> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rmhpos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rmhpos.com/store-manager/configure-pos-and-store-manager/merchandising/setting-up-layaways.md).

# Layaways

**Layaway** is a service that some stores provide where customers pay a deposit for items they want to purchase, and the store holds the items in a secure back office or storage area until the outstanding balance is paid in full by the customer.

Stores typically require customers to pay the outstanding balance on layaway orders within a specified period of time, such as 30 days. Depending on store policy and local laws, customers may be entitled to cancel a layaway order before it is fully paid for and have a portion or all of their layaway deposit returned to them.

{% hint style="info" %}
Layaway items are identified as Committed on the Inventory tab of the Items screen.
{% endhint %}

## Set the expiration date and minimum deposit amount

{% hint style="info" %}
Ordering rules are global and apply to all computers.
{% endhint %}

1. Click **File** | **Configuration**.
2. Click **Ordering Rules**.
3. In the **Layaway** section:
   1. In the **Expiration** field, enter the maximum number of days the customer has to pay off the total layaway amount before the layaway agreement with the store expires.
   2. In the **Deposit** field, enter the percentage of the total layaway amount that the customer must pay as a minimum deposit when they put the items on layaway.

{% hint style="success" %}
The best practice is to set the expiration to 30 days. This encourages customers to pay off layaway items quickly. It also ensures you do not have to keep a large number of layaway items in the back office or warehouse, where they occupy valuable storage space and could potentially be stolen or damaged. Most stores require at least a 20% deposit on layaway items. Similarly, to avoid costly transaction fees, many stores set policies that require layaway deposits and payments to be paid with cash, direct deposit, or check.
{% endhint %}

4. Click **Save And Close**.

## Select the layaway receipt format

1. Click **Setup**.
2. Expand **Hardware**.
3. Click **Receipt Formats**.
4. Double-click the store's general receipt format.
5. Ensure that a template is selected for **Layaway**. If a template is not already selected:
   1. Click the browse icon.
   2. Go to where you have saved your templates and select a template.
   3. Click **Open**.
   4. If required, click **Properties** and make any adjustments to the template.
6. Click **Save And Close**.


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