For many South Africans, shopping on a tight budget means making every rand count. Power Fashion, known for its affordable clothing and essentials, has long been a favourite for families, parents, and young adults who need stylish yet budget-friendly options. One of the biggest drawcards is its lay-by facility. This system allows customers to buy the items they need without going into debt, offering flexible payments over several months.
In October 2025, Power Fashion updated its lay-by terms and conditions, making it essential for shoppers to understand exactly how the policy works. Whether you are planning for back-to-school uniforms, festive season shopping, or seasonal wardrobe updates, knowing the rules helps you avoid penalties, missed deadlines, or refund delays.
This article breaks down the Power Fashion lay-by policy in clear, practical language. It explains deposits, payments, refunds, cancellations, privacy, and consumer rights, while also comparing Power Fashion’s lay-by rules to other major retailers. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use this facility effectively and confidently.
What is a Lay-By?
A lay-by is a payment system where a retailer sets aside goods for a customer who pays for them in instalments. Unlike credit or store accounts, a lay-by does not charge interest or fees as long as you follow the payment rules. Once the final instalment is made, you collect your goods.
In South Africa, lay-bys are popular because they:
Help avoid debt – no loans, no credit checks, and no interest.
Allow shoppers to budget monthly without overspending.
Provide a safe way to secure essential items during high-demand periods (such as school term starts or festive shopping).
According to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), lay-by agreements protect customers by ensuring retailers refund payments if the customer cancels, minus any small cancellation fee. This makes the system one of the most consumer-friendly shopping tools for working-class families.
For many South Africans, particularly those between 20 and 50 years old, lay-bys provide peace of mind: you can plan purchases months in advance, knowing you’ll avoid last-minute financial pressure.
Power Fashion’s Lay-By Policy 2025: Key Points
Power Fashion’s updated lay-by policy, effective October 2025, is designed to keep shopping simple, affordable, and stress-free. Below is a clear breakdown of how the system works:
1. Minimum Deposit
To open a lay-by, you must pay a 20% deposit of the total value of your chosen goods.
Example: If your items cost R1,000, your deposit will be R200.
2. Payment Period
You have a total of four months to complete payment.
The lay-by period cannot be extended beyond four months.
You are required to make at least one payment every month.
3. Instalments
Payments can be made monthly or more frequently if you prefer.
You are free to settle the lay-by earlier than four months if your budget allows.
There are no interest charges or hidden costs – you only pay the price of the goods.
4. Collection Rules
You can only collect your goods once the full amount has been paid.
Goods must be collected from the same store where the lay-by was opened.
Lay-bys are limited to one per customer at a time.
Quick View: Power Fashion Lay-By at a Glance
| Policy Feature | Details (2025 Update) |
|---|---|
| Deposit | 20% of total item value |
| Payment Period | 4 months (fixed, no extension) |
| Minimum Payment | At least one instalment every month |
| Early Settlement | Allowed (can pay off before 4 months) |
| Collection Point | Store where lay-by was opened |
| Limit | 1 lay-by at a time per customer |
Power Fashion’s lay-by rules are straightforward, but small details matter. For instance, missing payments or waiting past the four-month deadline can result in cancellation. That’s why it’s important to understand the next part of the policy—cancellations and refunds.
Cancellation and Refunds Explained
Life happens—sometimes you might not be able to complete your lay-by, or you change your mind about the goods. Power Fashion’s updated 2025 lay-by policy explains exactly what happens in these cases.
Cancelling Before Completion
If you cancel the lay-by before the end of the four-month period, you are entitled to a refund of the payments you’ve made so far.
Power Fashion will, however, deduct a 1% cancellation fee from the total lay-by value.
Example: If your lay-by was worth R2,000 and you cancel, the cancellation fee will be R20, and you’ll receive the rest back.
When the Cancellation Fee Does Not Apply
Power Fashion makes exceptions for serious life events. If you fail to complete payments due to:
Death, or
Hospitalisation
…then no cancellation fee is charged. Relevant documents, like a doctor’s certificate or death certificate, must be provided.
