Final answer:
Consumers putting a deposit on merchandise and paying over time without immediate possession are using lay-away, a system that helps avoid debt and interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers who put a deposit on merchandise and make payments toward that purchase without taking the merchandise home immediately are engaging in lay-away. This business practice allows customers to reserve the merchandise while they make periodic payments towards the total cost. Once the full price has been paid, the customer can then take possession of the item. It's different from credit, where consumers take possession of items immediately and pay over time, usually with added interest. Lay-away helps consumers avoid debt and interest but requires patience and planning.