Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 25 of 26
It has been well worth it for us
2/12/2006 - Barry of Virginia, USA writes:
My wife and I on a tight construction budget plans an addition to our home. The infomercial from Direct Buy gave us the idea we could get more for our money going through them. I was very skeptical but she was convienced it was a good deal. While there, they allowed us to peek into the books of various manufactures and look at the prices products could be purchased for through them. My wife still convienced, we went for it. We took some of our construction money and purchased the lifetime membership. I have to admit I have not regreted it. We have nearly completed our addition with products purchased through Direct Buy. Before making any purchases, I checked the prices against the local dealers. Hugh savings! I am seeing products in the catologes that I never knew existed. Coolest looking ceiling fans I have ever seen! Barry
Worth the Cost for Big Purchases
2/4/2006 - Vicki of Alberta, Canada writes:
Yes, the "open house" was exactly like a time-share, high pressure sales presentation. But if you are building a home, renovating, or seriously redecorating, it's worth it. If [] is your fave store, then it's probably not for you. What I mean is they carry high-end, brand names only. Use common sense and don't always assume their price is better than shopping around. When furnishing our bedroom, we saved over $3000 on the sale price at our local high-end furniture store which just floored me. We've also saved $400 on our big screen TV, $2700 on our hot tub, and $600 on our LG fridge. Those savings took into account the US exchange and shipping charges. I have noticed the savings are less on electronics, but on furniture and large appliances, the prices can't be beat. Direct Buy isn't for everyone. But I really think it's worth the cost for those who regularly shop at brand-name stores.
Direct Buy has saved me $$$$
1/25/2006 - Carolyn of Texas, USA writes:
I've been a member for nine years, and have saved about $20,000. We joined after purchasing our first house and used them to buy a ton of things. Then we used them during our home building process and saved even more. We'd make our selections at the showrooms and found 90% of the same manufacturers there. I saved $2,000 in lighting and ceiling fans. We also ordered all our hardware there -- and cool looking stuff you'd see in high-end showrooms for [] prices -- and all our plumbing fixtures. I also returned a dining room table I purchased at [] because I found the exact same table there for almost half the price. Look, it's not for everyone -- you will have to work a little harder (doing your own research), wait a little longer for your merchandise, pick up the products yourself, but it was hands down the best investment I've made in the past 10 years.
Scam
1/9/2006 - Linda of Arizona, USA writes:
I too was turned off by the high pressure to join. He kept going from one table to another to keep people hyped up and when a customer said no, you never say him again. Also, to say this is it, if you say no you'll never be allowed to enter this facility again. Give me a break. If wrote a check out for $5,000 you know his grubby little hands would be outstreatch.
Biggest Rip Off
1/3/2006 - Anonymous of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I wish I knew about this web site before the presentation. Unfortunately, being that I had to rush back to work and the few people that I saw there seem to be somewhat satisfied, I decided to join. I wonder if they were employees of the company! We remodeled the whole kitchen and after all the add-on fees and aggravation it was not worth all the trouble. We could have gone to any kitchen store in the area nearby and received a better deal and would not have waited so long to complete the kitchen. As far as other products just to give them the benefit of the doubt, same story no savings whatsover. One item in particular, after all the fees, the price was exactly the same amount I would have paid at the local [] store. In conclusion, I feel ashamed that I fell for this scam. I would not recommend it to my worst enemy!!
Not a wise buy
1/3/2006 - June of Florida, USA writes:
I went to the warehouse to find out about direct buy. The Sales director was very convincing and it seems as a good deal until he said the price of $5000.00. it seem to much to pay out and not have anything in hand to show for it. I had to wait a week, before we could return to the showroom, the cancellation policy was 3 days. WHen i finally got to the showroom and saw that they were giving you a deal off the MSRP, which most stores already give you 40-60% off some MSRP, it was no real deal. I then realized that i had been con. you only get a saleperson word of mouth and nothing to back it up. Also, you have to sit through thousands of catalogs, and then you are not even sure if you are going to like the products that comes, and then it takes 4 - 6 weeks for delivery.Not a wise buy!!!