Refund Timelines
Refunds are processed at the store where you opened your lay-by. While Power Fashion does not specify the exact turnaround time in the terms, customers are generally advised to expect a few working days for processing.
Non-Collection or Expiry of Lay-By
If you fail to pay the full balance by the completion date (4 months), Power Fashion gives you an additional 14 days to settle.
If payment is still not made within this grace period, the lay-by is cancelled automatically.
In such cases, you will be refunded the total amount you’ve paid (minus the 1% cancellation fee, unless exempted).
Example Scenario: Cancellation Fee in Action
Let’s say you lay-by school uniforms worth R1,500 in September. You pay:
R300 deposit
R400 in October
R300 in November
By December, you decide to cancel. The lay-by total value was R1,500.
Cancellation fee: R15 (1% of R1,500).
Refund: R985 (R1,000 paid – R15 fee).
This example shows that while the cancellation fee is small, you still want to plan your lay-bys carefully to avoid disruptions.
Key Consumer Protection
Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Power Fashion must refund your payments if a lay-by is cancelled, minus a small cancellation fee. This legal safeguard ensures transparency and protects you from losing all your money.
Many shoppers assume that cancelling a lay-by means losing everything. This is not true. Even if you cancel, most of your money is refunded—you only lose the 1% cancellation fee (unless in hospitalisation or death cases).
What Happens if You Miss Payments?
Power Fashion’s lay-by system is designed to be flexible, but missing payments can cause problems if you’re not careful. Here’s what happens if you don’t keep up with instalments.
The 4-Month Deadline
You must finish paying for your lay-by within 4 months.
This deadline cannot be extended.
The 14-Day Grace Period
If you miss the completion date, Power Fashion gives you an extra 14 days to make your final payment.
During this grace period, your goods remain on hold.
If you settle the outstanding amount in this window, your lay-by remains valid.
Automatic Cancellation
If you fail to make payment within the grace period, the lay-by is immediately cancelled.
You will receive a refund of the money you’ve already paid, minus the 1% cancellation fee.
Goods will be returned to the sales floor.
Example Scenario: Missed Deadline
Imagine you open a lay-by worth R2,000 in July.
By October, you’ve paid R1,500 but still owe R500.
The completion date is November. If you don’t pay by then, you’ll have until mid-November (14 days extra) to pay the balance.
If you still don’t pay, your lay-by is cancelled, and you get a refund of R1,480 (R1,500 – R20 cancellation fee).
Practical Tips to Avoid Losing Your Lay-By
Set Reminders: Use your phone calendar or diary to track monthly payments.
Pay More When You Can: If you have extra money, pay ahead of schedule.
Respond to SMS Notifications: Power Fashion will send reminders by SMS or email. Don’t ignore them.
Don’t Overcommit: Only open one lay-by at a time, as allowed by policy.
Plan for Peak Seasons: Start lay-bys early (for school uniforms or festive wear) to avoid last-minute pressure.
Missing payments doesn’t mean losing everything—thanks to refunds—but it does create delays and small financial losses. The safest approach is to treat your lay-by like any other bill: pay it on time, every month.
Read more: Ackermans Refund & Exchange Policy Explained
Personal Information and Privacy
When you open a lay-by at Power Fashion, you provide personal details such as your name, ID number, cellphone number, and sometimes your email address. These details are required to manage your account and keep you updated about payments. The 2025 policy outlines how this information is handled and what your rights are as a customer.
What Information is Collected?
Basic identification: Name, ID number.
Contact details: Cellphone number, email address.
Transaction details: Deposit amount, instalments paid, and lay-by balance.
How Power Fashion Uses Your Information
Power Fashion is part of the Mr Price Group Limited, which includes other divisions like Mr Price, Mr Price Home, Mr Price Sport, Sheet Street, Miladys, and Mr Price Money. Your personal data is processed according to the group’s Privacy Policy, and it may be used for:
Sending SMS or email reminders about lay-by payments and due dates.
