Which method allows customers to put a deposit on merchandise and pay the rest later?

The method that allows customers to put a deposit on merchandise and pay the rest later is layaway. This payment arrangement enables customers to reserve an item by making an initial payment and then paying off the remaining balance over time. The merchandise is typically held by the retailer until the total amount is paid, which is a key characteristic of layaway.

In contrast, credit involves borrowing money to purchase items, allowing customers to take home the merchandise immediately while repaying the lender over time, rather than reserving it. Financing refers to a similar concept, where payments are made over time, usually through an agreement with a financial institution, but it often involves interest and immediate possession of the item. A warranty is unrelated to payment methods; it is a service agreement that covers certain repairs or replacements but does not pertain to the deposit or payment for merchandise.