Real Consumer Reviews and Ratings
Direct Buy Reviews and Ratings
Consumer Ratings - Page 5 of 24
Unbeleivable rip-off
1/11/2008 - lawrence of Nevada, USA writes:
I still can"t believe that companies like this still exist.I went and listened to the presentation at a location in Las Vegas.This was worst than any time share or high pressure car dealership I had ever been too.After their sales pitch,I asked to check on several prices in their furniture catalogs.Since i own one of the largest furniture stores in las vegas I know my prices to the penny.Well,every price they gave me was 15-30 percent higher than what I charge people every day.After I told him who I was asked to leave.Bottom line ,with retail being as competitive as it is today you dont need to pay someone $5000 to get the best price.Direct Buy is a rip-off.Shop around and you can beat their prices by 15-30 percent. Sincerely...The Secret Shopper
Under Pressure,Pressure,Pressure
1/6/2008 - nora of Rhode Island, USA writes:
My husband and I had that great presentation from DB in Warwick, RI we have been to more time share presentations with a lot less pressure than DB. This is the biggest scam anyone could possibly imagine. If you do become a member look me up for I am selling oceanfront property in Arizona. RED RED RED FLAG
Direct Buy - Do your homework!
1/5/2008 - Tom of Rhode Island, USA writes:
My wife and I just sat through the presentation at the Direct Buy in Rhode Island. Lots of glitz, numbers, hype, etc. . . The presenter told us to "hold all questions, as I'll be answering them in my presentation", an obvious ploy to shut-down any thoughtful questions by those better informed in the audience. Afterwards, we were ushered out to meet with sales representatives to sign the contract. The fee, $4750 for the first three years, then $190 per year after that. I'm remodeling a house, so thought that if what they said about 50+ percent savings is true, then it is a no-brainer. But I happened to have recently researched a few large purchases. So I asked if I could see a Sony TV catalogue. The man said, "don't you believe what I said about savings?" I stated that it is good to trust, but verify. After much debate, they showed me the catalogue. The Sony Bravia 52" 1080P W3000 was the case study. We recently paid $2499, on sale at Bernie’s. We also got no interest for 18 months, something you cannot get from DB. Their price was $2600. Look it up for yourself. Their response to this finding. . . "Well, Sony's are not a good example, because there is very little mark-up". So we asked to see the Whirlpool catalogue. We knew the price of a SS side/side refer. They said, "someone else is using it". So we went on to ask if we could see the Klaussner furniture book. We knew the price of a leather sectional that we've had our eye on. Their price was the same as the best price we found locally. By this time, the manager came by and became very rude and hostile. He said, "this meeting is over". I said, fine with me. Unfortunately, as I was walking out, I saw a few couples signing-up. One older couple and one very young couple. They did not look in any of the books or have any items in mind to make a comparison. They signed the delayed payment contract that required a down payment of $700, then monthly payments at 17.7% interest, until the $4050 balance is paid. Moral of the story, do your homework. And if you are not afraid to look around for the deals, then DB is not for you. The whole evolution reminded me of a Time-Share presentation.
Beware!
1/4/2008 - Mike of California, USA writes:
My wife and I went to a DB presentation today. The high pressure sales tactics were repugnant and blatantly unfair. To require us to spend $5600 that day or never come back was a major red flag. We have already purchased replacement appliances, tiled our floors and re windowed our windows, so these items were not applicable for us. I found their selection to be limited for normal purchases...for example, they carry Nike shirts but no shoes or cleats (but they do carry Wilson, an inferior brand). We only drive used cars and purchase our own...the 'used car' sales pitch is the price of the car at an auction plus $500. We can beat that every time. Did we waste our time? No, because we can now tell our friends and children to avoid this firm.
