The authors examine the characteristics and experiences of rent-to-own customers using a nationwide survey of 532 customers and 11,575 noncustomers. The authors find that most customers have low incomes and education levels, but most have a motor vehicle and some type of credit card or bank account; most customers use rent-to-own transactions to purchase merchandise, not merely as short-term rentals; and most customers are satisfied with the transactions and are treated well if they are late making a payment, though some experience abusive collection practices. The authors discuss the implications of the findings for public policy.
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