In the 1960s, Ernie Talley owned a retail company in Wichita, Kan. He saw many hardworking customers who either did not have the cash to purchase goods for their homes or who had been turned down for credit. Seeing them leave empty-handed gave him an idea to rent used merchandise with an option to own it.
The idea soon caught on with consumers. Talley opened the first rent-to-own store, Mr. T's TV Rental, in Tulsa, Okla., offering new and pre-leased products.
A concept, born out of the desire to serve the needs of customers who lacked the cash or financing to buy the products they wanted and needed, has today grown into a $6.7 billion dollar industry serving millions of customers.
Rent-to-own, rental purchase or rent with an ownership option — depending on which state you live in — is a unique transaction different from other retail transactions. At RAC, we offer quality merchandise, free service and delivery, 90 days same as cash, convenient payment options, loaners if needed, and lifetime reinstatement. All of this is provided with no down payment or credit report required.
Where else can you find a transaction that allows you to furnish your home with the merchandise you need and want with no financial obligation, down payment or the worry of repair bills? Today, more than one million customers rely on the brand-name products and services Rent-A-Center provides.
