In 2025, lay-bys are still a lifesaver for South Africans. They are a reliable resource in hard economic times since they enable families to purchase clothing, uniforms, and household items without incurring debt or interest. However, what occurs if you are unable to complete your payments or cancel a lay-by? Understanding the terms of each retailer’s refund policies can make the difference between receiving your money back and losing some of it.
With an emphasis on deposits, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and refund conditions, this article contrasts Ackerman’s and Jet’s lay-by policies for 2025. You’ll learn which retailer provides superior consumer protection, where the best deals can be found, and how to buy more wisely at busy times like holiday and back-to-school sales.
How Lay-bys Work in South Africa
A lay-by is a simple purchase agreement. Instead of taking the product home immediately, the shopper pays a small deposit, followed by instalments until the full price is covered. Only then is the product released. Unlike credit purchases, there is no interest, no finance charges, and no risk of being listed at credit bureaus if you fail to pay.
Why South Africans Use Lay-bys
Debt-free shopping: Lay-bys help families avoid the trap of revolving store credit.
Budget planning: Instalments align with monthly salary cycles.
No hidden charges: Except for potential admin fees if you cancel, the purchase price is all you pay.
Safe during peak seasons: Parents secure schoolwear or festive items months in advance before stock runs out.
Legal Protections: Consumer Protection Act (CPA)
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) regulates lay-by agreements in South Africa. Key rights include:
Right to cancel: You may cancel a lay-by at any time before completing payment.
Refund entitlement: The store must refund the money you’ve already paid.
Reasonable deductions: The store may deduct a “reasonable cancellation penalty” (admin fee), but not an excessive amount.
Expiry rules: If the shopper fails to complete payments by the deadline, the contract expires, and the store must refund the money (minus reasonable costs).
While the law protects consumers, stores interpret “reasonable costs” differently. This is why some retailers give cash refunds in full, while others deduct fees or issue gift cards.
Ackermans Lay-by Policy Explained
Ackermans is known for affordable clothing, especially children’s wear and school uniforms. Many families depend on Ackermans lay-bys to prepare for the year’s key expenses.
Deposit Requirement
A 10% deposit is required to open a lay-by.
Example: For a R1,000 school uniform package, you pay R100 upfront.
Payment Period
The agreement lasts 3 months from the start date.
You can pay in instalments at any Ackermans branch.
Goods remain Ackermans’ property until fully paid.
Payment Methods Accepted by Ackermans
Cash, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, and EFT Transfers
Standard in-store payment methods for deposits and instalments.
Ensures flexibility for most shoppers.
Online Payment Services (Payflex, PayJustNow, Happy Pay)
Available for selected purchases.
Not typically used for in-store lay-by instalments, but shows Ackermans’ wider digital options.
Bill Payments
Cash or card can be used when paying bills through Ackermans.
Gift cards or vouchers are not always accepted for these payments, so customers should confirm first.
Refund and Cancellation Terms
Before expiry: If you cancel the lay-by before the 3-month period ends, Ackermans promises a full cash refund of all money paid.
After expiry: If you fail to complete the lay-by within 3 months, the contract expires. In this case, Ackermans refunds the money via an Ackermans Gift Card, not cash.
Extensions
Ackermans sometimes allows extensions if you request them in advance. This can give a little extra time to complete payments.
Customer Experiences
Officially, Ackermans offers cash refunds before expiry. However, some customers have reported being issued vouchers even when they cancelled early.
This inconsistency can create frustration, but the written policy is clear: cash refunds are due if you cancel before expiry.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Low deposit makes it easy to start.
No admin or cancellation fee before expiry.
Clear rules on refunds.
Weaknesses:
Short 3-month period is tight for larger purchases.
If you forget or miss the deadline, you lose cash flexibility because refunds switch to gift cards.
Read more: Jet Account vs Ackermans Account: Which One is Better for You?
