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11/26/2006 - Sandra writes:
I just came from an open house at Direct Buy near my home here in Pinellas County, Florida. I was anticipating some products on the the 'sales' floor and also the opportunity to compare before signing up. That sign up fee was $5,100. and we had to make that decision on the spot. We were not accorded the grace to speak it over as husband and wife and call them back or make another appointment for a later day...furthermore we were told that if we decided not to take them on this offer it would never be extended to us,ever again. Well, that was the big turnoff and we walked away sad at what we thought MIGHT be a missed opportunity. We checked for complaints when we got home and found this and a few other sites with complaints similar to ours.... Bottom line...this is not a good deal and we are happier, wiser and richer for walking out.
11/15/2006 - Marie writes:
We just went in to an open house presentation tonight. First off, you are told you will be able to compare prices when you come in. They rush the whole presentation and then tell you to keep your questions until the very end. They are in such a hurry, they introduce you to another person to aide in selling you the membership. They did all the talking. What upset us the most was while he was explaining the costs of membership, such as finance rate payments and all that, he had me filling out paperwork and talked just to my husband. My husband would be rushed to sign something then I would be encouraged to sign since my husband did and visa versa. This did not allow us to rationalize or discuss together our decision. they were almost desperate to sign us up. Post- dated checks, etc. Not many people can afford to drop 5,000 smackeroos on spot. Against our gut feeling we signed a contract with out doing research ahead of time. We got our info package in the mail one day before our open house. We did not know until we did research that we have 3 days to terminate our contract, but what a surprise, the guy who signed us up and the manager will be away at a convention for the next 3 days. Sounds a little odd to me. If you have had success in dealing with this company, we are happy for you. But I would advise anyone to read everything VERY carefully and do not allow yourself to be rushed or not allowed to do some research on products at the time of the open house.
11/4/2006 - Dell writes:
I would advise everyone not join. We joined with the reasoning that we would save a lot as we built our home but on average it would take us 4-5 voice messages to get customer service to return our calls, then 1-2 weeks for them to process the order and 9-12 weeks to receive the product. So as you can see, unless you have tons of time building your home this does not accommodate a construction schedule. Also you are responsible for shipping and handling fees, along with having to pick up your items during regular business hours there is not that much of a savings. For example we found a computer armoire locally that we liked for $900.00, then we had Direct Buy price it out for us and there price came to $550.00, shipping for $175.00 and handling for $75.00. After a 12 week wait for the armoire to be shipped (by the way it sat in Direct Buys warehouse for 2 weeks and the only way we found out that it was in was that we called them to check up on the order, by the way, it took 5 voice messages before they called us back) the manufacturer had changed the design and it was not what we had ordered. But because we verified the order Direct Buys order form we were responsible for the shipping to return the item to the manufacturer. Direct Buy told us the shipping fee would be the same as what we were originally charged but the shipping bill came in at $735.00 and Direct Buy says we are responsible for that. So much for a good deal! Don’t get caught in the Direct Buy trap. Their only interest is the $4500 membership fee, nothing else.
10/5/2006 - Charlie writes:
Run don't walk away from this outfit. There is NO value to what they are offering. If you are unfortunate enough to get sucked in good luck getting anything of value in return.
9/21/2006 - Steve writes:
My wife saw the Direct Buy infomercial and thought it looked like a good opportunity to save money. She then went to their website and requested an information kit and setup an appointment. We had to change the original appointment date and when she called to do so she asked about the membership fees. This is where the scan starts. They won't tell you the fees. They give you their best line about why they can't tell you, but the real reason is that if they tell you there is no way you will go to the appointment. They also fail to tell you that if you go the appointment and don't sign-up that you are banned from the offer for 7 years. So, my wife and I go to the appointment. We sit through a 45 minute presentation and then move to the membership fees. The cost of a 10yr membership is $3990 for the first 3 years. After that, you pay $159/yr for the next 7 years. This is $5103 over 10 years. If you can't afford to pay the $3990 up front, they are happy to finance ANYONE regardless of your credit at 17.75%. They tell you the average markup for retail products is about 30%. To realize a savings, you have to spend approximately $22,100 over the 10yr membership period (this assumes that you save 30% on every purchase). This is how I came up with the figure. Mebership dues over 10yrs total $5100. So right off the bat you are $5100 down and need to recoup that in savings. To save $5100 @ 30% average savings you need to spend $17,000. So, you take $5100 membership + $17,000 and you get $21,000. At this point you break even and recoup your membership dues in savings. Now, if you don't save atleast 30% on every purchase, you will have to spend much more. If you are renovating a house, are a contractor, or like throwing money away, it might make sense to sign-up. I personally could not justify doing so. I also don't respond well to high pressure sales. If your product or concept is so sound, let people think about it. I don't know many hard working people that will go out and spend or make a committment to spend over $5000 without first doing some research and giving the decision some serious thought. Also, don't bother asking them why you have to wait 7 years to join if you pass up the offer. You will get more b.s. than you can shovel.
