Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 4 of 24
Very few would benefit from it.
2/26/2008 - Danielle of Ohio, USA writes:
We are members. We joined with our eyes completely open to what it was. We only joined because we are self-contracting a home we are building and will need to furnish it. I do believe we will save the membership cost. However, that's ONLY because of the fact that we are building and furnishing a new home from scratch. I have been unimpressed with some of the savings thus far. They told us they offered the manufacturer's entire product line, but when I went to see about prices on a Whirlpool freezer, I found out that Whirlpool doesn't offer their freezers to Direct Buy. I purchased a Direct Vent gas fireplace. The accessories through Direct Buy were a lot cheaper (like the blower, the doors, etc.) but the fireplace itself wasn't much cheaper, by the time they add their 8% handling and the freight costs. On a $1900 total purchase, I saved about $150 over the best price I found online with free shipping. (It would take a lot of those purchases to cover the ridiculous membership cost.) As for cabinets, we will be ordering through them. The prices are really good for the Diamond cabinet line. You can find similar prices on some of their cabinets at other places, but those places really upcharge the options. So I think the savings will add up for the cabinets. We thought we'd save money on windows. However, we found out later they only offer vinyl windows, and we have to have wood windows due to zoning restrictions. They referred us to a 3rd party that was supposed to give us member pricing, but Home Depot beat those prices by quite a bit. I do think that when we start buying furniture, we will really come out ahead. But honestly, it makes me cringe when I see couples signing up for Direct Buy when I go into the showroom. I know that for the vast majority, they will never save as much as the membership costs them. I think we are definitely in the minority that will come out ahead, but that's because of our unique situation. The staff at the Columbus store has truly been helpful and courteous though.
Million Member Club...Since 1971
2/25/2008 - John of Massachusetts, USA writes:
UPDATE: You know, at my club in Rockland, MA, I learned alot. First of all, you don't get a BBB (Better Business Beureu) Ratings of Perfect unless you are just that...not just for one year, but for more than 3 Torch award recomendations. Thats nine years of no complaints and thousands of customers who are happy over 20 years. Yes, there is a fee...did you think they are like the Church...oh wait even the Church makes money. They just dont make any money on your purchses. Period. Yes, there is a shipping fee, duh, did you think cost includes shipping? Did you ever think of a store owner not paying for shipping? You become the store owner and incur the same costs...like shipping, but no overhead and no need to make a relationship with more than 700 brand names. Did you ever think it was easy for them (directbuy) to cultivate a relationship with so many (700) brand names? Stop and think about how much research they must have done before letting people, namely members, see cost for items evryday? And what of their policy of "Scaming" to make you make a decision. Lets see, if you give them the membership money a day latter after the tour, they will refuse it. Why? Why would anyone business refuse the money...if it weren't really a policy made by the manufacturers, they dictate that policy. The policy protects brand names, not guests who may or may not disrupt the retail and DirectBuy world. Members protect themselves and their investment. They would never ever divulge or disrupt the retail world. Bottom line, only 158 stores for DirectBuy, millions of members. There are millions of retail stores. And only 300 complaints on line complete. That, my firends, is insignificant. And if you think that a fraction of those 'complaints' aren't even members. Curious. Very curious. I say, decide for yourself, and if you need to, read my comment again. Then, think of 158 centers, they are all, all individually owned. Some great, like mine in Rockland, and some not so much. Bottom line, cost is cost, and unbiased opinions are people who know better. Guess who might be telling lies..can you say retailers or maybe slighted salespeople out the commisions of the vendors? Peace and decide with your brain, not the escalading repeated slander angainst such a great and old company. 36 Years people. Facts are facts.
Very disappointed.
