Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 18 of 24
Save money
12/28/2006 - Ian of Alberta, Canada writes:
I have been a card carrying member of "Direct Buy" for almost 4 years and minus some problems with product not being available but still on the books, my wife and I have discovered there are savings but on the bigger ticket items only. I read "why would you buy that anyway"? Well, I got top of the line for the price of middle of the road...my budget. You have to do your homework with or without the membership and if you don't, you'll ALWAYS get what you pay for. That may be a great deal from the big box stores or it may be from Directbuy. I've already save the price of my membership and I plan on renovating an older home and saving even more. Oh, yeah, By the way...we bought our membership on our second visit, 8 months after our first. We were called the first time, the second time I booked the appointment online...they were never the wiser. Don't believe the crap you have to buy that night. If you're reading this you're doing some research into the company...that's wonderful...think long and hard, you will save if you're renovating, building, and you're young or very active with home "stuff"
unhappy with customer service
12/28/2006 - Mick of Georgia, USA writes:
I joined DB in April 06, and was interested in replacing my counter tops with granite. When i contacted the company i was to use through DB i not happy with the prices that were quoted. They were priced more per square foot and also the extra cut on the edge was quoted 20 dollars when the DB salesman told us there would not be a added charge to the cut on the edge of the tops. What a suprise we got. We didn't' get good service at all and decided to go to another granite customer countertop company and was really pleased with the results from them. What a scam DB is. The government should do something to stop these scams.
I have Experience with these guys!
12/27/2006 - Anthony of Calgary, Canada writes:
Alot of people here are upset with the "sales pitch", and for that reason have not signed up. Well, I was stupid enough to still sign up even after the aggressive pitch! It didn't bother me too much. The problem with DirectBuy ISN'T so much the "sales pitch". Its the service once you signed the membership. DirectBuy does NOT take ANY resposiblility for ANYTHING once you've placed an order. They just say "Sorry Sir, that's between you and the manufacturer"!! What???! I haven't even dealt with the manufacturer! But when there's a problem, you have to deal directly with the manufacturer, DirectBuy completely resolves themselves out of any commitment to the members. And dealing with manufacturers are the WORST. Takes FOREVER just to get someone to call you back. I wish I had bought my things from a retail store that honours customers.
Direct Buy Rejects
12/22/2006 - Pam & Greg of Maryland, USA writes:
Well, it seems that we have joined the ranks of the card carrying members of the Direct Buy Rejects Club! Talk about trying to strong arm someone. Join now or you won't be invited back for 7 years! We don't understand the concept of plunking down that amount of cash for a memberhip in something that we've been exposed to for 45 minutes or so. Since we plan to redo our kitchen and baths, our plan was to attend the open house, find out how much the membership cost, run the numbers and discuss whether or not we wanted to join and WHEN. Good plan, bad timing since the when of it had been determined for us! We actually had the weird idea that we would be able to compare the estimated cost of our kitchen and bath renovations with the DB prices and base our decision on that. HA! Not unless you join!
WORST COMPANY EVER
12/20/2006 - Steve of Ontario, Canada writes:
We ordered 3 appliances and its been 1.5 MONTHS, and DirectBuy STILL doesn't know when they'll send it to us!! I've been iwthout a fridge and stove for 1.5 Months! Who cares how much I've saved! The cost of buying my food from restaurants for the past 1.5 months (3 meals/day) has certainly set me back! I call cand call and call DirectBuy, but they say "We have nothing to do with it!" They make sure they get your money for membership and paying for items, but as soon as they have an unhappy customer, they runa dn hide!! DEFINATELY NOT worth saving money over. I'd rather buy my things from and actual store where I can get refunds, exchanges, talk to someone if there's a problem. DirectBuy is CRAPPY CRAPPY CRAPPY!
Very impressed so far.
12/19/2006 - Tom of Alberta, Canada writes:
It appears that each center has its own service standards. The one in Edmonton has treated us well so far. Agreed on the sales pitch - it's ridiculous. But we joined up as we were building a new house at the time. Our membership was approximately $4500. We bought our windows, our cabinets and all the lighting and plumbing fixtures through them - on those items alone we saved over $15,000. We've also bought our appliances there, which were substantially cheaper (30-40%) than the "guaranteed lowest price in the country" retailers around town. I believe there are hiccups - ie, not everything is cheaper, you have to pay delivery on certain things, you have to pick it up, etc, but our center was very up front about all these things and nothing has surprised me in a negative way. We have been members for 1.5 years so far.
DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY/TIME!
