Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 22 of 24
HARD, HARD SELL
5/23/2006 - Brandie of California, USA writes:
Booking the initial meeting should have warned me: can't come without a husband (is that legal?), only voicemail reached, returned calls as late as 9 pm, and the aggressive scheduler had my daughter in tears and frightened, calling repeatedly. Bottom line: not the upper end products we wanted, though some good; pick up must be at immediate store; long wait time; no speedy replacement of bad products; store was "in business" 5 months, and their individual bond was I thought insufficient to cover a number of customers; customer service appeared non-existent; cost of $6000 for 2 years ok, but couldn't join later, closer to that part of our construction phase: a "today or never"sales pressure. Hint: if you are local and time doesn't really matter, it might be ok. OR, why not get friends and neighbors together, have ONE join and all order through him? THAT would eliminate the middle man! Good luck!
No regrets, but not for everyone
5/22/2006 - William of New York, USA writes:
I joined Direct Buy in November 2005 while building my new home. The membership fee was $3995 for 3 years, then $150/year after that for 7 years. The membership fees differ among regions because the Direct Buy locations are franchises, so I assume that each franchisee sets their own prices within limits. So far, I have saved $1000 on granite countertops, and over $2000 on a bedroom furniture set. There are some fees to consider: DB charges 6% on furniture and other high-markup items. They do not charge it on electronics and appliances. The furniture we ordered was listed at $2250.00 in the catalog. Then there was the 6% DB fee, then 8% sales tax, and finally a per-pound shipping fee. The final cost was $2880.00. The retail costs of the furniture set started at around $5000.
Just Another Middleman
5/20/2006 - Michael of Illinois, USA writes:
Direct Buy implies you are buying direct from the manufacturer. But Direct Buy IS the middle man. They add an 8% sevice fee to every purchase. And for that fee you get questionable discounts and NO store warranty support and delivery for each item is on you. Retail stores often throw in delivery to get the deal. And dont forget the the 5200.00 3 year membership fee! They say the average savings is 40%, on items like furniture and cabinets but you need to buy enough to recoup the 5200.00. Large appliances average a 22% savings and electronics even less according to their own lituature. Now deduct the 8% you pay on each item and the savings are not so great. Add the cheap High preasure sign the contract now or never tactic and you get a NOT so great deal. And why do they refuse to let you go home and think about it? Because you may do just that, THINK!
Joined but maybe I should not have
5/19/2006 - Terri of Virginia, USA writes:
JOINEDDirect Buy.Cost $4500 for 3yr membership. There is savings on furniture even after all fees- bought high end leather sofa and loveseat and did save $2000 but most anything else seems after fees to come very close to what you can buy on internet with no tax. I am builder planned on using this but most things for that with partner companies so not at cost- kohler pedestal sink and toilet only little cheaper than Lowes but after shipping was higher than Lowes- doorknobs cheaper online with no tax and 8% fee. kitchen cabinets may have come in a hair less than Lowes or other kitchen centers but not sure if my tax and 8% fee and delivery and the fees for having them plan the kitchen has been tacked on. I guess I will only know for sure then-picked their cheapest cabinet to do in showroom and it is coming in at $12000 plus fees for bathrooms -2 and kitchen. no tops included.
DB is not for me for sure.
5/18/2006 - Anonymous of California, USA writes:
I went to the DB in San Diego about two weeks ago. Felt very uncomfortable. First of all, it is a very high pressure sales, even more than a time share sale. 2. I believe I am a smart shopper or bargain hunter. So I prepared. I checked several DB's prices and found out: for the same items, they are not really cheap. Adding all the fees together, almost there is no difference comparing to the local store/outlet’s sale price – not count for 4 – 6 weeks waiting. 3. No experience with their custom service because we did not join the club. I asked myself there must be a reason for the survival of this type of business. Yes, DB for those whom do not want to shop around and will spend at least 50K within one year in home docor. DB is not for me, for sure. J
Avoid Direct Buy
5/17/2006 - Dianne of Florida, USA writes:
We joined Direct Buy because we were building a house and thought we'd save enough to get the membership fee ($4,000) back. It was a foolish decision--what they're doing amounts to fraud. Besides not offering things at "wholesale" prices, they tack on an 8% fee plus delivery to bring prices sometimes higher than what you can find with careful shopping. In addition, we had our kitchen design done there and they have made so many mistakes that it appears we may have to bring in another kitchen design firm and purchase cabinets from them in order to complete our house on time. Finally, the quality of cabinets and tubs we've received make it appear they are seconds and Direct Buy is not standing behind these purchases. Avoid this place--it's not worth the money or the time you have to spend
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY
5/16/2006 - Kristen of Florida, USA writes:
We went to this high pressure sales pitch VERY prepared. We are building a custom home and thought we could save $$. We brought with us many product names and model numbers. Turns out that the items they did have (not many) were about the same cost or higher. There were a few that were lower, but by the time you added shipping, etc. you are paying more. We could get prices much lower on the internet of through our builder which can get builder's cost. We have bought many things on the internet (saves on taxes), many sites have free shipping. The cost might sound low at first, but beware of shipping, taxes, strange fees. I knew there was something wrong when I walked into their showroom and they have a piece of bath furniture that I saw at [] for $200.00 less! Shop around! YOU can get better savings!!!!!!! Banned from Direct Buy...and proud of it!