2/18/2008 - CLARK of Maryland, USA writes:
My husband called and received an appointment in January, 2008. I was apprehensive from the beginning, because, they were insistent that he and I both attend. From previous experience, that usually means the product is costly. The showroom is located five minutes from our home, which is a good thing. The first thing I noticed about the showroom was that it appeared to be temporary. Other than the carpet and kitchen display, everything else looked as if it could be picked up and moved within a minute's notice. Then, when we told our membership director that we were just curious about their business, she looked at us as if we were crazy and advised us that they are in the business of selling us a membership. We then proceeded to watch the movie presentation with another couple. I have to admit that the movie presentation and the presenter was very good. I told my husband that if the the fees/dues weren't too high, this may be worth considering. I can't tell you how shocked I was when the man came back and told us the fees were $5,100.00 for the three years and $169.00 every year thereafter. Then he proceeded to tell us about their financing options. I was ready to leave then, but, we were sent back to our membership director. She proceeded to tell us about the additional financing options at 17%. I asked her what the rate would be if you had good credit, she just basically shrugged her shoulders and said that was their rate. At that time, my husband told her that we would like to think about it over the weekend and we would call her on Monday. She told us that we had to make our decision that day or we would never be able to return to their showroom. My husband asked if we were to bring $5,100.00 in the following day, we couldn't purchase a membership, she told us no. It was then, that we got up from the table and left. There were other things that didn't sit well with me, like the older gentlemen that was brought to our attention that was sitting at the customer service desk who was supposed to be buying a living room set. He was flipping the catalog pages so fast, he couldn't possibly be looking for anything to purchase. Or the lady who came in with her teenage son who wanted to look at the "secret" catalogs. She appeared to watching us more than she was looking at the catalogs. Basically, Direct Buy's mission is to finance memberships. They know no one is going to come to their showroom with $5,100.00 cash in their pockets, so, they show you this great presentation and hope that you plop down your credit card for the $1600.00 downpayment and finance the rest. I consider my husband and myself to be savvy shoppers. Before making a major purchase, I research and try to make educated choices. And after reading the other reviews on this website and finding out about the handling fee and the "delivery" fee, I know we made the right decision. To put it all in a nutshell, if Direct Buy was all that they say they were, everyone would be a member and I do mean everyone. So, I hope everyone who is interested in attending an open house, reads this website. Had I read it in advance, there is no way I would have attended. Thanks!
OK for big building projects
2/18/2008 - Julie of California, USA writes:
I have read all of the negative reviews, and thought I would add mine just for balance. I do have to agree with Eileen of California, Direct Buy may not be for everyone - you are probably not going to save money on things you can buy at [] or small ticket items in general, and the sales reps were pretty open about admitting that up front; BUT, if you are definitely planning on a major remodel or a 1250 sq foot addition as we are building, then you CAN save some money. Having been planning our addition for the past year I have done plenty of pricing, both at local home improvement stores and from sales reps (windows, flooring, etc.) who came to our house and gave us prices; and before the end of the afternoon we had decided that we would save the price of the membership on windows and doors alone. We were given ample time to peruse whichever catalogs we wanted to - no catalogs were "off limits" to us - plus sessions in which we were able to sit down and get quotes on specific size, quality and makes of items we were planning to order in the next few months, from very knowledgeable sales reps who were basically representing their own companies (for instance granite countertops.) No one hovered over us or made us feel pressured, although they did tell us up front that we would have to either purchase the membership the same day, or walk away from it. I guess maybe the owners of the franchise in Fresno are a little more savvy and sophisticated than some of those described in other states, and/or they give their customers a little more credit: while it did on some levels remind me of a timeshare demo, I had pretty much come expecting to hear a spiel like that, and I didn't really feel that they were being condescending, just bubbly and enthusiastic. No one promised us a complete breakfast, but they had quite a selection of coffees (lattes, expresso, etc.), sodas, juices, and waters. No one mixed up our names (though I do agree, for the price of the memberships they could have spent a couple $ more on nicer nametags!) Since I am in the military and part of my income is non-taxable, I completely discounted the figures they put out about "typical" household incomes and percentages spent; again, the bottom line for me was whether or not the membership fee would be worth it, for ME, for what I intended to buy. Bottom line: Direct Buy can be a good deal, if you are planning on making some major purchases in the near future. We were already planning to buy more than enough over the next year or so, and had priced enough items from other sources, that we were quickly able to determine that the savings would be worth it for us. I had just seen a low-quality whirlpool-type tub on sale at the local home improvement store, and based on the prices in the catalogs we saw, we would be able to buy a real Jacuzzi-brand tub of better quality, for a much lower price. But, I would agree that if you are only planning on buying clothing and TV's and toasters, it probably wouldn't be worth the money. You can buy a heck of a lot of toasters and TV's for $5000+ dollars. Also, I did observe that there were no "young" couples there, all of the "prospects" looked like they were in their late 40's or older: I suspected right away that that was part of their strategy in offering us "lifetime" membership after the first 10 years - they are betting that a higher percentage of their target audience will be dying off by then! (Ha ha, little do they know, almost all of MY relatives live to their 90's!) Oh yeah, and it also helped that we are no more than 45 minutes away from the showroom/warehouse, and have a truck. I wouldn't want to drive up there every other day, but to save several hundred to a thousand dollars on a big ticket item, it would be worth it. And the really big orders - such as 12 windows and doors - we would expect to pay to have delivered to our house in any case. So again - it is a good deal if it works for you; if it doesn't work for you, don't buy it!