Not for Everyone but Just Right for Us
1/3/2008 - John of California, USA writes:
We've been happy members for several months now. After a full kitchen and bath remodel, major and minor appliances, three cameras, we've more than recouped our initial membership fees. No, I rarely pay retail so MY savings are not as much as they would advertise. But I did research my kitchen remodel and for the same price, I'm getting the bathroom done. And "free" sinks and faucets. I HATED the sales pitch. But I focused on my situation and figured it was a good investment for me. Yeah, $5k is a lot of money to me but I was planning on spending much more on my remodel. Wouldn't anyone out there invest $5k knowing they'd get back $7k later?! And I'd rather wait 4-6 weeks for delivery than drive around for twice that to find the absolute lowest price. My time is more valuable and I plan better than those who demand instant gratification upon plunking down their money. And whatever I buy anywhere, I KNOW I'm paying for shipping somewhere along the line. So I'm not going to whine about a convenience I'd prefer to pay for than to have to drive to the teak forest and stand over the master craftsmen while they carve my furniture. Hey, I'd be paying for gas and a truck rental - nothing's free.
rip -off
12/28/2007 - bobby of Connecticut, USA writes:
what a joke get you in the door & then treat you worse than a used car sales rep.!!they will not tell you they cost 6000$ to join until you get in the door just alot of lies!!!!some one is getting rich of of people trying to save
Do Your Homework
12/23/2007 - David of New York, USA writes:
I went to a Direct Buy presentation yesterday, because my wife saw the infomercial and signed us up, and I am pleased to say that I did not join. They had a few products in the showroom that are clearly designed to get you in the door and there was the "library" of catalogs with all the top secret prices that only members can enjoy. Since my salesman said we could ask him anything, I asked to compare prices on three Dale Tiffany lamps that we recently purchased. He found the exact make and model in his catalog but wouldn't tell us the Direct Buy price because he said the item was discontinued. I know for a fact that they're not discontinued; besides, why would Direct Buy have discontinued items in their catalogs if "members" can't purchase them? I really love their now or never sales tactic; I mean why would anyone pay $4400 on the spot after listening to a 45 minute presentation? If they do not respect their potential members enough to allow even 24 hours to consider, then it's clearly a scam. As for the "have fun paying retail" line that they so professionally keep throwing out, I just have to say...who pays retail for anything? If I have a large purchase to make, I pay sale prices, I mean I even talked the car dealer down $4000 off the sticker price. Did I pay the same amount they did? Of course not, they have to make a profit or they wouldn't be in business. Think about it, I would have to buy enough crap over the next three years to erase the $4400 membership fee just to break even. That's a lot of toasters and blender's at a whopping savings of $5. Do your homework before your go to the presentation and decide if you are planning to spend about $80,000 to rennovate your home so you can enjoy this magnificent savings they offer. Where did I get this $80,000 figure? Well I made it up just like the salesman did when he told me how much I was likely to spend over the next three years.
Works if you work it
12/23/2007 - Frank of Arizona, USA writes:
We hated the pitch to get us to the presentation and we were angry that they didn't want to equate a same sex relationship as a spousal equivalent (they relented). We did sign up as I am a designer and we have income properties. We made the money back just on the granite countertops in two homes and went on to buy appliances for those kitchens as well. We had a deal for free handling if we bought 3 or more GE appliances so we did that twice. A garbage disposal counts! We have had some delivery issues when items would come in and they didn't call us. Then after a week or two, we would get an angry call from DB to tell us that we needed to get the items out of their warehouse. Our sales slip clearly stated that they were to call us to arrange delivery. So while we were often angry with them over the delivery issues and tone on the phone, we couldn't really complain about the money we saved. I do realize that this type of membership isn't for everyone. If you aren't someone who needs a large volume of furniture or appliances, I think it would be better to steer clear of the presentation entirely. I know few people who would actually benefit from a Direct Buy membership. Very few.
The Real Scoop on DirectBuy
12/22/2007 - Scott of Texas, USA writes:
DirectBuy provides minimal savings in reality to those who don't mind shopping around. The prices sound great at first, but they don't tell you that they gouge you on shipping costs, they add another 6% handling fee to everything, plus taxes. All totalled up and it's not much savings. The people claiming that they are saving a lot have not shopped around much. The worst part is that the service at the centers is terrible. Very unprofessional and a constant headache to deal with. Difficult, if not impossible to ever return anything. Revolving door for underpaid employees, so very few know anything and fewer of them care. The sales presentation is very deceiving with a few lies thrown in. You will have to by a lot of stuff, and put up with lots of headaches to ever get your initial cost to join back.
DON'T JOIN !!!