Well Worth the Money
12/26/2005 - Brian of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I agree with what has been posted regarding the sales method but must say it was well worth the money. I have been a member since 2000 and saved at least over $10,000 after recouping my investment. Yes, you cannot purchase every product you seen in every store but you can get everything you could imagine for your home. Certain items do not make sense to purchase via DirectBuy like electronics as they have a small markup. I consider myself a prudent shopper and typically peruse at the store and get the price and then go to DirectBuy to get the price and go from which is cheaper....over 80% of the time it’s cheaper from DirectBuy. On top of the "wholesale" price there is shipping and handling costs....the only difference from what the store pays and what a member pays is handling which is about 8%. While this does cut into the savings it is not enough to stay away.
Buyer Beware
12/25/2005 - Clyde of Idaho, USA writes:
My wife and I saw the Direct Buy Infomercial on television, and then got a telemarketer phone call telling us about all of the savings if we joined Direct Buy. There were no specifics given over the telephone, but we were invited to an open house. There was high pressure, join now or never, sales tactics. After we joined and payed 3,500 dollars for a three year membership, we ordered some products, only to find out that after shipping and handling charges, we could get all of these products cheaper at local retailers. All of the savings are off MSRP, which if you shop around at local retailers, you can find every product for the same or better price and you don't have to pay 3,500 dollars for bad service and the privilege to shop there. Ironically me and others have complained to the BBB and they still say that there have been no complain'ts against this company.
here's what to do
12/18/2005 - Jennifer of Washington, USA writes:
I read all the reviews and everyone is correct. High pressure sales for membership and they told me at the end that I had to pay $4000 immediatly or if I walk out the door I can never return. I had never heard of this company befor (unfortunatly I read reviews after)and there was no way I was droppping 4k on an impulse even though it does seen like a good deal. I may sign up later and here's how. I'm moving so my adress will be different, I'll be married in a year so my name will be different and they messed up the spelling of my fiances last name. Going back will be easy for me and next time I'll be more prepared with specific products. So if your interested in going I recommend you change a few letters in your name and use street adress vs po box or better yet use your parents or a friends name and adress - someone who would never be interested in a membership. DO whatever works. When I went to the showroom they had me fill out a questioneer but they never asked to see an ID or ask for anything personal except name and adress. So anyway I'm getting started on buying a house. Here's a few things I found. They had granite countertops starting at $35 a square foot - [] starts at $65 uninstalled and I noticed they has an example of the same exact color I wanted. I also previoulsy priced this freezer and fridge combo with a trim kit so it appeared as a built-in unit. It's from fridgidaire. All 3 pieces have MSRP of $2300. The dealer I went to said he could give me a reduction to $1800 which I thought was great. Direct buy said the cost was 1522 and that there was a 200$ rebate too. Pretty good if it was for real. So probably good deals if you plan to but a lot, but get specific products and prices ready and go in with, an alias so after you can think about it like any reasonable person would do befor spending 4K. Jennifer
You won't lose out on much if you don't join this
12/16/2005 - Katherine of Minnesota, USA writes:
My husband and I attended the "presentation" back in August 2003, when we were purchasing a house and needed to buy new furniture. We actually signed up for the plan, even though it was extremely high pressure. We went back the next day and looked at the catalogs to see if we could find a couple of specific itemswe were planning to buy(such as a sofa and a hot tub spa). We were very disappointed with the small selection, and the prices weren't that great. We decided to cancel our membership before the three-day grace period was up, and I am so happy we did. If I'm not allowed to go back ever, It won't bother me in the least. You can save more money by just being a smart shopper and bargain hunter. We ended up buying furniture from a name-brand clearance center and I am perfectly happy with it.
I joined Direct Buy but I understand the concern.
12/4/2005 - Thomas of Virginia, USA writes:
Postings are correct. Sale techniques are uncomfortable. We were in the process buying a new home and attended the long presentation. Been around the block before so I was well prepared for the sales pitch at the end. We decided to purchase a membership. Have been a member since June 05. Basically you purchase items at a discounted price. Sometimes you will save a lot sometimes little sometimes none. Merchandise is name brand. Shop stores locate an item and then check availablilty via Direct Buy and compare price. We have saved what we have spent in the initial membership fee. Only works if you have a house to furnish not recommended for casual shopper. Products are name brand direct from the manufacture. Suggest that if you attend, ask the right questions, view the catalogs. I don't like the sales pitch and understand why people walk out, we almost did, but so far nothing
The Ultimate Insult
12/3/2005 - Doug of Colorado, USA writes:
My wife and I attended the introduction to their program. I was prepared for a high-pressure, slick sales gimmick, hard sell, "once in a lifetime" opportunity pitch. I was not disappointed (in that I got all of this pitch and then some). I was however, given the ultimate insult to my intelligence with their "buy now or never" and all of the cheesy flip charts of savings and chalk board analogy of the "American Consumer" and their income and spending plan. They no doubt know what works on enough suckers to get the job done and keep their doors open. A lot of people were in the "showroom" when we were there. How many were plants, employees, others I don't know. I left there feeling like I needed to take a bath and wash off all the slick I was covered with. If you have a decent product and a competitive market strategy, you don't have to shove it down people's throats. It is the condo sale pitch as someone earlier said. And it is all the things these people said, and more (unfortunately). We didn't buy, and interestingly the man who was helping us was overly pleasant (through his slick sales pitches) right up until the minute I said "no thanks" and he was gone like the wind. This is no doubt, the Ultimate Insule. By the way, our pitch was to pay $4,500 up front or 5,700 over 3 years at 17.75% interest. What a deal! (Direct)Buyer Beware!