DIRECT BUY TOTAL SCAM
2/13/2008 - Jamie of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
Scam Scam Scam! This company send you some invitation for an open house...when you arrive its nothing more than an empty office building. They force to to sign up ($5,600) then and there... you are not allowed to think about it or you will be escorted out of the building and told you are not able to return for 7yrs! Hello!!! That should tip anyone off that this company is a scam. You have to bring your significant other along for some reason, otherwise you will be forced to go. Now the key I received promised me two prizes if I didnt win the grand prize of $50,000... what a bunch of bull... why is this company allowed to scam people?? Why is there no lawsuit??? Direct Buy is a horrible scam that rips people off daily! The worse part is that once they have your phone number, they wont stop calling!! I receive calls up up 10pm!!
DON'T BUY A MEMBERSHIP!
2/9/2008 - Bettyann of Connecticut, USA writes:
DON'T BUY A MEMBERSHIP! Each franchise owner gets their income from selling memberships & the one I joined could care less about what I wanted or needed. It is a good deal if you join a franchise that does care - BUT DON'T SIGN UP IN NORWALK,CT cause they don't care. The owners over work a staff of 3, yes 3 staff members to process over a million dollars worth od merchandise (you will see the plaques on the walls to prove it)and they are paid a minimal hourly wage - so if you join, just beware that you should sign up with a franchise where the owners know what it takes to keep you happy. The staff in Norwalk is trying and they do a good job, but the owners have been heard to say that "we have made enogh money in the last year to never have to work again" this was at a Christmas party I attended and I should know because I worked there!
Not the best deal around
2/7/2008 - Anonymous of Washington, USA writes:
I had heard of DB through a family member's in-law who paid for the membership I also heard about it from one of my clients and an infomercial. I decided to check things out for myself. My wife and I attended the seminar at our local DB location. The receptionist was nice enough for someone lacking personality. We filled out the questionaire required before being invited through the magical door to "LaLa Land." The next person from DB to talk with us invited us back and did offer us both coffee or soda (not paying attention to the [] in our hands.) From there we were shuffled to a side room in front of a TV where he began to spew his pitch. I kept thinking to myself, didn't I see this guy at the "Timeshare" seminar a few months back no it must have been at the car lot on autorow. During his pitch I heard the same thing being said and shown over and over again. He showed paper and magazine advertisements inside of a plastic sleeve with a list of comparison pricing typed up by them covering the actual add pricing.(Really? Come on!)Huge savings up to 40% and 50% because retailers mark up the product that much. He did show one that was not covered and had the prcing on it. It was a [] ad for plasma TV's. DB's price was $900 lower than the [] ad. To bad everyone in the room knew the ad was outdated by about 2 years. It was mentioned that plasma tv's are not that expensive anymore and the question was raised. Answer: Yes it is an older ad but that's what the difference was then. And today? Well let's move on, anyone building or remodeling your home? Hands go up. We are then told that DB can supply anyone with all the items neccessary to build an entire house minus a few items they don't deal in. They have lumber, sheathings, trusses, doors, windows, flooring, carpet and on and on. One gentelman in the less than captive audience asked "Where do you get your lumber and trusses from?" The response was this:"I can't tell you that because it is confidential and you can only know that if you become a member. I will say that we deal with the largest lumber and truss supplier in (City Name) so if you know anything about that then you know who it is." Now I am thinking to myself since I am in the building industry and I already know where they buy those products,(previous comment about one of my clients,) you just told a bold faced lie or you don't any better because that statement was far from the truth. Now I have to really think at this point "Timeshare Guy or the Car Guy." I did not say my peace outloud becuase I wanted to see the whole picture and not ruin the experience for anyone else. So he moves on to the recording of which I had already seen on a late night infomercial. After he came back in he noted that we are lucky becuase they cut several minutes out so it would not be as long. Well it was still as boring as it was before. Then comes out the big white board and the Q&A time where he does not continue unless someone answers. He showed the average income as compared to a how much an average household spends on retail purchases. Then comes out the numbers again. You can save 40% or even more on some items some will be less but you have to become a member in order to see any of the savings.What would you pay for savings like this? First of all where were all these figures derived from. Average income is different in every region and also depends greatly on the economy for that area. The figures he was writing down first off did not add up and if they were based on previously shown items, well they were just wrong to start with. So now we move on to the tour, already past the time we were told it would take. The showroom had a few displays and color samples great. Then we move onto the catalogs. Lots of catalogs. But everyone was carefully led around so as to not get to close to anything. We end at a large table with several "Example" catalogs laid out. We are shown several example items at DB's cost and the MSRP price. Yes there was a difference some greater than others. We understand what you are selling at this point please get on with the dog and pony show. It was explained that there was S&H fees on top of that pricing according to size or