How do these people sleep?
5/15/2006 - Al of New Jersey, USA writes:
I can almost empathize with rape victims that just want put it behind them.I can't believe I fell for this scam.Little of the quality we want is available.That which is can be found cheaper in N.C and retail outlets after the add-ons.Beware!!
Be careful
5/13/2006 - Mike of Ontario, Canada writes:
Time share like high pressure presentation. High cost to join; in our area $4050 including taxes for the first 3 years and $199 per year in the remaining 7. No refund, no return policy on purchases, hidden costs, extra fee if you pay by plastic. Only may make sense if you are planning immediate major purchases (renovations, refurnishing a house) the pay-back period for savings on normal everyday purchases does not make sense. Buy membership now or never policy is an arm twisting tactic and the rationale they give is pure BS. Glad I said no. If you are thinking of joining, do your homework. I wish I had read this site prior to the visit.
For a select few...
5/11/2006 - James of Texas, USA writes:
My wife and I have been members for 13 years. For the most part our experiences have been negative. Customer service is horrendous, operating hours are inconvenient, and they're only nice when baking cookies, closing a deal, or locking the doors for the evening. Shopping from catalogues is a headache. Learning that the items you really want aren’t sold at DB is really depressing. For the most part you can get better deals on the internet, businesses that cater to contractors (most also deal with individuals), and discount stores. If you don't care about customer service, waiting for weeks for an item, limiting your choices, etc., then DB is for you. For everybody else, support vendors that actually care about you as a customer. If you think about it, you don’t usually have to pay anybody $4,000 to treat you like crap; you can get that sort of treatment for free. We remain members for the savings – period!
So far, so good.
5/6/2006 - Pete of Virginia, USA writes:
* Entry fee varies. * I paid $4K in Virginia (2006). * If considering DB, DO YOUR HOMEWORK, "before" your presentation, get model numbers of items you're interested in purchasing for comparison. You'll be able make a much smarter decision. * If building a new house - definitely consider it. * You'll find DB has lots of catalogs representing some 800 (and growing) manufacturers - to select from. * All items listed on their website - makes it easy to find what you're looking for. The Bad... * High pressure to join "before" you leave the building. Without your "home-work prices" in hand, you'll have no way of knowing if you're in the middle of a scam, or not. * Except to pick up your items at their warehouse. (DB immediately sends the item back for replacement if there's any damage.) * Possible wait for 4 to 8 weeks for your item.
bought it...rip off
5/4/2006 - Jeffrey of Utah, USA writes:
totally bogus, the majority of the products are cost+.50cents per pound+8%markup+tax+wat 6-8 weeks. go buy from the store. this is a complete waste.
Actually not bad
4/30/2006 - David of California, USA writes:
We just saved $1000.00 on just one purchase. We also are planning on purchasing alot of patio and furniture for our new house. We bought cabinet hardware at really discounted prices, almost double at []. This product is not for everyone, but for the right person it can save thousands.
I like Direct Buy and should be heard
4/24/2006 - John of New York, USA writes:
I have been a member of Direct Buy since 2003. We, my wife and kids, have nothing but good things to say about them. They did nothing but save us money. Yes I joined and paid a fee to buy at cost. I dont know anyone who can buy at cost for free. Yes, shipping is part of buying at cost. You think these things get shipped for free too? As for handeling, its only on certain items, not on electronics or aplliances, since these products dont save you much since that market is always changing (think coomputers today then next month change in price). All other goods, for home such as liughting, hand tied asian rugs, furniture roofing plumbing, the savings are real.Bottom line, I dont waste my time shopping sales, me and my wife buy with confidence. They are who they say they are. They sell at cost. I never had a problem in NY Direct Buy.