Jet Lay-by Policy Explained
Jet has long been a household name in South African retail, with a broad base of customers buying affordable clothing and footwear. Its lay-by system is designed with longer timelines but includes admin fees.
Deposit Requirement
Deposits are typically 10–20% of the purchase price, depending on store and item.
Example: On a R1,000 item, you might pay R100–R200 upfront.
Payment Period
Up to 6 months to complete payments.
This longer window is useful for budget-conscious families who need more time.
Accepted Payment Methods
Jet accepts:
- Cash
- Debit and credit cards
- Store card payments (if you have one, though lay-bys are typically separate from credit)
- EFT or store deposit slips (where available)
Refund and Cancellation Terms
Refunds on cancellation: If you cancel a Jet lay-by, you get back the money you’ve paid minus an admin/cancellation fee. This fee usually ranges between 1–10% of the total paid.
Automatic cancellation: If you miss payment deadlines, Jet can cancel the lay-by. You’ll get your money back (minus the fee).
Refund Method
Refunds are usually processed in cash, but always reduced by the admin fee.
Customer Experiences
Many customers appreciate the 6-month window.
Complaints often focus on refund deductions, system errors, or refund delays.
Some customers feel the cancellation fee is unfair, even if legally “reasonable.”
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Flexible 6-month payment period.
Flexible payment frequency (weekly, fortnightly, monthly).
Weaknesses:
Refunds always involve a deduction, even if cancelled early.
Higher deposits in some cases.
More risk of admin disputes.
Read more: Jet Lay-By Policy 2025 – What You Need to Know Before You Pay
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Ackermans | Jet |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 10% | 10–20% |
| Payment Period | 3 months | Up to 6 months |
| Cancellation (Before Expiry) | Full cash refund | Refund minus fee (1–10%) |
| If Expired | Refund as gift card | Refund minus fee |
| Flexibility | Extensions possible | Longer timeline, flexible instalments |
| Customer Complaints | Some stores give vouchers instead of cash | Refund deductions, admin errors, delays |
Which Has the Better Refund Terms?
Refund terms are the key focus for budget-conscious shoppers. Here’s how they stack up:
Fairness
Ackermans wins because they offer a full refund before expiry. Jet deducts a fee regardless of timing.
Speed and Convenience
Both stores process refunds relatively quickly, but Ackermans’ voucher-only rule after expiry is limiting. Jet at least provides cash, though reduced.
Flexibility
Jet wins for flexibility, offering six months versus Ackermans’ three.
Transparency
Jet is upfront about deducting fees, which some shoppers appreciate for clarity.
Ackermans’ terms are generous, but inconsistent application in branches undermines trust.
Verdict
If your main concern is protecting your money in the event of cancellation, Ackermans offers the better refund terms. If you know you’ll need more time to pay, and can accept a small fee, Jet may be the safer option.
Tips to Avoid Losing Money on Lay-bys
Lay-bys are designed to make shopping easier, but a simple mistake can cost you money or leave you with store credit instead of cash. By following these steps, you can protect yourself and make the most of your lay-by agreements.
1. Read the contract carefully
Before signing any lay-by slip, ask the cashier or store assistant to explain the refund and cancellation rules. Some stores refund in cash, while others issue a gift card if you cancel late or miss the deadline. Knowing this upfront avoids disappointment. If you’re unsure, ask: “If I cancel next month, will I get cash back or only a voucher?”
2. Keep proof of payment
Always hold onto your receipts, payment slips, and lay-by contract. These documents are your only proof of how much you’ve already paid. Without them, refunds can be delayed or even denied. If you’re shopping during busy festive periods, keep all slips in one envelope or snap a photo of each payment on your phone.
3. Cancel early if necessary
If you know you won’t be able to finish paying, don’t wait until the last week. At Ackermans, for example, cancelling before the lay-by expires means you’ll receive a full cash refund. But if you let it expire, the refund changes to a voucher. Cancelling earlier avoids this trap and protects your cash.