lbs. He did also mention that taxes were also going to be added(DUH.) But he failed to mention DB's fee that I found out about from that family member of mine. I was told it was around 8%. Now I was paying attention when he had the catalogs open and giving examples, yes all the examples he used showed a savings on average of 30% but I was looking at the other items that he did not use. The difference in savings was much less and given the extra fees and the fact you need to go pick it up from them, the savings just became less and in some instances non-existant. I found out about the pick it up from them part later. Of course it could be shipped for more fees. Now during this time he had also pointed out a shelf full of local manufactures and suppliers for various things. It was asked if we could look at examples from that rack. The answer was of course "No those are confidential members only." So, you only show people what you want them see and not what they request to see yet you expect them to drop a substantial amount of money(getting to that part) in your lap on just your word and lame examples. So we move on to being singled out and placed with a "Closer." Well she had about as much personality as the receptionist did and a lot less tact. She asked if we liked what we saw and were interested. We said maybe, how much is it to join? Then she comes back with "Well did you understand the savings we showed you? The savings alone pays for your membership." I politely explained that we are both educated adults about 10-15 years older than she was and that we have a clear understanding. I can see savings on some items but not all of them just like any other place to purchase something. So at this point I am interested in how much the membership is despite the poor dog and pony show earlier. Well then she tells us, "It's only $4900 to join for 3yrs." Now this was an example figure the first person used on the big white board with all the fictional numbers except for one, $4900. Then the whole deal comes out. $4900 for yrs 1-3. $210 renwal fee for every year after that up to ten, so yrs 4-10. After ten it will be determined at that point, so obviously it is going to be higher or they would already know what comes after ten. Well I explained that I could see some benifit with the membership but at the cost to join being so much it made no sense. So she flips the page to show several payment plans (seen this before "Timeshare"). The payment plans are also not affordable. So we decline the offer but i tell her I did have a few questions. She really did not want to talk after that but I forced the issue. You wasted my time now it's my turn. I asked several of the questions that were asked earlier by various people to see what the reply would be. Vary similar to before, "Can't tell you that blah blah" So I tell her that I know for a fact some of things said were not true because I did know a few things about DB and some of their vendors. This obviously did not go along with her script for selling to morons. We were shown the door and told since we declined we could not try to come back for seven years. Really? How about in 2-3 months when your employee rotation has fully turned over, Or 1 year from now when you guys call to invite me back becuase you forgot to check your database. Bottom line is folks some of the items you can save on some you won't just like going to the local store. For those building or remodeling, before you spend the $4900 or more upfront for this service, do your homework. Most places in the nation have lumberyards with manufacture facilities or other divisions with experts that will assist you. And most are willing to sell those products and services to homeowners not just contractors. If you don't know of one, just look in the phone book or call contractor in all likelyhood your gonna need one anyways. Box stores are not in that category. Besides where do think DB gets it from.(Remember the local vendor shelf:)
Don't do it
2/7/2008 - Judith of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
Direct Buy is a scam. You can buy anything cheaper if you just look. Don't spend the money. Just don't do it. You will be pressured into signing right then and there. Don't be fooled.
after all, not a good deal
1/31/2008 - sattek of Florida, USA writes:
Just got out of the meeting, thanks God I did not sign up.I own a business on electronic equp. and I know the prices out there on that items , and maybe you can save between 10 to 15 %. But, for that savings??, sometimes you got 6 months to pay, interest free and no waiting time, no reestocking fee if you do not want it later. Not a good deal anyway and do not expect a party in there, is no passion in there, just got cold coffee and hot water.
Barely any savings at all
1/31/2008 - Steve of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
First of all, my father has been a member of Direct Buy for a year. I recently got some pricing on some items that I wanted to buy. I accessed their private online website looking for a recliner and a sofa. I found what I was looking for. On DirectBuy's website the price of the sofa was $499 and the recliner was $299. I found the same sofa online for $950 and the recliner for $500. WOW, what a savings...$800 with DirectBuy vs $1450 online!!!!! Right??? WRONG!!! First of all, their website does not give you and shipping and handling prices. So I called them up and come to find out the shipping charges for both items would be $370 and "handling" would be $64 and sales tax would be $74 for a total of $1300+...and the kicker is, it takes 6-8 weeks for delivery AND ITS NOT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOUSE...you have to go to the showroom to pick it up!!! The website was $1450 with free shipping TO YOUR HOUSE with 2-3 weeks for delivery. So, I guess I could have saved $150, waited another month for delivery and had to find a truck to travel an hour to their showroom to pick them up. You have to spend TONS on $$ to recoup the $4000-5000 joing fee. Pretty much of a joke if you ask me
Wanted to try but....ARE THEY SERIOUS??
