CHARLOTTE — A new trend in shopping is popping up online and in stores that lets you buy products now and pay later without having to use a credit card or a loan, but a local lawmaker says that shouldn’t be allowed for firearms.
Whether you’re shopping online for a mattress, clothing, or for your hobby, you may have noticed something new at the checkout: buy now, pay later. What usually happens is after a soft credit check or bank account verification, a third-party company will front the money to the retailer, and you make payments.
Democrat Rep. Alma Adams of North Carolina’s 12th District suggested Tuesday that there should be limits to using buy now, pay later services.
“Folks who shouldn’t have weapons may have an opportunity to get them,” Adams said. “I don’t think it’s really responsible.”
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Adams says the option makes it too convenient when it comes to purchasing firearms. She and four other members of Congress sent a letter asking for answers from Credova, a company that has partnered with gun retailers to use the buy now, pay later system. She says consumers who use the option are younger, and they often have limited income.
“So what you’re really doing is giving these people an opportunity to obtain these weapons,” Adams said. “They can’t afford to buy them right now. We used to have a layaway plan.”
Larry Hyatt, the owner of Hyatt Gun Shop, says he has his own layaway program, but he was approached with an opportunity to partner with Credova. He turned the offer down, but he still supports the concept.
“Well indirectly, if you use a credit card, that’s what you’re doing. You’re buying it now and you’re paying it later,” Hyatt said.
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Hyatt says with background checks and waiting periods, he doubts that the program would allow a weapon to fall into the wrong hands.
“Helping people afford a nice gun that’s reliable for self-protection or hobbies is a good thing,” Hyatt said.
Adams disagrees, pointing to a marketing campaign on grabagun.com that says “Shoot now, pay later.”
“I think that’s the problem we have in the country right now: accessibility,” Adams said.
Apple is expected to launch its own buy now, pay later program on Apple Pay in the next year, but it’s not known if gun purchases would be eligible.
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