging from $50 to $150 depending on location and item size. Some agreements include damage waiver options, which cost extra but protect renters from liability for accidental damage. Late fees apply if payments are missed, usually ranging from $15 to $25 per late payment. Early purchase options may be available, allowing customers to own items before the standard rental period ends by paying a discounted lump sum.

Renewal payments occur after the initial rental period ends. If customers continue renting without purchasing, these renewal payments are typically lower than initial rental payments and continue month-to-month or on a similar regular schedule. The exact renewal payment amount depends on the item and local terms.

Practical Takeaway: Calculate the total cost of ownership before signing a rental agreement. Compare this total to purchasing the item through other retailers or online. If the total rental cost significantly exceeds the retail purchase price, consider whether the flexible payment structure justifies the additional expense for your specific situation.

Products Available Through Aaron's Rental Options

Aaron's furniture selection includes living room, bedroom, and dining room pieces. Living room options typically feature sofas, sectionals, loveseats, recliners, coffee tables, TV stands, and entertainment centers. Bedroom selections usually include bed frames, mattresses in various sizes and firmness levels, nightstands, dressers, and bedroom sets bundled together at one rental price. Dining options encompass tables with chairs and standalone pieces. These furniture items range from basic styles to more contemporary designs, with quality levels varying by price point.

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Appliances represent a significant portion of Aaron's inventory. Refrigerators in standard and French-door styles, washers and dryers (including combination units), ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves are commonly available. Air conditioning units and heating systems are offered in some regions. Appliance rental appeals to customers who need immediate access to these items but prefer not to commit to purchase. This category is particularly useful for people in temporary housing situations or those who want to try a specific appliance type before buying.

Electronics offerings include televisions ranging from 32 inches to 75 inches with various smart TV features, computers (desktops and laptops), tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. These items typically have higher rental costs relative to their purchase prices because they depreciate quickly and face higher damage or theft risk. Electronics rental agreements often include damage protection options since accidental drops or malfunctions are common with these products.

Aaron's also rents other household items such as outdoor furniture, tool sets, storage solutions, and office equipment. Some locations offer specialty items based on local demand and inventory decisions. Gaming systems sometimes come bundled with game titles or media packages. Office furniture appeals to small business owners and home office setups. Availability of these categories varies significantly by location, so checking specific store inventory is necessary.

The quality of products varies by price tier. Lower-priced rental options feature more basic construction and simpler designs, often suitable for short-term needs or budget-conscious renters. Mid-range selections offer better durability and more design choices. Higher-end options provide premium materials, advanced features in appliances, and better electronics specifications. New customers should examine items in person when possible to assess quality before committing to rental agreements.

Practical Takeaway: Visit Aaron's showroom or website to see what product categories are available at your local store. Compare the specific items offered to similar products at traditional retailers to understand quality levels and whether rental options make sense for your particular furniture or appliance needs.

How the Rent-to-Own Process Works Step by Step

The rent-to-own process begins with a customer visit to an Aaron's location or browsing the online store. Customers can select items from the available inventory and ask staff questions about terms, pricing, and features. At this stage, customers learn about payment amounts, initial commitment periods, and any promotional offers available. Staff members explain the difference between rental-only arrangements and rent-to-own agreements and help customers understand the path to ownership.

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Once a customer selects an item, they proceed to account setup. This requires providing personal information and going through a verification process. Aaron's checks background information and may review rental history or credit information to assess whether to approve the rental agreement. The verification process typically takes between 30 minutes to a few hours. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on Aaron's internal policies and the information provided. Some customers are approved for lower rental amounts or shorter initial commitment periods based on verification results.

After account approval, the customer signs a rental agreement that outlines all terms. This document specifies the item being rented, the weekly or bi-weekly payment amount, the initial commitment period, delivery date, any fees, and policies about damage, returns, and purchase options. Customers receive a copy of this agreement for their records. Reading the entire agreement before signing is essential, as it governs the entire rental relationship.

Delivery is scheduled following agreement signing. Aaron's arranges delivery to the customer's address, typically within one to two weeks depending on location and item availability. Delivery personnel place the item in the customer's home and may provide basic setup. Delivery fees are usually added to the first payment or charged separately. Customers should ensure delivery instructions are clear, including access to the property and placement preferences.

Payments begin