1/29/2008 - Julia of New York, USA writes:
They wanted us to come to a 2 hour presentation according to their schedule and they do not allow children???!! Are they serious? Not only that but we are very busy people and I called asking if they would let me know their membership fees over the phone and they refused, telling me that they will take me off of their list if I can't come in for a 2 hour presentation. I also asked for basic lead times on cabinets and they refused. Do they think people are that dumb? Now I know why they didn't want to tell me their fees from reading all of these other reviews. I am so glad I didn't waste my time going.
I remember when this was FREE...!!! Read please!
1/29/2008 - Sandra of New York, USA writes:
About 5 years ago, i had my kitchen remodeled. The cabinets from a local Hep store were costing me about $9,000. I stumbled upon Directbuy accidentally online. They matched apples to apples and the COMPLETE total was $6500 !! WOW ! There were NO hidden fees, no membership fees at all!! So, WHY NOW are there these intense membership fees? They need to explain that to me to even get me near their place. They are making a killing.
DB... Don't Buy!
1/26/2008 - Dave of Minnesota, USA writes:
Well, my wife saw their commercial on TV and has wanted to check them out for some time, so we finally went to one of their "free open houses" this morning at 9:30 am. Oh, and don't worry you others about the folks before you eating all your refreshments; we were in the first group there this morning and all they had for us was coffee and water too. Not what was promised, but hey, I didn't go for the food, right? We are thinking of remodelling the house we own now and want to take on another project this year, so it sounded like a good opportunity to save when we did. We also got the "name tags so we can tell the members from the guests" line, even though the reps were wearing the exact same name tags! But hey, I didn't go for the name tage either. We were sold on the concept before we even arrived, we just wanted to know how much it cost, which they refused to tell my wife over the phone. They also neglected to inform us that it was a "now or never" offer, meaning if you didn't sign up that day, you never could join. That was a major red flag to me. Anyway, we sat through the presentation, and afterwards they wouldn't give us a moment to ourselves until I told the pipsqueak who kept calling me "Bill" (I was wearing the name tag that said "Dave" the whole time) to butt out and give us a minute. Bottom line, their gimmiks like their "qualifying" and weak arguments were pretty transparent, and we ended up walking out after telling our "closer" what we thought of being pressured and not being given information over the phone. Any company that needs to resort to such tactics is not one to be trusted, as evidenced by the reviews of others on this site. I don't know how much of a scam it is, but to me at least, it isn't worth $4900 to find out.
Do your Homework Before becoming a Member
1/25/2008 - Rachel of New Jersey, USA writes:
Firstly-If you are a member of Direct Buy-good for you and I hope it has saved you money. If you work there or own Direct Buy-this is just an FYI of the experience my husband & I recently had on 1/23/08. Our curiosity of Direct Buy came from the infomercials on TV and from a Home Show that my husband and I recently visited. Direct Buy was a vendor and we were interested in getting some more information. We put our names on their contact list and a couple of weeks later we received an invitation. It was to an “Open House” at the Eatontown location. My husband had done some research before we went and had found that the membership dues were around 5,000-6,000 for 3 years. Then after that it is like 200 a year for 7 years. I believe the membership is for 10 years. Anyway, we knew going into the Open House that we were not committing to anything and that we were just going for our own information. They had a gimmick where you brought in this key –which came with the invite-to try in the lock to win 50,000 dollars in cash or for a home makeover. And for just attending the Open House we would receive a couple of “gifts”. We had a chance to receive 20 gift card to Red Lobster, 500 bucks, a TV, 3 day/2 night vacation OR a laptop. The presentation was scheduled to be 90 minutes long at the invite made it sound you would receive a tour of the facility. A couple of the rules were that if you were married, the spouse must attend and you had to make 40,000 or more. Also you couldn’t be a retailer selling merch as a business. So we arrived, they took our invite and we were greeted by the most fake/disingenuous salesperson that claimed to be the owner. We were offered coffee or soft drinks, but didn’t take them up on the offer. Anyhow, we were escorted to a section where they keep some of the merchandiser’s catalogs and were briefed on how the evening would go. We then escorted to a table and left to peruse a huge binder of all the merchants DB works with. Then we were asked why we came to the open house and what we wanted to do with the membership, etc. This was also fake and disingenuous. She didn’t really care what we did for a living or what we really had to say. It was awkward conversation. So then this other salesperson takes us to the