High Pressure Scam
4/22/2006 - Jane of California, USA writes:
In an introductory promotion we attended, quite a number of people were ready to sign up, so the sales person was all grins.Then I began asking questions. The answers were pat, curt, or evasive, but I persisted. The mood in the room changed quickly, as people realized the questions were valid and deserved good answers. The sales person was red in the face furious. Nobody from the room signed up for the "service." Clearly, in our opinion, the drawbacks to their "service" are: high induction fee, fees they add to each purchase, limited merchants (I noticed the products they ushered us past were not ones I wanted), inconvenient pick-up for products, lack of customer support, lack of professionalism, and lack of warrenty support. With all the fees and charges, you end up paying the same as retail. In our opinion, there are no savings whatsoever for a good shopper and these guys are high pressure scam artists.
Won't Do It.
4/20/2006 - Rich of New Jersey, USA writes:
I went today to our appointment at DB in South Jersey, without my wife. The second I walked into the showroom area I felt like I was at a timeshare in the Poconos. Was met by a young gentleman and quickly ushered to the back of the building (right past the sitting and catalog area) and then into the 'warehouse' area behind closed doors. Was then informed that they would not meet with just me and needed to reschedule for when my wife could also make it in. "There's information that we can not give to just you..." What the hell does that mean? I had that feeling that this place was nothing more than a scam. I came home to research Direct Buy and found this site. Unfortunately, my wife wanted me to find some positive comments, but besides the few who are happy most are angry at the high pressure sales pitch, or dismayed at the service.
An Incredible Waste
4/16/2006 - Mark of Arizona, USA writes:
Before selling my house I had planned numerous upgrades. One stop shopping at wholesale prices was appealing. Bought membership. You are not told that manufacturers seldom provide wholesale prices to Direct Buy, but "special" pricing. By the time you add shipping and the Direct Buy 8% fee (i.e. profit), the price is no different than available from retail sources. One difference is instead of being delivered to your door the product is delivered to the Direct Buy warehouse and you arrange pick up from there. Tried to buy carpet, tires, tile, LCD computer monitors, tools, dishwasher, and other items. Purchased every item elsewhere at lower cost than Direct Buy's without 10-12 week shipping. The bottom line is that the Direct Buy scheme is to appear as if they are simply an agent to facilitate a transaction between the buyer and manufacturer. Direct Buy assume's no responsibility whatsoever for your purchase. Warranty issues are not their problem. Avoid Direct Buy.
Excellent if you're going to spend a lot
4/12/2006 - Karen of Arizona, USA writes:
We have been renovating a house we recently purchased. Direct Buy has saved us at least $30,000 so far - and we haven't even purchased any furniture yet (which has some of the bigges discounts available). We saved more than our entrace fee just on our kitchen cabinets alone. We have also ordered many things that we never could have afforded otherwise. We got top-of-the-line JennAire stainless steel kitchen appliances and saved a mint. We also ordered high-quality lighting, plumbing, hardware and other things and have almost always saved at least half price. We are extremely pleased with savings that have probably topped $50,000 just on one house renovation. One drawback is that you have to look through lots of catelogs and figure out how to order the products (you usually get some help from employees - but sometimes not as much as you would like).
We Buy They Scam
4/11/2006 - Cindy of Texas, USA writes:
When we went in to see about joining we asked about about a couple of specific manufacturers that were not on the list. We were told that sometimes they were not listed and he would "check" to see. We were told they were and because of this decided to join. Big Mistake!!!!!!! When we went to order from that manufacturer we were told they did not work with them and that they had never said that! Dont waste your time and especially not your money (well over 4000 dollars) Its a scam and they will say whatever you want to hear to get your money
For Large Purchases Well Worth the Cost
4/10/2006 - Dawn of New Jersey, USA writes:
I had a great experience at Direct Buy! I agree the sales pitch is high pressure. I was given ample time to look through the catalogs in the showroom and compare costs. I did my homework before I went. The same furniture I was going to order I got at a $5,000 savings(including the 8% fee and taxes). I have gone on to save an additional $5,000 in furniture. The sales people have been very helpful on every visit. I am planning on building a house and am very happy I decided to join. Unless you are making major renovations or have a need for alot of furniture this membership is probably not for you. If you like very high end furniture and need alot this is definetly a wise investment and worth the money. The quality of the furniture we have ordered is remarkable and I never would have been able to afford the pieces Ive purchased any other way!