12/16/2006 - Jilly of Ontario, Canada writes:
Sure, their prices may be SLIGHTLY cheaper than elsewhere. But who would pay for such expensive stuff anyways?? It's like saying "50% of a $10,000 T-Shirt"! Sure, it's "50% off"... Plus, delivery is HORRIBLE!! No delivery schedules, no promises, no idea of when you'll get your items! They call you up and say "Ok, you have three days to get your 5 appliances out of the warehouse, or we'll charge you $25/day for each item still here"!! You're much better off going to another company and pay for items that are just a good, cheaper, with delivery, and CUSTOMER SERVICE.
The wouldn't quit calling
12/16/2006 - Deb of Texas, USA writes:
I called the DB number from infomercial. They never sent me a pass to visit but constantly called bugging me to set up an appt. to come in showroom. They seemed so much like a car salesman, I told then never to call my number again because was no longer interested. I kind of figured must be something outrageous for them to keep pestering me to come in.Really had to get rude with them.
Not for Everyone
12/14/2006 - Michelle of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
It seems to me alot of people just want things handed to them. We joined 4/2005,with a fee of 4K. We put hardward floors and saved (including intstall)$2500 Home Depot was 50% more,saved,saved $2k on lighting, a hutch, my designer wanted to sell for $4k, paid $850.So have we made our membership back -yes!The sales pitch is overboard, but for individuals that see the big picture,have patience, are conscious of saving money,and want nice items for their homes it is well worth it.Because it may not have been for you due to not renovating or as is most cases financially not able, should not give you the right to speak for everyone else. Also, if you have problems with the Customer Service, merchandise, etc. did you speak with the owner. Again, this is not for everyone, but those of us that are open minded and have vision are very happy with our decision.
Very Sleazy Sales Approach
12/10/2006 - John of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
My wife and I attended a Direct Buy sales pitch today. I was disgusted by the fact that no chance was given to potential clients to make an enlightened decision. They wanted $4000 on the spot with no real chance to see if their service would prove beneficial. I believe that most of the people in attendance signed up. Wow, I was most amazed that it was legal. It is isn't it? The whole process was laughable. You give them $4000 and then you get to see if the service is beneficial. If the average savings is 30% you have to spend a boat load of money first to break even. So essentially you pay full retail plus 8% on the first $13,333 you spend. You would have to Buy 15 to 18K to match sale prices and that doesn't include delivery. Their name should be Hey Stupid can I Talk with You for a Minute.
Ripoff
12/7/2006 - Eric of Arizona, USA writes:
Don't even bother with their little demo. They claim they can save you thousands of dollars on stuff. I went because I was looking to redo my flooring with all tile. Their lowest price was higher than what you could get at the two major home improvement stores. I actually ended up getting the same tile they sold for about $1 a square foot less somewhere else saving me $1000.
Here are some things to consider
12/2/2006 - Nicole of Louisiana, USA writes:
We have been a member for a few months. We lost everything in the hurricane last year so we had every thing to replace and saved a bundle. Now for a bedroom set or sofa the membership fee (about $4500)in my opinion is too high unless you plan to do some remodeling. Here are some things to consider: Lack in customer service- catalog shopping no one can really answer any detail questions. Returns- you put down the wrong item# you could be stuck with it. Delivery- you have to pickup your order from the warehouse. 3. Setup- some items you will need to put together like tables, chairs, handles for the chest/dresser. So if you are a do-it-yourself person who loves to save money then try direct buy. We priced a few items and brought it to the consult. We were able to compare prices before we joined. Just verify that they have the supplier and add the shipping cost
Direct Buy a Scam!
12/1/2006 - Andrew of Florida, USA writes:
I am a marketing executive that visited Direct Buy to save on my home remodel. It was such a scam I could not believe it! Direct Buy makes money on this $5,000 membership, hidden fees and charges, back end rebates from manufacturers to name a few. Consumers are forced to buy from them to justify this fee even if they are not happy with the products, service, pricing etc. Where else could this happen. DO NOT JOIN ! IT IS A SCAM! The government should actually investigate this company for fraud!
Buy The membership or GET OUT MY STORE
11/30/2006 - Anonymous of Alabama, USA writes:
We got a phone call to come in for open house without getting info in the mail.we got there we were not aware that you had to buy the $4,550 membership We were told after the open house if we did not pay $4,500,or $1,000 $800 or $600 down we would never be invited back. when the decision presented to the db sales associate that we were going to decline the request he pretty much told us to get up and leave the store and you will not be invited back. This is the biggest rip off in the world because you are paying a $5,000 membership fee for 3yrs but lets say you only buy 3 items that's less than $2,000 well what happen to the other $3,000 that you will never use. I know you just paid the reatil price & you just fell into thier trap.