presentation room with other potential members. We sat through this 45-minute presentation of part DVD and talk. My husband felt that we were being talked down to and felt we were treated like morons. The salesperson was worse than your stereotypical used car salesman-as my husband put it-“slick willy”. He proceeded to share with us examples of how much you can save from buying furniture, jewelry, TVs, etc. through Direct Buy because retailers jack up the prices because they have to in order to stay in business. No kidding. Basically everything you get from DB is at cost from what the retailer pays for it plus they add a handling and freight cost. He also proceeded to say home much money you will save/have in your pocket over time just by shopping at DB—well that’s all good in theory, but if you are buying something out of need-everyone shops around-you would’ve spent the money anyhow, but to say “these earrings are 1500 retail, but 500 through DB-that’s 1000 in your pocket” NO—not really. All fine and dandy, but part of the presentation that sent up a red flag was that if you don’t become a member the day you see the presentation you will not be “invited back for another opportunity”. We found out later during the “sales pitch” that we would not be invited back for 10 years!!! What??? C’mon-what kind of deal is that? They said it was to protect the members and the merchants. That we could go back to a retailer and get them to sell us i.e. dining room set for their cost and if not say “ha ha—I’m going to DB anyhow because we know you jack up your prices.” Listen, to make a decision right there on the spot was uncomfortable. I don’t know about the rest of the world, but it’s difficult living from paycheck to paycheck let alone plunking down this kind of money-not to be taken lightly. Alas—the one couple that sat in on the presentation did sign up—Good for them. We’re neither the first nor the last to walk a way…but I did feel like telling a couple that was there for the beginning of the next presentation to run the other way and not come back. HA! Seriously, if others can manage it-great for them, but not for us-especially for the way we were treated. I’m sorry, we’ve sat in a bunch of different sales pitches from timeshares, cookware, knives, and cosmetics and no matter what you decided you were never told you couldn’t come back to another presentation or call them at a later date to use their services or buy their products. The sales pitch was equally condescending-as if we were idiots for not buying into their membership. We saw the value of it, but basically told them thanks, but no thanks we can’t fit it in our current budget/financial situation. I mean, we don’t have 6000 on hand and we are not about to put it on our credit card. But of course there are payment plans—still-not in our budget. As we told the salesperson, we like to think about any major purchase, do research and save for it. We prioritize the projects-now that we have recently purchased our first home; there is always something to be fixed or renovated. I told her that the fact we had to make the decision to join that night or never be asked to return was not setting well with me. She tried her hardest to convince us that DB was a good deal and that we’d be making a mistake, but no means no. She wasn’t really even paying that much attention to us and was distracted because she knew she wasn’t “closing the deal”. It was over the top-hard sell. And like I said-too condescending. Don’t tell us what we can and can’t afford. I’m sorry---but with DB you’d have to buy a lot of high-end merch to even make back your membership fee of 6000. And if you opted to not join in year 4, but rejoined in year 5-you’d still have to pay for year 4! And if you bought cabinets or something that needed a professional-you either have to know how or know someone-otherwise DB finds you a contractor. All I’m saying is –do you homework if you decide to become members of DB. I can see the value if you were renovating your entire home—but there are deals out there if you are willing to shop around and do you own comparison shopping. We finally left after 2 hours—with our gift card to Red Lobster and a “free” vacation. Uh-no—we smell a scam with that gift-so we will not be sucked in again! Thank you for listening and good luck to anyone who decides to visit DB—Just do you homework before hand because you can’t go back if you change your mind and want to sign up. My husband said to our salesperson-if they were up front with that-we wouldn’t have gone at all.
Run! This is a SCAM!
1/22/2008 - Tia of Indiana, USA writes:
Foolish..my husband and I are very savvy business people, we are scammed! I can't believe this! Thi is a down right scam and I'll even give you and example: $ 275.00 beautiful living room chair, tack on these costs: 6% sales tax 240.00 shipping from CA. (What?!) 8% handling fee, in which they NEVER disclosed that fee to us.. Then, once the shipment arrives at your local DB it is the consumers responsibility to pickup YOUR merchandise or hire a moving company to do it...WHERE IS THE SAVINGS?? There is NONE, ZERO!!! Do the math..I came home, phoned my credit card company to dispute the membership charges.We want our money back! Our credit card has dealt with DB disputes frequently..Do your homework..THIS IS A SCAM!