Sending official legal notices related to your agreement.
Contacting you with offers or promotions for products and services, unless you opt out.
Your Rights as a Customer
Under South African law and Power Fashion’s policy, you have important rights regarding your personal data:
You must give express consent for your data to be processed.
You have the right to withdraw consent at any time.
You can request details on what information Power Fashion holds about you.
You can ask to stop receiving promotional messages.
How to Withdraw Consent
You need to notify Power Fashion if you no longer want your data to be processed.
The procedure is outlined in the Privacy Policy (available in-store or on the Power Fashion website).
The store manager can assist you with updating or removing your details.
Why Privacy Matters for Lay-By Customers
For many shoppers, especially those relying on lay-bys for school or festive purchases, trust is essential. By clearly stating how your information is used, Power Fashion aims to be transparent and give customers control. Always make sure your contact details are up to date, otherwise you risk missing critical payment reminders or refund notifications.
Everyday Examples of Using Power Fashion Lay-By
Lay-bys are not only about buying clothing affordably—they are about planning smartly for life’s important moments. Here are some common situations where the Power Fashion lay-by policy works best.
1. Back-to-School Shopping
Parents and caregivers know that January is one of the most stressful financial months of the year. School uniforms, shoes, and stationery all need to be bought at once. With Power Fashion’s lay-by system:
You can secure school uniforms months in advance.
Pay them off slowly while managing other year-end expenses.
Collect them before the school year starts, avoiding the January shopping rush.
Example:
Thandi opens a lay-by in September for her two children’s uniforms worth R1,200. She pays R240 upfront as the deposit and spreads the rest over four months. By December, the uniforms are fully paid and ready for collection—without having to borrow money in January.
2. Festive Season Clothing
The holiday season is when many South Africans want new outfits for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Prices also tend to increase closer to December due to demand. Lay-bys help you avoid overspending and last-minute stress.
Start your festive lay-by in September or October.
Pay off slowly and collect just in time for December events.
No debt, no panic buying, and no inflated prices.
Example:
Sipho lays by clothes worth R1,500 in October, paying a R300 deposit. By December, he has completed his payments and collects stylish outfits for himself and his partner, ready for the celebrations.
3. Seasonal Wardrobe Planning
South Africa’s weather shifts can be harsh, and buying seasonal clothes in bulk can strain a budget. Lay-bys allow you to prepare ahead of time.
Winter coats, boots, and knitwear can be paid off during summer.
Summer clothes, swimwear, and casual wear can be lay-bied in winter, ready for December holidays.
Example:
Lerato lays by a family set of winter jackets in February worth R2,000. She pays monthly, and by May, the jackets are paid off and ready to keep her family warm without financial strain.
4. Special Events (Weddings, Birthdays, Graduations)
Lay-bys are also ideal for planning ahead for personal milestones. Outfits for weddings, graduation ceremonies, or milestone birthdays can be secured months in advance.
Prevent last-minute panic buying.
Spread out payments across four months.
Collect the items when fully paid, stress-free.
Tips for Managing Your Lay-By Successfully
While the Power Fashion lay-by system is straightforward, many shoppers still run into trouble by missing deadlines or forgetting small details. Here are practical ways to ensure your lay-by runs smoothly from start to finish.
1. Plan Ahead for Key Seasons
Back-to-school: Open your lay-by as early as September for January needs.
Festive season: Start in October to ensure goods are ready by mid-December.
Seasonal wardrobes: Plan lay-bys months before winter or summer begins.
2. Always Pay On Time
Make at least one payment every month to keep your lay-by active.
Use a phone calendar or set SMS reminders for payment dates.
Paying more than required when you have extra funds helps you finish sooner.
3. Track Your Payments
Keep your lay-by slip safe—it’s proof of your agreement.