10 reasons I didn't join
11/28/2005 - Will of Alabama, USA writes:
1.My advisor had shabby clothes and was chewingtobacco. 2.My advisor slept during the video. 3.My advisor took anorder while I was asking aquestion. 4.During the order heloudly repeated the credit card info. 5.He stated that there was only $100difference between financing the membership vs. paying atonce. 6.He put his filthy tennis shoes on the table in my face. 7.I hate ultimatums. 8.He wantedme to sign saying that if I joined, I waived my legal right to cancel within 3 days. 9.After refusing to sign saying I'd neverreturn, he forged my signature. 10.While leaving hebegan yelling, "What do you know about forgery?" I kept walking until I heard him approaching. When I turned, he was barreling towards me yelling. I kept quiet until he stepped into my comfort zone. I got 3 inches from his face and informed him that if he wanted to, he could follow me outto the parking lot. He quickly turned around and headed back to his desk.
Deceptive practices and insane/inconsistent membership fees
11/27/2005 - Anonymous of California, USA writes:
Just returned from the sales pitch from h*ll...I only wish I had found this site before- but I thought I'd be able to research my potential decision after my visit. I didn't have time in my busy schedule to research Direct Buy prior to my "appointment" as they call it, but was very intrigued by the infomercial based on the fact that I do have plans for major remodeling of a kitchen and a master bath. So I drove for 35 minutes to check it out...urgh. Inspite of the "potential savings" on large purchases, there is no way that their membership pricing in California of $5950!!! for the first 24 months, and $198 for years 3 through 10 could possibly come out in the wash on a cash flow perspective, and probably not even on the savings either (and please take note- their pricing from state to state is not consistent (see other reviews), which is beyond suspicious in regards to the companies business practices as a whole. Their sales practices are extremely deceptive in that they will not give you any pricing information in advance and do not tell you until after you are there that you have to decide right then and there or never return. This place might make sense if you are a contractor who is also a supplier for their customers or a large residential developer- but be careful of those long waits for delivery of products and the potential delivery fees from their warehouse to wherever you are...and they do not quote you those rates. I gave the sales guy a serious piece of my mind and agree with all the other comments below. If this place would change their model they might have a lot more "members".
unprofessional service
11/27/2005 - Olena of Florida, USA writes:
I went through the presentation after that I won a gift card to a restaurant. They said :Oh, so sory, the safe with the cards is closed, we will mail it to you ASAP." No problem, I said. I never got any gift card by mail, I called them 3 times, every time, they promissed to mail it to me, I saw a manager in person, he wrote my name and still nothing. Very cheesy company.
Feel like a sucker
11/20/2005 - Gwen of Alberta, Canada writes:
I was also one of the people that became intrigued by an infomercial and then went online and requested a visitors pass. I sat through the endless cheesy video with a group of others and was torn between 'this is a waste of time' and 'man, maybe I could really save some cash'. Then the salesman throws the 'join now or never darken our door again' angle (there's a little twist in my gut). Then he points to a vehicle outside and says 'see those people out there in the Jeep? they are out there talking about it and are afraid to leave and miss this opportunity' (bigger twist in the gut). Now I'm a smart, educated woman and I'm still reeling as to how I got so wrapped up in the possibility of saving money on my home renovations that my good judgement went right out the window and I joined!!! All the way home I was thinking 'what a friggin' idiot you are!!!' And in hind-sight I began to see all the sales tactics that were used on me. Like the ones mentioned above and making sure I was facing away from the door so I wouldn't be able to see whether the other 'visitors' were leaving without joining. Was I the only sucker that day? Thankfully, in Alberta, there is a little document called the Fair Trade Act which allows that consumers have a 10 day cooling off period and even though their membership agreement states that it cannot be cancelled, we are protected by a clause in the Act that states a contract can not cause a consumer to waive their rights under the Act. If anyone else has joined recently and wants out, check the rules in your province or state. So this all happened today, I called them when I got home and left a message that I had changed by mind and wanted my money back. I'll be calling again tomorrow and hopefully it will all just go away leaving only my pride bruised for being so suckered.
