The landscape of consumer finance has been significantly reshaped by digital innovations, particularly with the advent of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services and Point of Sale (POS) financing. These solutions have revolutionized how consumers approach payments, making high-ticket items more accessible and shopping experiences smoother. Speaking of POS and BNPL, it is essential to mention layaway, from which these services have evolved.

Layaway is a purchasing method that allows consumers to reserve an item by making a partial payment and then paying the remaining balance in installments before taking possession of the item. This system emerged as a popular payment plan during times when consumer credit was not readily available.

How Layaway Works

1. Selection of Item: The customer selects an item they wish to purchase.
2. Down Payment: The customer makes an initial partial payment to the retailer, which is often a small percentage of the total cost.
3. Installment Payments: The customer continues to make regular payments over a specified period until the total price of the item is paid off.
4. Item Retrieval: Once the full payment is completed, the customer can take the item home.

Benefits of Layaway

• No Interest Charges: Unlike credit purchases, layaway plans typically do not charge interest, making it an attractive option for consumers who wish to avoid debt.
• Fixed Pricing: The price of the item is locked in at the time of the initial payment, protecting consumers from potential price increases.
• Budget Management: Layaway allows consumers to budget their payments over time, making it easier to purchase more expensive items without needing to qualify for credit.

Layaway plans became particularly popular in the aftermath of the Great Depression when consumer credit was scarce, and many people did not have access to loans or credit cards. This method allowed retailers to still make sales during tough economic times by offering a payment plan that suited the financial constraints of their customers.

Layaway remained a popular payment method into the 1960s and 1970s. Major retailers like General Motors, Wal-Mart, and Sears offered layaway plans for both big-ticket and day-to-day purchases. These plans paved the way for modern financing solutions by demonstrating the viability and consumer demand for installment-based payment options.

As consumer credit became more accessible, layaway plans declined in popularity, giving rise to new forms of financing. One significant evolution in consumer finance was the development of POS financing and the advent of BNPL.

POS financing refers to consumer loans and installment plans that allow customers to spread the cost of their purchases over a set period, typically with interest. This type of financing is usually integrated into the purchase process, with real-time credit checks to determine eligibility and terms.

BNPL is a service that lets customers pay for online purchases in equal installments over a short period. Unlike traditional credit agreements with banks, BNPL does not involve additional fees or interest if payments are made on time. It offers a straightforward, interest-free payment solution, provided that the payments are completed within the agreed timeframe.

BNPL services gained significant traction in the early 2010s, a period that saw the rise of modern deferred payment solutions. Unlike POS financing, which has a longer history and evolved alongside traditional consumer credit models, BNPL introduced a seamless integration with online retail.

Several companies have pioneered both POS and BNPL models, integrating them seamlessly with online retail and redefining how deferred payments could be applied in the digital age. These early innovators include Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay and GreenSky.

Affirm

Affirm pioneered the POS financing model starting in 2012, initially working with popular direct-to-consumer brands like Casper and Burrow. Affirm offers transparent, fixed-term installment loans at the point of sale, emphasizing no hidden fees and clear terms. Its seamless integration with numerous online retailers has facilitated the adoption of POS financing for larger purchases, such as electronics, furniture, and travel bookings. Additionally, Affirm has introduced “pay in 4” BNPL products, offering consumers more flexibility for smaller purchases.

Below is a video that demonstrates how Affirm works:

Klarna

Founded in Sweden in 2005, Klarna initially focused on allowing online shoppers to pay after delivery. Over time, it expanded to offer zero-interest financing options for POS, if payments are made within the agreed period. Klarna's BNPL services allow consumers to split payments into four equal installments. Its widespread adoption across Europe and the U.S. has made it a dominant player in both the POS and BNPL spaces. Not to mention, Klarna's marketing is highly innovative, with campaigns featuring celebrities like Snoop Dogg, which has further boosted its appeal and recognition.

Below is a video that demonstrates how Klarna works and a memorable advertisement featuring Snoop Dogg:

Afterpay

Launched in Australia in 2014, Afterpay honed the BNPL model for the Australian market before rapidly expanding internationally. Their business model allows consumers to buy products immediately and pay in four equal installments due every two weeks. Afterpay's simple and straightforward approach has resonated well with consumers looking to avoid high-interest rates and complex loan agreements. While primarily known for BNPL, Afterpay has also ventured into POS financing by integrating longer-term installment options.

Below is a commercial video with a brief explanation of how it works:

At first glance, POS financing and BNPL may seem similar, but there are distinct differences between the two. To further elucidate the distinctions and similarities between POS financing and BNPL services, here is a detailed comparison table that highlights the key attributes of each payment method:

Understanding these distinctions clarifies why certain products are more prevalent in specific sectors. For instance, BNPL is often used for frequent, lower-cost purchases such as cosmetics or clothing, where consumers benefit from short-term, interest-free installments that help them manage cash flow until their next paycheck. Conversely, high-value items like furniture or appliances typically offer POS financing because the significant cost justifies longer repayment terms.

The combination of BNPL and POS financing solutions has significantly enhanced consumer purchasing power, creating a more flexible and accessible financial landscape. BNPL services have provided a convenient, interest-free option for smaller, frequent purchases, making everyday shopping experiences smoother. In contrast, POS financing has facilitated the acquisition of larger, high-ticket items by offering longer-term installment plans. Together, these financial innovations have made it easier for consumers to manage their cash flow and afford purchases that might otherwise be out of reach, ultimately driving growth and evolution in the consumer finance sector.

This introductory article has provided an overview of BNPL and POS financing. In the next article, I will discuss the integration of these financing solutions with merchants, exploring how businesses can leverage these options to enhance customer experiences and increase sales.