Each payment should be recorded on your slip or receipt.
If you lose your slip, go to the store immediately with your ID for assistance.
4. Update Your Contact Details
Power Fashion sends lay-by reminders via SMS or email.
If your cellphone number or email changes, notify the store where you opened the lay-by.
This prevents missed reminders and potential cancellations.
5. Avoid Multiple Lay-Bys
Power Fashion only allows one lay-by per customer at a time.
This rule protects you from taking on more than you can afford.
Focus on finishing one lay-by before starting another.
6. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Leaving payments until the fourth month creates unnecessary pressure.
Spread instalments evenly to reduce financial stress.
If possible, finish early—you can collect your goods sooner.
7. Communicate if You’re Struggling
If you expect delays (due to illness, financial strain, or unexpected expenses), visit the store immediately.
Staff may guide you on your options or remind you of the 14-day grace period after the completion date.
Quick Checklist for a Stress-Free Lay-By
- Deposit paid (20%)
- At least one payment each month
- Payment reminders set
- Contact details updated
- Slip stored safely
- Plan for collection before the 4-month deadline
By following these steps, you not only protect your money but also ensure you get your items when you need them most. A lay-by is meant to make life easier, not harder—so treat it like a priority bill.
Also check: How to Easily Check Your Ackermans Account Balance Online
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
1. Can I extend my Power Fashion lay-by beyond 4 months?
No. The total lay-by period is four months only, and it cannot be extended. You must pay off your items within this period, plus the 14-day grace period if you miss the deadline.
2. What happens if I lose my lay-by slip?
Your lay-by slip is proof of your agreement, but if you lose it, go to the store where you opened the lay-by. Bring your ID or any payment receipts. The store can look up your account and update your details.
3. Can I cancel my lay-by?
Yes, you can cancel at any time before completion. You will be refunded the money you’ve paid so far, minus a 1% cancellation fee. For example, if your lay-by total was R1,000, you’ll lose R10.
4. Are there cases where the cancellation fee is waived?
Yes. If you fail to complete payments due to death or hospitalisation, Power Fashion will refund you in full with no cancellation fee, provided you supply the correct documents (doctor’s certificate, death certificate, etc.).
5. Can I pay off my lay-by earlier than 4 months?
Yes. You can settle your account before the four-month period ends. This allows you to collect your goods earlier.
6. How will I be reminded about payments?
Power Fashion will notify you via SMS or email. This includes reminders about deposits, instalments, and due dates. Always ensure your contact details are updated with the store.
7. Where do I collect my lay-by goods?
You can only collect your items from the same store where you opened the lay-by. Goods cannot be transferred between branches.
8. Can I open more than one lay-by at the same time?
No. Power Fashion only allows one lay-by at a time per customer. You must complete and collect your current lay-by before starting another.
9. How long do refunds take?
Refunds are processed by the store where you opened your lay-by. While the policy does not specify an exact timeline, customers should expect a few working days for processing.
10. What happens if I miss my final payment?
If you don’t pay by the completion date, you’ll have 14 extra days to settle. If you still don’t pay, your lay-by will be cancelled, and your payments refunded minus the 1% cancellation fee.
Power Fashion’s updated lay-by policy for 2025 remains one of the most accessible and affordable shopping tools for South African families. By requiring only a 20% deposit and offering a four-month payment plan with no interest, it gives customers a safe, debt-free way to plan for essentials like school uniforms, festive clothing, and seasonal wardrobes.
The rules are clear: pay on time, keep your slip safe, and settle within the deadline. Even if life gets in the way, the policy ensures you won’t lose your money, thanks to transparent refunds and legal protection under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). The small 1% cancellation fee is a reminder to commit wisely, but it’s far more consumer-friendly than many credit-based alternatives.
For budget-conscious shoppers, Power Fashion’s lay-by system is more than a payment option—it’s a financial planning tool. It helps families prepare for busy seasons, avoid unnecessary debt, and shop with confidence.