Horrible Sales Method
11/11/2005 - Raphael of Connecticut, USA writes:
In reading the reviews below, I have to say that my experience was very much the same. I merely wanted to add that I feel that Direct Buy needs to revamp their method of selling to new members. I was totally insulted at how they told me that I had to buy their overpriced program NOW or never come back To me, that kind of sales practice implies that there is something wrong with their system or they would not have to force me into buying that instant. I figured the price would be high but not close to $4,000! I was actually going to buy the program, but as I watched the other sales people constantly remind their prospects that they had to buy now or wait till their next lifetime before they could ever come back, due to the so called secrets we learned, I just felt my gut urging me to leave without signing up. Who knows if I would have saved money or not with redecorating, but something about this company just irked me about their sales methodology, not to mention the time lag from ordering merchandise to when you get it (2 to 6 weeks) and that you have to pretty much take what you order, even if it is partially damaged during shipping (that is when they will then have someone fix the damage). Sorry, but I am not going to pay for something damaged and patched up. The other thing that was rather stupid about their excuse that I had to sign up now because of the secrets I learned and the handful of manufacturers I saw was that their own TV infomercial tells you that you can buy the same merchandise you see in any store at their company for wholesale. Obviously, any knowledgeable buyer would know those names. Even though the TV infomercial does not tell the names of these companies, anyone could take an educated guess. I only saw a few manufacturers names in the video pitch anyway. I also saw names of companies I never recognized. It was told to everyone who was there to listen to the sales pitch that Direct Buy only buys the best and that these manufacturers were better than the common ones we heard of everyday. You know what I think, I think that the same product is being sold by the same manufacturer but under a different name so that actual Direct Buy members don't accidentally let the word out to a retail store that the retail store's own suppliers are back-stabbing them by selling out from under them at a wholesale buying club! Anyway, to end this commentary I will say that Direct Buy would probably have more members if they lowered the up front price and spread it out over whatever contract term a member wanted and also if they offered a grace period of 1 or 2 weeks for you to decide before you lost your "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Direct Buy is insulting with their reasoning and needs to get rid of their used car salesmen rejects. I'll just wait for some competition to come along and check them out some day!
Recruitment reminiscent of time share condo pitche
11/2/2005 - Mark of Michigan, USA writes:
My views echo all the others here, but I'd like to add some additional comments which haven't been brought up. I'm a little puzzled by this organization. At least the Michigan chapter DOES have membership in the local Better Business Bureau, and there have been only a few complaints, resolved, concerning product delivery issues. However, their methods of "customer recruitment", with both pitch style and efforts at pressure, are precisely those of the less reputable parts of the time share condo industry. Furthermore, their business model appears to border on a pyramid scheme, as far as I can tell. I bring up the time share condo model because several years ago I was "invited" to such a presentation and went because I was very curious about their methods. Everything here was the same. You are assigned to a "representative" who first tries to make a personal connection, offers drinks, snacks, etc., but is vague about details, deferring to "the presentation". As these things go, the "presentation" is a slickly vague pitch and your "represenative" is basically the "closer", who works on you after the main pitch. The pitch here consists of a glowing infomercial, with additional anecdotal examples of fantastic deals to be had. There are testimonials on the recorded informercial of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, saved. Finally, toward the end, the "rules" of holding this highly select membership are disclosed, such as never using all of the powerful information to be had to hurt retailers. Then, in this context, there's slipped in that the information to which we've been privy is so select, and so immensely powerful, that we must agree to join that very night or for life thereafter be denied this opportunity. Then the price is presented by the live pitchman in passing on a board--in this case $4290 upfront for 24 months of access, followed by $190 a year thereafter. He presents this as merely $581 per year, averaged over ten years. Here are the direct similarities to pitches of recognized dubious ethics in time shares: (1) anecdotal reports of immense benefits; (2) fudging of numbers; (3)an ultimatum. In my case, as soon as my "closer" glommed onto me after this presentation, I told him exactly what I thought of it, but then had to say no in innumerable times and ways before he gave up, telling me that I had "a closed mind". Well, I know that these commissions on member signups are