Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 23 of 26
Direct Buy Rip -Off
6/12/2006 - Deborah of Alabama, USA writes:
Very Dissappointed with Direct Buy. I was told I would be able to get a product for my mobile homes and when I attempted to order the product, DB did not offer the product. Now, I am told I will not be able to get a refund on my membership. Run, don't walk away from DB.
This experience truly made me nauseous!
6/11/2006 - Nae' of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
Before we even got to this warehouse of insanity we had numerous calls from these people trying to set us up for this sales pitch. They called day and night and truly were pushy then and I should have taken better notice then. When we went for our scheduled presentation the man was obnoxious and condescending. I figured ok ... maybe he was just the door greeter. Well he was not. He was the presenter and it did not get any better once we had to sit n front of him and listen to the sales pitch. The sales pitch started and I was able to stomach him for the first 15 minutes or so and then I suddenly started to feel dizzy and sick to my stomach. I was starting to get a headache, sweaty and like I needed to throw up. When I was trying to listen to this person I had a question or comment and I was quickly talked over or he talked so fast and loud that there was no room for any questions. The sales pitch was fast and overbearing. When I or spouse or the other couple finally did get to ask a question we were asked not to interrupt. What is that? At this point I had enough. I felt oh God I am going to be physically sick! I excused myself just to get out of that room and went to use the rest room (praying I wasn’t going to get literally ill) Towards the end of this pitch (when I finally returned from the bathroom) the sales guy was actually getting personal with this other couple making smart remarks towards them and then laughing at himself. I whispered to my spouse that “this is nuts”. From there we were taken out to the floor where I am 110% positive that they had people sitting and walking about to pretend that they were actual “happy club members” The sales person started this new conversation with asking me “well how did you like the presentation” I was hesitant to say … Maybe its best to keep such a negative feeling to myself and just find the quickest out. Well he insisted so … I just let it out. I let him know it was the worst sales pitch I ever heard. The man made me literally sick. The sales man then appeared to be very shocked and not sure how to comment back. Then he stated he felt that “I had a personality issue”. I assured him that when you talk fast and over people and then shove papers near their face long enough to get a glimpse (not actually comprehend this comparison) that I was pretty sure it had nothing to do with “my personality vs theirs” Also the $3999.00 price tag for three years along with the $179.00 a year there after was amazing as if you sit and figure out their 8% charge on everything you do and then there other extra fees … if you would save $1000.00 on something if really would never be a savings (see the monies you had to spend to get that $1000.00 savings) The other concern was ok if the product breaks then what? Well … we were given three different answers. Initially we were told there things “never” break (what a hoot) then we were told that if it did break it would be our responsibility to deal directly with the manufacturer. Then … he figured I guess to give the answer that everyone wanted to hear which was “We at DB will take care of it for you. Hum … pick the best answer and maybe it will shut us up? Sigh … I am feeling nauseous again thinking about it all. I am so glad my husband busted out laughing at me once I shared with them how I felt. He later told me he was scared that they had suckered me in and thought that I wanted this. What a relief to him and by the way he is still walking around snickering over this ordeal but so glad we didn’t fall into the trap.
Only fools buy retail
6/10/2006 - Patrick of New Jersey, USA writes:
I joined 15 mths ago, and absolutely love it. I am confused by some of the coments on this site. Sometimes I think the negative comments are coming from retailers. Reader beware. If you need to purchase things for your home, request an invitation and go see for yourself. I am sorry I did'nt have this 10 years ago.
Please research before you buy
6/9/2006 - Tammy of Florida, USA writes:
My husband and I were building a home ourselves. Were told we'd save $5000 (membership fee) on the cabinets alone. Seemed we couldn't lose but would like time to think about it. Told if we did not join today would never be allowed to join. That statement alone should have been my clue that something was wrong. Their quote for cabinets came in and needless to say we bought somewhere else for less. Been back several times to find something to buy to get some of our money back. When we could find an item it was discontinued. In the end almost every item we priced could be bought cheaper locally. They know nothing about these products. Much easier to pay the same price and be able to talk to a person who cares, see and touch the product and have your questions answered. We've had this memebership for one year and have bought nothing! Not worth it.