12/19/2007 - Joey of California, USA writes:
I am a general Contractor in So Cal. I made the mistake of joining Direct Buy thinking I would save on my own remodel. NOT! After you join I found you are no longer a concern of thiersd they have your $6000.00 and thats all they care about. 80% of the items I tried to order "were no longer available". The items I did purchase (including $21,000 kitchen cabinets) came in wrong & 6 mnths and alot of yelling & emailing I still dont have all of my cabinets as they make me wait 5-6 weeks to get the replacement parts & they come in wrong. PLEASE DO NOT JOIN THIS SCAM OF A BUSINESS. You can find most things cheaper online & the few things you pay more for at a retail location is worth it to get some good ole customer service !
DirectBuy is for Real
12/18/2007 - Michele of Florida, USA writes:
I joined directbuy 3 years ago and have saved my membership fee several times over.I have purchase baby furniture as well as furniture as well as other pieces of furniture.I have replaced flooring throughout the home and saved several thousand dollars.I have since relocated to Tampa Fl and have been pleasently suprised out how easy it is to transfer from one center to another. I would recommend Directbuy to anyone who is making purchases whether they are large or small. Where else can you get to select from over 700 well known brands of merchandise.
Build or Remodel-This is for you
12/18/2007 - Tina of California, USA writes:
I have been a member of Direct Buy and have to say that I am very pleased with my decision. I have read many of the previous comments and cannot understand the negativity. This is a product that works best for those making large purchases for either a remodel, building or redecorating. To compare this membership with the WAREHOUSE memberships out there where you purchase food, clothing and cleaning supplies is completely incorrect. This is not for everyone and the membership is not cheap for the average person who is going to make occasional purchases. We are building a home and are faced with high costs for everything. I research everything before making a purchase and have compared prices on windows and cabinets and I am completely amazed by the amount of money we are saving as a member. Our first major purchase of cabinets is saving us 10k, so we are already in the black after the cost of our membership. Our windows and appliances are also much less expensive. The percent of savings varies depending on the product you are buying and occasionally there are items that you would be able to get for the same price if you used a store coupon during a holiday sale for example. Straight across the board this is a solid and successful investment for the right person. So for those who are negative about Direct Buy, don't be....It just may not be for you. And I wish you had the opportunity to visit the Direct Buy in our area of Orange County, because they are wonderful to us and make us feel special each and everytime we are there.
Direct Buy: Use wih caution
12/16/2007 - jen of New Jersey, USA writes:
Overall, if you are planning to renovate a great deal and purchase a whole house of furniture, you could save a bunch through Direct Buy. You just have to deal with weeks of waiting for the product as well as picking it up or having it delivered to your home. We were very disappointed when one of the products we ordered came back incorrect. They claimed the number we wrote down appeared like another number, however debatable.....however the description, color and obvious relation in style to the rest of our order should have been red flags! They were not understanding at all. We had to reorder the correct items for over double the cost due to minimum purchase values and additional shipping fees.
Direct Buy Bull
12/14/2007 - Anonymous of Texas, USA writes:
we were in a major remodeling project & it sounded good- we did save on cabinets & appliances, but granite, wood & tile flooring selections were limited and provided no savings unless you were willing to settle for what was available - overall not a deal at all - on a $80000 remodel we have'nt recouped our $5K
SCAM!