4. Ask for written confirmation of refunds
When you cancel, request a written note or stamped slip from the store confirming the refund method and amount. This protects you if there are delays or disputes. For instance, if a cashier promises cash but later issues a gift card, you’ll have proof of what was agreed.
5. Budget realistically
It’s tempting to open several lay-bys at once during sales, but spreading yourself too thin increases the risk of missed payments. Focus only on items you truly need and know you can afford within the time period. A good rule: never commit to lay-bys that together exceed 20–25% of your monthly income.
6. Plan around salary cycles
Most South Africans get paid monthly, so align your instalments with payday. If your pay date is the 25th, schedule your lay-by payments for the last week of each month. This avoids missed deadlines and keeps your account up to date. Jet’s six-month window makes this easier, but even at Ackermans’ three-month limit, planning with your salary cycle can make payments manageable.
7. Know your rights under the CPA
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you the legal right to cancel a lay-by and claim a refund. While stores may deduct a reasonable cancellation penalty, they cannot withhold large sums or refuse refunds altogether. If you feel a deduction is unfair, you can challenge it with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). Simply knowing this law gives you more confidence when dealing with store staff.
Read more: What Happens When Your Layby Expires: Full Details
Lay-bys remain one of South Africa’s most trusted tools for debt-free shopping in 2025. Both Ackermans and Jet offer strong options, but their refund rules differ in ways that matter to families managing tight budgets.
Ackermans is the better choice if your priority is refund protection. A cancelled lay-by before expiry gives you back every cent, though you must be careful to cancel in time and confirm the refund method.
Jet is the better choice if your priority is time flexibility. With six months to pay, you get breathing space, but you’ll always sacrifice a small portion of your refund if you cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I transfer my lay-by from one branch to another?
No. At both Ackermans and Jet, you must collect the goods from the original store where the lay-by was opened. Instalments can usually be paid at other branches, but collection is branch-specific.
2. What happens if my lay-by item goes on sale after I’ve opened it?
Your lay-by price is fixed on the day you open the agreement. If the item goes on promotion later, you still pay the original price.
3. Can someone else make lay-by payments on my behalf?
Yes, but they must have the lay-by slip or your ID number as a reference when making the payment. Refunds, however, will only be issued to the person who originally opened the account.
4. Do lay-by purchases earn loyalty or rewards points?
This depends on the store’s current loyalty programme. Some retailers credit points only once the full payment is made and goods are collected.
5. How long does it take to process a refund after cancellation?
Refund times vary by branch, but customers generally report a turnaround of 7–14 working days. Always ask for written confirmation when cancelling.
6. Can I change the items in my lay-by after it’s opened?
No. Once a lay-by is opened, the items are set aside for you. If you want different products, you must cancel and start a new lay-by.
7. Is there a minimum purchase amount required to open a lay-by?
Policies differ, but many branches require a minimum purchase value (for example, R100–R150) before a lay-by can be opened.
8. What happens if the item I put on lay-by is damaged or discontinued before I finish paying?
The store must offer you a replacement of similar value or provide a full refund of the money you’ve paid. This is also protected under the Consumer Protection Act.
9. Can I use gift cards or vouchers to make lay-by instalments?
This varies by store. Some Ackermans and Jet branches allow it, while others only accept cash, card, or EFT. Always confirm before trying to pay with a voucher.
10. What should I do if a store refuses to honour the official lay-by policy?
First, escalate the issue to the branch manager. If unresolved, contact the retailer’s customer service line. As a last resort, you can lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
For South African shoppers in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Polokwane, and beyond, the decision depends on your needs. If you value simplicity and fairness, choose Ackermans. If you need longer repayment flexibility, Jet could be more practical.
Either way, protecting your money means knowing the rules, keeping records, and planning ahead. With these strategies, you can shop smarter and avoid unnecessary losses during the festive season, back-to-school rush, or any major purchase cycle.