addictive, maybe too often expected. No "closer" wants to cut bait and have an evening spent without a catch. What's disturbing about the organization is not only their marketing methods but their apparent business model. The costs presented for goods buying include no charges for Direct Buy's physical infrastructure, employee staff, and other overhead. Thus it's entirely financed by the upfront charges. However, first it's evident that much of this goes directly to the "closers" as commissions. The only way for a new member to recover the upfront fee is to make very substantial purchases. They will not ALLOW you to do thorough number crunching on what your own buys would do for the ledger. However, compared to something ranging from the highest retail to wise buyring, the amount spent--will vary greatly according to what sort of goods purchsed, with what customary gross margin from sellers--could range from a rock-bottom low of $10,000 (straight high price retail) to perhaps as much as $50,000. Yet, the more members are enrolled and the more they buy, the more the pyramid aspect of revenue structure will affect the organization. One wonders why an ethical buying club would not build in legitimate overhead costs into product price paid.There could still be tiers of membership, and different "overhead payments" depending on buy size, but their method is nothing but pyramid. Two things here should give anyone pause: One is the long term stability, and viability, of an organization that has this revenue structure. The other relates to the simple question of whether you want to sign on with people who choose to market in such a sleazy, if not outrightly unethical, manner.
Why so vague about the cost?!
10/26/2005 - Sally of Alabama, USA writes:
I was intrigued by the infomercial sales pitch, yet I was turned off by why they would never mention the price. Knowing it must be pricey, I foolishly called anyway to set up an appointment. The operator was very vague when I asked her the price, and she told me I'd have to go to the showroom. She then told me that she'd mail an invitation to me good for only one day, but she wouldn't tell me the date. A couple of weeks later, I received the invitationt the day after the "special showing" was held. I felt like this was done on purpose! They called me repeatedly and never left messages for the next two weeks, and I would see their the Direct Buy name on caller ID whenever I returned home. When I was finally home when they called, I told them I really wasn't interested because it all seemed kind of odd. I must say the couple of operators I spoke with were very nice, but sort of pushy. I finally said, "Can you tell me how much this costs to join? Is it $2,000?" I was just throwing out a ridiculously high amount, or so I thought, and he replied, "At least that much, if not more." I told him thanks for the info, and hung up. Like the other posters, I never joined. Well, shoot, I never even made it to the showroom, and I'm glad now I didn't. I wish that someone who joined would post a message. I'm thinking it would only be worth it if you were decorating an entire building of offices, or something like that. Then again, no one knows the quality of the furniture. It just seems like a waste of time to me.
Too secretive
10/6/2005 - Bill of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I saw the infomercial and figured I had nothing to lose if I were to check it out. It turns out I had a few hours to lose. Barely 5 minutes into the pitch the Best Buy rep told me that we were at the "point of no return" (his words) and explained that if we went any further I would either have to purchase a membership or never return. This bothers me because I got more from the infomercial then I did from him at this point and had I decided to leave I would have wasted an hour plus in travel time to learn nothing. Had they explained the rules before I took the time to travel there I wouldn't be as annoyed and I would have researched the service ahead of time and might have actually signed up, maybe. An earlier comment about feeling like a car salesmen's pitch is exactly what I thought after I was informed of the price and the guy told me there was no pressure but I had to take it or leave it and never have the chance again and by the way "we need your answer now". I was told the membership would cost $5370.00(USD). I was told "that's only $537.00 a year" but that I'd have to pay $4000.00 in the first 2 years and he offered a payment plan if I'd put down between $500-$900. It may well be worth the expense if you have major renovations or are planning to furnish a whole house, and I am, but I really didn't like the way they go about conducting business so I walked. They tell you that you can't come back and join after you've turned them down because they have to protect their relationship with the manufacturers and don't want to cause problems for the retailers that the manufacturers deal with. It make sense that they don't want to rock the boat and jeopardize a good thing but I think they exaggerate the situation to pressure you into the sale. I say this because I don't see how I am any more or less of a threat 24 hrs after I become privy to the big secret. Why can't I have a day to see if I can swing the finances and contemplate the value of the membership? I don't know the answer but the whole experience left me very skeptical and wondering if they really deliver what they claim.