12/12/2007 - Marcia of New Jersey, USA writes:
Ok so, my husband and I go to the open house, and it seems very similar to a club we joined back in the early 90's. I question the salesman, "Weren't you located in...?" "No, we have never been there..." Ok, I say, "That's good because they lied to us." "Oh no, that definitely wasn't us." As it turns out, yes it was because they mentioned it during their presentation. Anyway, we sit through the ridiculous presentation with all their assumptions on what the average family spends with no info to back them up. Afterward, the rep shows us catalogs. Anyone who has gone through this will know the rep has a catalog placed that is easy for him to grab, knowing that one will reflect the incredible prices they are claiming. So my husband and I separate and just start looking through catalogs. I ask for the [] furniture catalog, he says, "oh yeah we have that." "Ok can I see it" "Well we already know all furniture is 50% off." "Ok, well I would still like to see it." So we price furniture through [], and it is maybe $100.00 less than the store's price, not including DB's shipping. Not so great. Meanwhile, my husband is looking at sporting goods, specifically hockey equipment of which we just purchased quite a bit. Yes, the price was cheaper, but once the S&H was thrown in, it wasn't any cheaper. Then we decide to look for pellet stoves because we have been pricing those. So the guy says they have them, and he tries showing us regular wood stoves. We tell him that isn't it, and he says, "oh yeah, this is it, this kind you just throw the pellets in and light it." Obviously I know what they are and he was wrong, so my husband and I just ignored him. Then we get to the nitty gritty, I ask him, "So for us to do this, we have to do it right now?' "Yes maam, otherwise it isn't fair to the retailers." Ok, that is a ridiculous answer, what difference does it make to them? So of course I tell him we do not make snap decisions that involve hefty sums of money, which caused him to get pretty nasty. I told him if they really believed they had a good product, they would trust that I would come to that decision on my own in a day or two, and obviously since they don't give that opportunity, they are playing on your emotions, but don't want you taking the time to think about it. (Hello, Amway calling.) It is interesting, there is a whole psychology behind their scam. So, my recommendation is, stay away, stay far away, unless you are doing your graduate school psychology thesis on this sort of thing. Then you would find it to be a good case study, or at least something to laugh about in class.
DirectBuy is a scam
12/8/2007 - Ed of California, USA writes:
Today, my wife and I went to the Rocklin, CA, DirectBuy presentation. Their presentation gave bogus prices they claimed retailers were charging. They used the percent of annual income technique to get people to think in terms of the amount they would save per year. At the final interview with the salesman, he said we would have to pay the membership price of $5900 today or else we would not ever have a chance again. I told him I did not believe this because such a way of doing business was not logical. I said any business that was legimate would be happy to accept a $5900 membership payment anytime. I told him the requirement of paying today or never was a con game to get peoples money. He told me they will keep my name in their database and if I tried to sign up again anywhere in the USA, they would find me. Or, if they did not catch me in the signup and they found out later, they would cancel my memebership and not return my money. I told the salesman he was not making any points with me with his answers and that I refused to do business with any company that used such tactics. I and my wife walked out the their store instantly.
direct rip off boston metro west
12/7/2007 - Daniel of Massachusetts, USA writes:
Direct buy is a scam the benefits end as soon as the member ship form is submitted. I can easily find any product for less than the false wholesale price from direct buy. The customer service is non existant, no one can give a straight answer and it takes all day to order a product I could buy for less elswhere and have that day. I have found direct buy to a nightmare just trying to get a password from these idiots has kept me from making online purchases online.NO DEALS NO SERVICE NO SAVINGS!
Buyers Beware! Save Your Money
12/6/2007 - kevin of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I joined direct buy when I was building my house thinking I would save money. The membership fee was $4,500 dollars and you had to join on the spot. It takes 4 to 6 weeks usually for your merchandise to come into the warehouse where you have to pick it up yourself. If there are any problems, it's sent back and you wait another 4 to 6 weeks for your order. When you pick your order up, you sign off on your products and the only warranty you get is the manufactors. The savings is not what they lead you to believe. Your better off finding local sales.
Total Scam! Immediately snifffed it out!
11/28/2007 - Lou of Kansas, USA writes:
I went to my local DB(scam) store for their "presentation". I watched a "to good to be true" video on how great DB is. Of course, I also had the reject salesman(conman)there as well delivering his cheese-ball canned sales pitch. I find it hard to believe people actually buy(DB) this BS! After the dog and pony show is over, you find out that your membership to join is only about 5 thousand dollars! Only? Geeze, sign me up for 2 then! I left shortly after only to be told that I would never have this great opportunity again--a 1 time shot. I laughed on the way out the door! BTW--not 1 person was even "shopping" while I was there. What a scam!
A Major Scam
11/28/2007 - alan of California, USA writes:
Went to the sales presentation and endured unbelievable high pressure to sign up immediately. Very unprofessional. They essentially refused to answer questions. It was all a canned presentation and tons of pressure. I decided not to join. later learned from a friend in another state that the prices are no better than [], and the selection and delivery times substandard. It will be a miracle if this scam is still around in 3 years. Red Flag City.
