Big W introduces $15 Lay-by fee and people are not happy about it

Shoppers have lit up Big W over a new change introduced to battle the increasing costs of a heavily-used service.

BIG W is copping anger from shoppers after it announced a hefty new fee for Aussie customers requesting for items to be put on lay-by.

The store has introduced a $15 service fee on all lay-bys — including a $20 penalty if you cancel.

A BIG W spokesperson said the rising costs of storing lay-by items meant the company had to introduce the fee. However, shoppers still have the option to pay for their purchase in segments to keep costs down.

“BIG W always endeavours to offer great value to our customers,” the spokesperson said.

“Whilst we try our best to avoid any increase in administration and cancellation fees, this has come into effect due to an increase in the costs of managing and storing goods for Lay-by, as well as a rise in the number of orders that are later cancelled.

“These changes will ensure we can maintain our ability to continue to offer Lay-by as an option.

“For those looking for alternatives to Lay-by, we offer buy now, pay later options including Afterpay and Zip Pay.”

Shoppers across Australia took to some of the most volatile places on the internet — retail bargain groups — to air their frustrations.

BIG W has announced a hefty new fee for Aussie customers requesting for items to be put on lay-by.

“Many low income earners use lay-by, this is just another punch in the gut to them,” one fed-up user wrote on the Markdown Addicts Australia Facebook page.

“And the low income recipients get yet another slap in the face. What about those who can’t afford to buy things outright, and don’t, or won’t, have credit cards and Afterpay?” another added.

“If I want to lay-by a $50 item, I’ll be charged a 30% service fee? Big W can get stuffed.

“Low income earners are always the ones that suffer.”

Some said the move was enough for them to scrap the store entirely.

“Wow. Lay-bys are for people who don’t want to get in debt with ‘easy’ payment options that will keep you in debt forever. Why are people paying for a service that should be complementary?” another said.

“Lay-by for me is now unaffordable. BIG W is supposed to be a cheaper alternative. $15 is a big slug to someone shopping on a budget and looking for the best value. It’s lost money to me,” added another.

“My lay-bys were never big enough to ever absorb that sort of cost.”

Originally published as Big W introduces $15 Lay-by fee and people are not happy about it