Glad We Did Not Join
6/8/2006 - M. Walker of Arkansas, USA writes:
Went to DB appointment tonight. Very high pressure to join tonight or never, fee of $3999 for 2 years then $99 per year after that. Tried to explain to salesperson that we are not impulse shoppers and do not make snap decisions on major purchases, which this membership was, and they were asking us to take their word for it that all of their claims were the gospel. As soon as we left the showroom with our cheap chinese knives, we breathed a sigh of relief -- the sales pressure was very intense. Would rather buy from retailers who warranty their products; our conclusion is that what DB is selling is Not Merchandise but Memberships.
Waste of Money and Time
6/8/2006 - Christine of Massachusetts, USA writes:
Bottom line: Don't sign up. I find Direct Buy and their employees very draining. You can save some money - but you have to DO ALL THE WORK. They are HELPLESS to you and UNKNOWLEDGEABLE! I always leave their showroom FUSTRATED and TIRED! I totally REGRET signing up!
Hardcore Salesmanship With Nothing To Back It Up
6/3/2006 - Christina of New York, USA writes:
Our Direct Buy appointment was sheer torture. We were assaulted with the most cheesy, hardcore sales job ever. We went to our meeting with specific models of all the appliances we want. Not one of the manufacturers was listed in their "Manufacturer's Book", but our sales person assured us they could get these products from "local vendors". Isn't the whole point that we are supposed to get them straight from the manufacturer? She said they carry any product we could want, but couldn't find one listing in their own Product manual (including the kitchen sink that was in their showroom). This seemed VERY odd to us. She then argued with my husband about needing to commit to a $4900 membership on the spot. She was so upset that we weren't hooked that she walked off and didn't shake my hand that I offered her. This place left a horrible taste in our mouths!
Buyer Beware!!!
6/2/2006 - Denise of Washington, USA writes:
We thought we did our homework - we thought we were well-prepared, seasoned consumers. We were dead wrong & wasted $4K on membership fees. We're building a home & want many items that we were assured were available - granite counter tops, high-end furniture, etc. ... NONE of what we wanted is available. We've saved a few hundred dollars on small items, but it doesn't begin to compensate for the membership fee or the aggravation and wasted time spent buying from DirectBuy. The old adage still holds ... "If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't" Stay away from DirectBuy!
Lousy Customer Service - Disorganized
6/1/2006 - Tim of British Columbia, Canada writes:
My Rating: High Pressure Sales: 5 Stars Up-to-Date Catalogues: 2 Stars Customer Assistance: 1 Star Problem Resolution: ZERO Stars Organization: 2 Stars Directbuy is after one thing- Membership Dues. They are too disorganized on every other front to be of any value to a consumer. We ordered some small things and had few problems. The larger more expensive things have been a nightmare. One order came (after 12 weeks!) in the wrong colour. This error was proven to be their error - not ours or the mfgr. To correct this took three weeks of negotiation with the manager. Another item, ordered Jan 11 was due Apr 11. After 14 weeks we phoned for an Update. On Week 14 we were told Jun 11 was the new shipping date. On May 24th we phoned and asked for an Update. On May 31, the Manager phoned and said the order had arrived. The wharehouse person told us the order had arrived well over a month ago. We're going back to the "retail club".
Direct Buy is a Scam
5/28/2006 - Paul of Otago, New Zealand writes:
Direct Buy is a Scam. They falsely claim you can save up to 50% but thousands of testimonials say otherwise. They are just after your $4000. They treat you like crap. AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE. Save your money! You can buy at cost at plenty of other locations
Something Fishy
5/26/2006 - Anonymous of Maryland, USA writes:
Went to DB open house. Wish we saw this site before attending. Did not bite...something fishy. Too expensive member fee, $4500 for 3 years. Prices not cheap enough to make it worth it. Knowing prices before going paid off when comparing. After reading many reviews here, glad we stayed away! No decision of good value (at that high price) should be made on the spot. If it were more legitimate, there would be no high pressure. We did not appreciate the now or never tactic. We are willing to pay more than DB to touch, feel, experience products in person and deal with reputable retailers. We like good old fashioned customer service & relationships.
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.
