There are a number of benefits to making a purchase from a catalogue company, and once you have opened up a new account, you will be able to have a wide range of items delivered directly to your door. You can also split the cost of your purchase over time, paying for any items on a weekly, monthly or even quarterly basis.

You will receive a statement from the catalogue company regularly, outlining your credit balance, any items you have purchased and the minimum payment you will need to make. However, there are a number of alternatives to catalogues if you are looking to split the cost of a purchased over a prolonged period of time. Here are some examples of alternatives to catalogues, and the benefits of making a purchase in this way.

Hire Purchase
A hire agreement will allow you to hire larger, more expensive items such as a television or sofa, and then pay for the order over time. This has a number of benefits, and will allow you to budget more effectively. Several companies offer hire purchase credit, although you will need to choose a company that offers a low rate of interest, and one that is likely to approve your application.

You will often have to provide some form of identification when applying for hire purchase, such as proof of your address in the form of a recent utility bill or bank statement. You may also have to prove your identity by providing a passport or other form of photographic ID such as a driving license.

Store Cards
Some of the biggest names on the high street offer their customers the chance to apply for a store card. These cards work in a similar way to catalogue accounts, in that the customer can pay for any items that they have ordered over a long period of time. You will be able to purchase items from any branch of the store throughout the country, or even on their website, allowing you to take advantage of having items delivered directly to your door.

With a store card account, you can pay for your purchase in instalments, ideal if you are looking to order a more expensive item, such as a television or computer. When choosing a store card, ensure that you choose a card that offers a low rate of interest, and one that gives you the flexibility to make payments using a method that suits you. This could include paying for the item in the store, or settling the balance over the phone or online.

You can apply for a store card by phone or online, and will often receive an instant decision as to whether your application has been successful. Your card will then arrive in the post, with details on your credit limit and the repayment options available to you. You can even apply for a card when in a branch of the store, although you may need to provide some identification in order to further the application.