You’re walking down Plaza East Place in McPherson, and you see the sign. Mike’s Rent to Own. Maybe you’ve lived in town forever, or maybe you just moved here and your living room is currently a collection of cardboard boxes.
Honestly, most people have a very specific, often wrong, idea of what happens inside a shop like this. They think it's just for folks in a tight spot or that the math never adds up. But if you talk to Melissa, the store manager at the McPherson location, or look at how Mike Strong has built this Kansas staple since 1981, you realize it’s actually a localized logistics and service business hiding behind a retail storefront.
The Reality of Renting in McPherson
Located at 2212 Plaza East Place, this isn't some giant, soulless corporate chain. Mike Strong started the first one in Hutchinson over 40 years ago. He’s got 13 stores now, and his kids, Michael and Angela, are basically running the show with him.
Why does that matter? Because when you walk into the McPherson store, you’re not dealing with a script from a call center in another time zone. You’re dealing with people who know the local schools and the local weather.
One thing people get wrong is the "no credit check" part. They think it's a trap. In reality, it’s just a different model. Everyone is pre-approved. You aren't getting a loan; you’re starting a rental agreement that can lead to ownership. If you lose your job or life goes sideways, you can literally just return the item. No debt collectors. No ruined credit score. You just stop the agreement.
What’s Actually Inside the Store?
It’s not just dusty couches and old TVs. The inventory is surprisingly heavy on big-name brands. We’re talking:
- Whirlpool and LG appliances (because nobody wants a fridge that dies in three months)
- Ashley Furniture sets
- Samsung and Sony electronics
- Tires (Yes, they do tires. A local shop actually mounts them for you.)
- Mattresses (Because sleeping on the floor is only fun when you're five.)
A lot of people in McPherson use Mike’s for the "service" aspect. If you rent a washer and the pump blows, you don't call a repairman and pay $200. You call Mike’s. They have an in-house service department with 30 years of experience. They come out, fix it, or swap it. That "peace of mind" factor is a huge part of the cost people often overlook when they compare rent-to-own prices to Amazon.
The Math: Weekly vs. Monthly
Here is the kicker. If you pay weekly, it’s going to feel expensive over time. That’s just the nature of the beast. But if you pay monthly at the McPherson store, you actually save a significant chunk of change.
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Most people don't know they can negotiate payment schedules too. The staff—names like Erik L and Toby pop up in recent reviews for their delivery work—are trained to find a rhythm that matches your paycheck. If you get paid on the 1st and 15th, they can usually make that work.
Pro Tip: Ask about the "90 days same as cash" options. If you know you’re getting a tax refund or a bonus in three months, you can get the furniture now, pay it off in 90 days, and avoid almost all the rental fees.
How the Process Works (Simply)
- Pick your stuff: Go to 2212 Plaza East Place or browse online.
- Fill out the paperwork: You’ll need proof of residence and income. No hard credit pull.
- Setup & Delivery: They usually offer same-day or next-day delivery in McPherson. Erik or Toby will likely be the ones lugging the sofa into your house.
- Ownership: You make the payments until the term is up, then you own it. Or, you return it whenever you want.
Is It Right for You?
It’s not for everyone. If you have a $10,000 credit limit and a 750 credit score, you’re better off buying outright.
But if you’re a young family starting out, or a student at McPherson College who needs a fridge for a semester, or someone whose dryer just died and you don't have $800 sitting in the bank—this is a local lifeline.
The McPherson store is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm. They’re closed Sundays. If you need to chat with them before heading over, their number is 620-241-1137.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Audit your needs: Are you looking for a long-term piece of furniture or a temporary fix?
- Check the 90-day window: Look at your upcoming budget to see if you can hit a "same as cash" payoff.
- Visit in person: Ask for Melissa or the current manager on duty to see the specific floor models, as inventory changes weekly.
- Read the agreement: Specifically look at the "Total Cost of Ownership" so you know exactly what you'll pay if you go the full term.