9/20/2006 - Anonymous writes:
My wife and I joined Direct Buy a month or 2 ago and have really questioned our decision to join. Aside from snippy service people and lack of response from customer service, we have failed to actually order ANYTHING from them. They promised that we could get virtually anything from their catalogs, including merchandise that they didn't have the specific catalog for, but as long as they had the book from that VENDOR, we could get anything they carry. NOT TRUE. Evey thing that we've tried to buy there is miraculously not available. We cannot get our salesman either in person or on the phone, and the so-called "helpers" at their desks always act inconvenienced that we even approached them at all. We dread going there and have been waiting for 6 weeks now for our online account to become available, and nobody can tell us why it has not worked once, because they promise it 2-3 weeks after signup is complete. Hah.I hope it gets better, we already kind-of hate these people and their scam-sales pitch.
9/20/2006 - Gary & Judy writes:
This is a scam at the highest level. First they use their high pressure to get you to join, but is worse is that they never follow through with anything promised. Our advice is to Run away from this place do not join this place. This is a scam to get your money. We did not even realise it was an info commercial scam place until after we tried to do business with them. We only wish we would have found these testimonies before we went there. We paid $4899.83 for nothing. Do not be sucked in by this company. Gary & Judy
9/19/2006 - Hil writes:
My husband and i paid $3,000.00 for a membership in 2002, we have only bought one thing a garment bag which was smaller than the size advertised.The bag cost around $27.00 when we tried to return the item we were told there would be a restocking fee of $25.00 so now we are stuck with a garment bag which is useless. Another instance was about 6 months ago we went to direct buy to purchase 2 new kitchens,after several phone calls we are still waiting for direct buy to return our phone call so much for direct buy being cheaper than the major stores. they never want to sell you anything so in a sense that would make them cheaper as they are not charging you !!!!!!!!!!!!
9/13/2006 - Charles writes:
This company is a true horror story. They are not in the direct buy from companies business...they are in the sell memberships business. I sent in an e-mail on Sept 9 about how they almost sucked me in. The more I think about it the madder I get that they can run this sort of scheme on an unsuspecting public. It's unbelievable how many people are tied to paying thousands of dollars because they were duped into buying memberships and discovered their mistake too late to cancel. I'll bet most are too ashamed and embarrassed to really pursue action and that's how Direct Buy keeps going.
9/9/2006 - Charles writes:
I almost got sucked in by this company. I consider myself one of the most diligent shoppers out there. After watching their infomercial late one night I immediately called and set up an appointment. My wife and I planned to do quite a bit of home redecorating and DirectBuy seemed to be a great way to save big. The negative clues were all around but I saw big dollar savings and didn't pay attention. First, they want a decision right then and there or otherwise you're banned from being a member. Their excuse implies that somehow you've obtained inside information during your appointment and so they have to protect their client companies. They really didn't provide any useful information, just stories about fantastic savings to be had. They wouldn't provide information on any specific company or product but stuck to generalities. The upfront cost was $4,495 payable all at once or the balance financed at 17.75%. For me the kicker was the follow up annual membership of $170 a year. I asked the salesman about the fact that after they get the big bucks upfront what sort of service could I expect afterwards since they only get about 50 cents/day for my annual membership. To me it seems their business is just about selling memberships. I remember now but didn't notice at the time of our appointment that virtually everyone in the store was there about memberships. There were just 2 people going through catalogs actually shopping.
