Rent-to-own News - Super Bowl TV rentals move the chains for RTO dealers

The first part of the first quarter of every year, rental dealers on the whole see a friendly spike in television rentals due to a little contest known as the Super Bowl.

Long before FOX begins broadcasting live from Cowboys Stadium this Sunday, chances are, those big flat panels may running a bit scarce.

Jeff Lebakken, owner of Lebakken's RTO -- an 11 store rental company based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin -- said Green Bay's stake in the game has emptied his store of big screens.

"All our big screens are gone and we have a waiting list for the stuff that comes back," he said. "We're getting some more 60 inch plasmas in tomorrow, but they'll be gone by Saturday. Super Bowl's always a big rental day for us, but this year, with the Pack in it, it's out of control."

Ehow.com recommends these tips for renting a big screen for the Super Bowl:

1. Measure the area in which the big screen will be located at the party to assure you rent one the appropriate size. Also, be sure it's going to fit through all doorways into the room where the party will be held. You don't want to watch the game on the front porch, because the television is too big to fit inside the house.

2. Estimate the number of visitors that will be watching the Super Bowl on the big screen to be sure it will be large enough for everyone to see. The larger the television, the more people can easily see the game, but keep in mind, the bigger you go, the higher the price goes as well. Thus, you not only want to pick that will fit and easy to see, but also fits in your budget.

3. Find out if the price includes delivery and setup. Many rental companies take this chore out of your hands, especially with a high ticket item that can be easily damaged during transport.

4. Book your television rental early. You're probably not the only one who wants to throw a big bash for the Super Bowl complete with monster television. A good rule of thumb is to reserve the television a minimum of two weeks prior to the event and before you start inviting people over.

5. Be available to receive the big screen when delivered to the party location, and have the area cleared and ready for set up. Inspect the big screen immediately and note any damage already on the television. If there's even minor scratches or dings, put it in writing that you received it in this condition.