Biggg Mistake
11/22/2006 - Venny of Washington, USA writes:
What a rip-off!! We paid US$4000 to join their facility in Bothell, WA. It turned out to be the worst financial mistake of the decade!! We have to deal with unprofessional staff and delivery system. I wish this was only a nightmare, but it's real. Finally, we went back to the good old [] for most of our home furnishing needs. So, everything is too good to be true. Please don't make the same mistake we did.
Abundant Arrogance
11/21/2006 - Nancy & Mike of Manitoba, Canada writes:
We went in Winnipeg aware of (what we thought) DB was all about, and were going to join. We have just purchased a house, and take possession in May. The sales rep could not understand what we were trying to say....that is we are prepared to join, and sign up now for April; why would we put out $4,590 NOW? He told us it's now or never. We were told we had to join immediately. We would have simply come to a session in March or April if we knew this. This arrogant man told me, "No you wouldn't!!" He also told me that I could use these next few months to 'learn how to order'. I guess he thought me an imbecile or something, needing three or four months to learn how to order. Or perhaps it's a very complicated procedure. Also, after a most boring/manipulative presentation by Maurice, we were informed that they were short staffed, and we'd have to wait around for a while for the privilege of speaking to the sales rep. We told him that we were told it would take an hour or so, and our babysitter needed to be relieved. He said, "Oh well, if you want to miss out on this, go. But, if you leave, you'll NEVER get to join." Ooooooh. He sure showed us!!! So we come home, and I look on the internet for a contact email to inquire if DB would be kind enough to reconsider their policy, and allow us to join in the spring, and I come upon this website. Methinks we just saved $4,590 (+$195/yr x 7). There will be no such email forthcoming.
A costly mistake for most people
11/4/2006 - Joanne of Georgia, USA writes:
The beginning membership fee is several thousand$$!!, but you’re led to believe that it will be worthwhile if you're planning renovations. You also have ONLY THAT DAY to decide, and you will never be given the opportunity again. Many things they don't tell you--delivery and installation are separate, higher$$ than stores, and on your own liability; you only get savings if you buy A LOT—so you need a big enough house to put them in; inconvenient hours... Joining might be good for you IF: * You have a big house or multiple rental properties. * You hate shopping in stores but like catalogs. * You deliver and install appliances yourself. ***DON’T JOIN IF: * You like to see and touch things before you buy. * You don’t like catalog hopping. * You have a small home. * You buy appliances once every 15-20yrs. * You’d have to pay a stranger to install. * You work during their limited hours.
Direct Buy a nightmare to cancel
11/1/2006 - Jennifer of California, USA writes:
I fell for the "if you do not sign up today, then you can NEVER join later" scam from Direct Buy. When I had a night to think it over and to look at their "direct" prices, I realized that I could save far more money through comparison shopping! There was no reason to pay $5000 for the privilege of ordering through Direct Buy, paying a higher paying shipping and excessive handling fees (which result in the item costing more than just going out and buying normally), then waiting 6-8 weeks to receive my purchase. I send the cancellation certified mail with return receipt, and yet have received no response. I am now fighting them to get the charge credited back to my account.
Customer Service--HA!!
10/19/2006 - Wendy of Ohio, USA writes:
We joined DB two years ago. The sales pitch given was so rote, I thought she was a robot. We bought the membership because we had a house under construction and wanted to save money. These people make car salesmen look like pussycats. Very high pressure, then you join, and they don't give a crap that you're alive. They act as if they're doing you a favor processing an order--which takes FOREVER. We went on a Saturday to place several orders and were told there were five ahead of us, it would be at least an hour. We left and I had to come back on a weekday. I will never renew my membership when the initial one expires. My husband and I are both in businesses where customer service is key. We would never treat our clients like DB.
Member for one year.
10/16/2006 - Mike of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
My wife and I joined a year ago after the purchase of our house, seeing a number of large furniture purchases. To date, we easily save a couple of thousand on the best prices at local stores. Not everything is cheaper, compared to sales at stores, but they were up front about that. Customer service does lack becouse they can't hire people who know everything about the thousands of products. But if your like me, you often know more about the thing your going to buy than the kid at the store anyway. We go to the center, sit down with free coffee and doughnuts, write up the slip and order. They admitted in the seminar and I agree, if you don't see 10-20k of purchases in the next couple of years, it may not be for you.
