How Aaron's Sales and Lease Works in South Carolina

What Aaron's Does and How the Lease-to-Own Model Works

Aaron's is a rent-to-own retailer where you lease electronics, furniture, and appliances with the option to buy them at the end of the lease term. You make weekly or monthly payments, and after a set period—usually 12 to 24 months—you own the item outright. If you stop paying or return the item before the lease ends, you don't own it and don't get your previous payments back.

The company operates more than 1,200 locations across the United States, including multiple stores throughout South Carolina. Aaron's leases items like televisions, laptops, gaming consoles, refrigerators, washers, and bedroom sets. You can browse what's available at your local store or online, then either visit in person or start the process through their website.

The lease-to-own structure means you're not buying the item upfront. Instead, you're renting it with the built-in option to purchase. This appeals to people who want to use something now without paying the full price immediately, or who may not have access to traditional financing through a bank or credit card.

Key Takeaways

• Aaron's lets you lease electronics and furniture with the choice to own them after your lease term ends, typically 12 to 24 months.
• Weekly or monthly payments go toward the purchase price, but if you return the item before the lease ends, those payments do not carry over to a refund.
• You can visit an Aaron's store in South Carolina or start online, and the company handles delivery and setup for most items.
• The total cost of leasing an item to own is significantly higher than buying it outright, because you're paying rent plus the purchase price over time.
• Aaron's reports payment history to credit bureaus, so on-time payments can help build credit, but missed payments will show up on your credit report.

How Payment and Ownership Work

When you lease an item from Aaron's, you choose a payment schedule—weekly or monthly—and a lease term. Your payments accumulate toward the purchase price. Once you've paid enough to reach the item's purchase price, you own it. Some customers own their item before the full lease term ends; others complete the full term and then own it.

If you decide you don't want to continue, you can return the item at any time. Aaron's will pick it up from your home at no charge. However, the money you've already paid does not come back to you, and you don't own the item. This is different from a traditional purchase with a return window.

Aaron's also offers a rent-to-rent option, where you lease an item for a shorter period—say, a few months—with no intention to buy. You pay a rental fee, use the item, and return it when the lease ends. This works well if you need something temporarily, like a television for a few months or a laptop for a specific project.

Costs and What You'll Pay Over Time

The total amount you pay through Aaron's lease-to-own plan is higher than the item's retail price. For example, a television that costs $400 to buy outright might cost $600 to $800 total through a lease-to-own plan, depending on the payment schedule and lease length. The difference covers Aaron's cost of holding inventory, delivery, setup, and maintenance.

Aaron's publishes a price list at each store and online showing the item's retail price, the weekly or monthly payment amount, and the total cost of the lease. Before you commit, compare that total cost to what you'd pay if you bought the item from a retailer like Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon. The difference is often substantial.

If you miss a payment, Aaron's may charge a late fee. If you fall significantly behind, Aaron's can repossess the item—meaning they'll come pick it up—and you'll lose both the item and the money you've paid so far. Your lease agreement spells out the exact terms, including how many days late you can be before repossession happens.

Delivery, Setup, and Maintenance

Aaron's delivers most items to your home and sets them up for you at no extra charge. For electronics like televisions or laptops, setup usually means unboxing, connecting cables, and testing the item. For furniture, it means placing it in the room you choose. Delivery typically happens within a few days of your lease start date.

During the lease term, Aaron's is responsible for repairs and maintenance. If your leased television stops working or your refrigerator breaks down, you contact Aaron's and they repair or replace it at no cost to you. This is one advantage of leasing over buying—you're not paying for repairs out of pocket. However, damage you cause intentionally or through misuse may not be covered, and Aaron's may charge you for repairs in those cases.

Building Credit Through Aaron's Payments

Aaron's reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you make all your payments on time, those on-time payments show up on your credit report and can help build or improve your credit score over time. This can be useful if you're working to establish credit or recover from past financial difficulties.

However, missed or late payments also report to the credit bureaus and will hurt your credit score. If Aaron's repossesses an item because you stopped paying, that repossession appears on your credit report and can significantly damage your score. Before you lease from Aaron's, understand that your payment behavior will be tracked and reported, just as it would with a credit card or loan.

Finding Aaron's Locations in South Carolina

Aaron's has stores in cities and towns across South Carolina, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Myrtle Beach. You can find your nearest location by visiting Aaron's website and using their store locator tool, or by calling 1-800-950-2265 to speak with customer service. Each store carries similar inventory, though specific items and availability may vary by location.

You can also start a lease online through Aaron's website. You'll enter your zip code to see what's available in your area, select an item, and begin the lease process. Aaron's will then contact you to confirm delivery details and finalize your agreement. Some people prefer starting online because they can browse at their own pace, while others like visiting a store to see items in person before committing.

Alternatives to Aaron's Lease-to-Own

If you're considering Aaron's, it's worth exploring other ways to get the electronics or furniture you need. Buying outright from a big-box retailer like Walmart or Best Buy costs less overall than leasing to own, even if you have to save up first or use a credit card. Many retailers also offer payment plans with zero interest for a set period, which can be cheaper than Aaron's if you can pay off the balance before interest kicks in.

If you need credit-building options, a secured credit card from a bank or credit union might work alongside or instead of Aaron's. You put down a cash deposit, use the card to make small purchases, and pay it off each month. This builds credit without the higher total cost of lease-to-own.

For furniture specifically, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist often have used items at a fraction of new prices. For electronics, refurbished items from manufacturers or certified retailers come with warranties and cost less than new, without the lease-to-own markup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I want to own the item before the lease term ends?

You can own it early by paying off the remaining balance in full. Aaron's will calculate what you still owe and let you pay it all at once. Once paid, the item is yours and the lease ends. You don't have to wait for the full lease term to finish.

Can I return an item and lease something else instead?

Yes. You can return your current item at any time, and Aaron's will pick it up for free. You can then start a new lease on a different item. However, your payments on the first item don't transfer—they're gone. You start fresh with a new payment plan for the new item.

What if I can't make a payment one month?

Contact Aaron's as soon as you know you'll miss a payment. They may be able to work with you on a modified payment schedule or temporary arrangement. If you don't contact them and miss the payment, late fees apply and repossession becomes possible. The sooner you communicate, the more options you may have.

Does Aaron's do a credit check before I lease?

Aaron's typically does a soft credit check or verification of income and identity, but the process is usually faster and less strict than traditional financing. You don't need perfect credit to lease from Aaron's. However, they may ask for proof of income or a valid ID to confirm you can make payments.

Is the item I lease new or used?

Most items Aaron's leases are new. However, some may be refurbished or open-box returns from other customers. Ask the store or check the item description online to confirm whether it's new or refurbished before you commit to the lease.