Cabinets are awesome
1/21/2008 - linda of Alberta, Canada writes:
UPDATE: When we joined Direct Buy in July I wasn't sure what we got ourselves into. I was skeptical and we were just starting our reno. It is definitely a lot more difficult when you live out of town. I think Direct Buy would be great if you lived in the same city because you could compare prices more readily. It is time consuming looking through all the catalogues and a lot of the memebers want the same catalogue. We did order the cabinets but we had a new girl do the quote and she got the order wrong. After three months we were able to connect with a more experienced cabinet order person and then the order finally got processed. I have to say the cabinets are beatuiful. There were some slightly damaged cabinets but they are processing a claim. We had to go and pick up the cabinets when they arrived which meant a day off work, gas etc. We did save a large amount on the cabinets. Before joining Direct Buy we had went to a local dealer and got a quote on maple cabinets with metal sides on the drawers and the Direct Buy Cabinets quote was for the same price but we got cherry wood instead of maple, aspen drawers instead of metal sides, glaze instead of stain, more detailed cabinet doors and also a bathroom vanity. At the local dealer they said it would cost at least 5,000.00 to upgrade the drawers to wood. I also know cherry is more expensive than maple. The cabinets are beautiful. We have definitely gotten back more than double our direct buy membership by just ordering the cabinets. The MSRP on other items is not a realistic price to go by so you are not saving as much as you think on other items but are saving about 30% instead of 60 percent if you go by the MSRP. Even with the shipping you are still saving. I think it is a good deal if you live in the same city and can check things. Even if we don't buy another thing at Direct Buy we have more than paid for our membership. Also, the staff at Direct Buy in our area are very friendly and helpful. I think it depends on where your direct buy is located. Also, the blinds are a great deal with brand name suppliers but there is no assistance from a knowledgable sales clerk just a staff that takes your order and you have to install them yourself but you do save a great deal. You will save money and it was worth it just for the cabinets. It all depends if you want to go through all the hassle.
Think before you DirectBuy
1/21/2008 - Scott of Utah, USA writes:
I attended a DirectBuy meeting in Salt Lake City on Jan 19th 2008 and took a friend with me. When we got there they gave us our 'nametags' and since my friend wasn't on the list he was asked to leave (apparently if he was my 'partner' and not just a friend he could have stayed) because they were 'overbooked'. I wasn't going to stay and make my friend drive 30 minutes just to pick me up again so I asked her to give me the 5 minute version of the 90 minute sales pitch. She informed me that there was a membership fee but she didn't know how much it was exactly, just that it was 'several thousand' dollars. I actually planned on signing up because I'm building a house in the next 6 months so the membership fee (which I'd heard varies from $3k-$7k depending on where you sign up) wasn't a problem, assuming savings were what they claimed. I asked her more specifically what the EXACT price was and she said she didn't know. I didn't believe her but since I'd driven 4 hours to hear their pitch I decided to stay. After we watched a pitch on DVD we were divided into groups to talk with their 'closers' and guess who happened to be mine? The same girl who told me that my friend couldn't stay because they were overbooked and that she didn't know the exact price. Apparently they forgot to tell her before hand that their would be an empty seat next to me the entire presentation (understandable mistake though since there was a whole group of 11 of us in a room big enough to seat 30) but they did tell her how much a membership costs because she tried to work quite a few different angles on why I should sign up today and the different payment options for the $5k membership fee (In Utah apparently it's now $5,000 for the first three years and $190 a year after that). I can't say if DirectBuy would really have saved me enough to make the hassles (of not seeing items before I bought them, arranging for delivery and installation in my home etc..) would be worthwhile or not because so many red flags were thrown up during the two hours I was at their showroom I walked out. Oh, and since I didn't sign up that day I apparently can't ever sign up. If you're going to a "Free Open House" go in with some ACTUAL ads or quotes in hand so you can do ACTUAL comparisons for yourself, but I'm still banking on the idea that a company who isn't willing to risk customers finding a better deal THE SAME DAY isn't really that good of a deal anyways. LOL and don't actually expect refreshments.
JUST left the presentation....SCARY!
1/20/2008 - brenda of California, USA writes:
I just left the presentation. BORING, basic, and a total waste of time. Actually, I was "sold" before I walked in the door and came ready to PAY IN FULL. (Doing a remodel and need the savings). But their constant "used-car-salesmen" technique unsold me by the first 5 mins. I experienced my "future customer service experience" from the minute I walked in the door. It started when they had me write my name on a cheap little label so they can "tell the guests from the members". For $6000, at least have our labels pre-printed and waiting for us. Just inside the door, my "guide" said it's a requirement that he ask if I'm married or single. He said it was so they could verify if I qualified...HELLO??? I'd already answered that on the survey and before my appt. He then led me to a little patio and told me the refreshments had been all eaten up by the previous group, but we could have water or coffee "for free". Honey, if I'm going to shell out $6000, go buy me a box of cookies and any drink I want! It was like attending a Mormon or Scientology cult mtg. You're immediately assigned a guide who sits with you and doesn't allow you to walk around, browse or talk to anyone unless he's present. He even waited OUTSIDE the bathroom door for me when I took