An available offer need not be a useful offer. Walk away when repayment relies on uncertain income or cuts into essential costs.
What to check
- Total repayment
- realistic income and the purchase's necessity
Ask for the amount actually paid out, every required payment and its due date. Put two quotes on the same basis before choosing.
A decision to avoid
Accepting because the application took time and effort.
A calculation you can check
Illustration only: cash received R2 000; three payments of R750; a separate required charge of R50. Total paid = 3 × R750 + R50 = R2 300. Difference from cash received = R2 300 − R2 000 = R300. This difference is not an annual interest rate. Include the charge only if it is outside the three payments; do not count it twice.
Questions about this decision
What should I check first?
An available offer need not be a useful offer. Walk away when repayment relies on uncertain income or cuts into essential costs.
Which information do I need for this decision?
Total repayment, realistic income and the purchase's necessity.
Which mistake should I avoid here?
Accepting because the application took time and effort.
How do I check total repayment?
Locate the actual dated record for Total repayment. Compare it with the other records in this checklist; ask the organisation responsible for any unexplained difference.
How do I check realistic income and the purchase's necessity?
Locate the actual dated record for realistic income and the purchase's necessity. Compare it with the other records in this checklist; ask the organisation responsible for any unexplained difference.
What should I do if a required detail is missing?
Mark it as unresolved. Ask for that precise detail before choosing; do not substitute an advertised example for your own document.
What is the next practical step?
Ask for the amount actually paid out, every required payment and its due date. Put two quotes on the same basis before choosing.
How can I verify the explanation?
Use the documents listed above. Check quoted amounts and dates in the original record; use the official reference links for the organisation’s guidance.
