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Empirical Evidence on the Determinants of Rent-to-Own Use and Purchase Behavior

Author

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  • Signe-Mary McKernan
  • James M. Lacko
  • Manoj Hastak

Abstract

This study uses logit and multinomial logit models and data from a nationwide random sample of rent-to-own (RTO) customers to investigate financial, demographic, regulatory, and other factors associated with consumer use of RTO transactions and the purchase of RTO merchandise. The analysis recognizes that RTO transactions can be used for either the purchase of merchandise or a temporary rental and models the determinants of use and purchase separately for each group of customers. The study concludes that income, access to credit, education, and race are significant determinants of whether consumers use RTO transactions with the intent to purchase. The study also finds some indication that state RTO laws may affect use and purchase, although this result is less robust. The determinants differ for consumers entering RTO transactions intending to purchase and intending a temporary rental, suggesting the industry serves two separate and distinct markets. The policy implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Signe-Mary McKernan & James M. Lacko & Manoj Hastak, 2003. "Empirical Evidence on the Determinants of Rent-to-Own Use and Purchase Behavior," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 17(1), pages 33-52, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:17:y:2003:i:1:p:33-52
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242402239197
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zikmund-Fisher, Brian J. & Parker, Andrew M., 1999. "Demand for rent-to-own contracts: a behavioral economic explanation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 38(2), pages 199-216, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. McKernan, Signe-Mary & Ratcliffe, Caroline & Kuehn, Daniel, 2013. "Prohibitions, price caps, and disclosures: A look at state policies and alternative financial product use," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 207-223.
    2. Fitzpatrick, Katie, 2024. "Non-bank credit and food hardship: The association between payday loans, pawn loans, rent-to-own contracts and food hardship in households with children," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    3. Maggie R. Jones, 2016. "A Loan by any Other Name: How State Policies Changed Advanced Tax Refund Payments," CARRA Working Papers 2016-04, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    4. Cliff A. Robb & Patryk Babiarz & Ann Woodyard & Martin C. Seay, 2015. "Bounded Rationality and Use of Alternative Financial Services," Journal of Consumer Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(2), pages 407-435, July.
    5. Anderson, Michael H. & Jaggia, Sanjiv, 2009. "Rent-to-own agreements: Customer characteristics and contract outcomes," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 51-69.

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