a break!!! He didn't have any answers to my questions b/c "he's only worked there for 1 month", but his name badge said "Director"! My questions weren't hard. I'm sure I wasn't the first one to ask how to return something if the item isn't like the VERY samll picture in their catalogs...They add 8% chg to every product BEFORE taxes and delivery! You can't return anything w/o 25% fee (and only IF that company will "accept" your return), the catalogs are ANCIENT and the pictures small, colors washed out, etc, their online shopping isn't "ready yet", but 25% of the products WILL have their prices online someday!...you have to pay for delivery and hire someone to set-up your items which I was assured can by done "relatively cheaply". So: add 40% to every "savings" just to get your items home and assembled. And he kept saying that since "you're single, I'm sure you have friends that help you out alot"...over and over I was referred to as "single" or "alone", even in the mtg in front of he other 2 couples...really rude! Not a way to win a customer. Items take 4-12 wks to order. When I asked for specific catalogs and items to compare, the savings weren't as good as Costco, Lowe's, etc. The guide had someone else's survey and kept calling me their name, even tho I was wearing my hand-written badge so he could use my name every other word...SO tacky. When I said I would be back tomorrow since the mtg had gone one for over 3 hrs and I had to be somewhere else, he got ugly, said this is the ONLY time you can become a member or for the next SEVEN yrs you can't be "invited" back...I told him my money is as green today as tomorrow and any company that's legit would want my dues no matter when. I also said any reasonable company would WANT their members to make an informed decision so they could bring in their family and friends as members. Alas, he said we were done and he escorted me TO MY CAR DOOR. SCARY and SLEAZY! Glad I didn't do business with them... Constructive thought: Lose the "guides", re-stock your refreshments, pre-print our labels AND our contracts, send us a DVD to view BEFORE our appt: I still would have bought the membership!, lose the white-board, stop having the presenter make the whole group nod yes/no to obvious questions so he "can continue", shorten the presentation to 15 mins and stop repeating the same points over and over: WE GET IT! We're intelligent consumers. Treat us with respect. Send us the contracts and pricing BEFORE the presentation: I was ready to buy and that wouldn't have changed anything but would have saved time. When you say the mtg will be 90 mins, keep it to 90 mins! I had to leave after 3 hrs for a prior commitment, and my guide was JUST getting out the pricing options! I wanted your product. Sadly, your own company TALKED ME OUT OF IT every step of the way!
Direct Buy Exposed
1/19/2008 - SoCalGal of California, USA writes:
We are in the process of building a mountain cabin in the Sierras and thought since we are going to be dropping a lot of cash in the next six months that this might be for us. NOT A GOOD return on INVESTMENT! This reminded me of a timeshare presentation. We made an appointment and went to the showroom and like everyone else has stated, the scene was pretty much the same. Scammy, slimy, slick presentation with inflated savings potential. We were hit with the low introductory membership rate of $4990.00 for the next two years TODAY ONLY with a membership fee of $198.00 (that will go up to potentially $300) for years 3-11. Since we are acting as owner/builder I have to know the exact price on everything from doorknobs to disposals to comparison shop for this project. I gave the rep assigned to us detailed information to do a price check on some flooring. After doing the math it was only a 15% savings which after their handling charges would not amount to much. Other scenarios I gave were similar. My husband and I decided not to join but to instead go to our local pub and have a microbrew to discuss the experience. I have an MBA and own a small business and together we were able to come to this conclusion. DB is nothing more than a "middle-man". They make their money off of inflated membership dues and their "handling" fees. Word of warning...go in with real world prices (don't forget to include the 6 months no interest no tax free delivery scenarios from the big do-it-yourself warehouses) and force the "reps" to research. There is tax, handling, delivery, and installation (if needed) charges to consider that DB does not put out there in the final DB purchase cost. They are merely a company selling wholesale (with a wholesalers license)and then adding hidden charges to drive their business and pay for expenses. The only difference between DB and timeshare sales is that with timeshares they usually give you a gift for sitting through the pitch...DB doesn't give you anything but high pressure sales from an individual who, bless their heart, has limited choices for careers.
Maybe is not good for everyone, but we like it now
1/18/2008 - Eileen of California, USA writes:
Maybe DB is not good for eveyone, but so far we're happy about the items we brought from them. For example, Sony Blu-ray model#500, we got only $510.7(includes shipping&tax). No one can bit that price. For Hunter Douglas blinds, costco quote me $6000 for 6 windows, I found samething @ DB just for $3200. DB is not good for everyone, but only for the family who has big project such as remodeling. We just brought new home, so we have to use their service. Be a first-time home buyer & mother of 2 is hard to shipping around & negotiation with contractors. Beliver me, I got many "lessons" before I found DB. So far, we're like their service, of course, we won't suggest people to join if you don't have big project need to do. But overall,I personally said it's a "easy-way" to my family, we can save time to find things w/o fear the retailer/contractors. Maybe DB is not cheap one everything. I brough my TV wall Mount @ [], but I found the items @ DB. Even I'm member @ DB, I'm still doing my search by DB's product catalog. No matter is retail got your $6000 or DB does, shipping smartly is the only way. If you want to easy shipping like I did @ DB, it's smart way to do. Maybe to the end we can save some money as well. We will see...
