Layaway plan pains Albuquerque family
Posted at: 12/22/2011 10:55 PM
| Updated at: 12/23/2011 4:33 PM
By: 4 On Your Side
This year, holiday shoppers are opting for retail store layaway programs.
Many consumers have learned how long it takes to pay off big credit card bills and want to avoid high interest payments.
While layway plans are becoming more popular they can some times be tricky and often have hidden terms.
That's what one Albuquerque couple discovered after putting a downpayment on a new bed.
Steve and Teresa Johnson made two installment payments before the opened their mail box and found a letter from Sleep Number notifying them the terms of their deal was going to be modified.
The Johnsons called the company’s customer service department, but were not happy with the options they were offered.
That’s when they turned to KOB’s 4 On Your Side team for help.
Mr. Johnson told us they put a Sleep Number bed on layaway after he had cancer surgery.
"I couldn't be on a firm bed any longer because of the cancer and because of the recovery and I needed something softer,” Mr. Johnson said.
He found what he hoped would be the perfect bed inside Cottonwood Mall.
Sleep Number offered them a good deal, a deep discount, and a layaway plan.
"The deal was we would purchase the bed on a layaway program and make payments of $365 a month," Mr. Johnson said. "Everything was going fine -payments were being made on time and all of a sudden I receive a letter stating they are going to make upgrades and improvements to the bed; and, they are going to enhance different features, but there maybe an increase in the cost.”
But the letter they received a few weeks ago told them they would have to pay off their balance two months ear lier than planned.
"That was unacceptable because I already had an agreement with them for the layaway," Mr. Johnson said.
Frustrated, Johnson decided he would ask for 4 On Your Side’s help.
Our investigative team made a few calls on behalf of the Johnsons.
Sleep Number employees told us they have decided to give the Johnsons their newly improved bed for the original price.
The company said it will allow the couple to payoff the bed in March as they initially agreed.
They will also allow them to make payments through March.
"Obviously without 4 OYS getting involved in this nothing would have come out the way that it should have," Mr. Johnson said. "I just want to thank 4OYS for being on our side and helping us with this situation."
With the problem solved, Ms. Johnson is feeling less holiday stress.
"Now we can have a good night's rest," Teresa Johnson said.
If you have a problem or news tip contact KOB's 4 OYS.
Call (505) 764-2502 or e-mail: 4OYS@KOB.com
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