I actually signed me and my wife up believe it or not. However, I then went home that afternoon and did what I usually do ahead of signing up for something like this. I went on the internet to research any comments/complaints I could about DirectBuy. The stories were many and all bad. Virtually no customer service, little to no savings, endless delays, etc.
I typed up a contract cancelation memo immediately and went right back to the store. They were pretty surprised to see me. I made the service manager sign and acknowledge my cancelation memo and I left. Pretty much shot a whole Saturday messing with the whole thing.
When we signed the contract they set up our next appointment for a week later to go over how to order. We originally wanted to do it sooner but I think now it was intended to stretch us out past the 3 day cancelation period.
The service may be worth it to some out there but I'm just glad we canceled it before we were commited to pay.
9/2/2006 - James writes:
Don't be a dope! This company wants you to make a decision the same day you come in. The decision will cost around $5,000. They will give you financing around 17.75% no matter what your credit score is...the credit score only comes into play for that directbuy that is signing you up. If your score is high enough the owner of the directbuy gets their money within a 48hr period, if it is low they have to wait a bit. You order everything from books...they say it is the same one buyers use...not true...because if so you would see everything sony, GE, Hunter fans has to offer. They don't offer any financing on purchases...stores do. You pay for all your products, right then and there...I believe that its almost buying a car. Except you can come back to the dealership. I did buy the membership but I did that so I could compare shop...after doing my due diligence...found that with all the add on freight, shipping, handling fee (goes in owners pocket, don't let them tell you different..I spoke to a member who had made a purchase who made a deal with the owner...to get out of it)my savings would not had been no where near the 40 to 60 percent I was told. The actual savings would have been 4 percent...not worth the time I would have to wait(6weeks)for the product. By the way that was furniture...some members were upset because they were still waiting for products that was suppose to be in 8 weeks...they said that they were told that it would take another 4 weeks. There is a saying "A SUCKER IS BORN EVERYDAY." Joing this club and you are that "SUCKER!"
8/24/2006 - Tim writes:
Let's talk about directbuy! Not only was I a member but I worked for them for a few years. I must tell you that I did resign. I actually thought about buying a franchise, because of the money being made. Now granted when I purchased things for my home, like tile and granite there was a savings. But when I bought things from a catalogue (remember its 95% catalogue shopping) the savings was not that great because they add on freight and handling (15%) plus tax. And if you are only saving 40% on the product it's not worth it, because with the add ons it could be another 23% or more added on. I say it's not worth it because some items can take up to 12 weeks to get. And if it comes in damaged, what do you do? When you can go to your local retail stores and get it right then and there. By the way there is a handling fee that directbuy adds on to your order that goes in the owner's pocket usually (6% to 8%). From the time you pick up the phone to the time you sit for an open house. Everything is scripted! Promises are made to consumers that usually are not true. The membership is usually around $4500 for 2 years. Some direct buys are $4500 for 3 years. The owner is the one who determines the price. They will finance you at an interest rate of 17.75%. The company doing the financing is directbuy.Don't let them tell you anything different. The reason I resigned, they wanted me to over promise to sell memberships (because memberships had been down). I didn't want to do it. I didn't want to be a part of a company that did underhanded deeds. This company will continue to flourish because most people think that when they read something like this, it's coming from someone who was done wrong. That why it is important to note that I was a member and getting ready to become an owner. I would say that you should really do your home work when coming there. Remember you can't leave and come back if you want to think about it, they won't let you. You must join the day you are there. You have to wonder if a company can give you such a discount, would it not be in their best interest to allow you to come back. Just doesn't seem right. They say if you leave you will not be able to come back for 7 years. That's not true...just having another family member join and bring you in as a guess. My personal advice is shop around. When buying your things. This is not all that it's made up to be. Take care, Tim
8/18/2006 - David writes:
Direct Buy is a rip off! Do your research. They promise you will save money buying products through them. This would be true if you want to pay outrageous prices. Thousands of complaints on this company.
8/18/2006 - Jennifer writes:
After joining, my fiance and I experienced AWFUL service from DirectBuy. They never return phone calls, they don't let you know how to do anything until 3 months into your contract (I just found out how to do a bridal registry, after three months of asking). Because we were so aggravated with them, and felt it was a waste of money, I took my DirectBuy contract to my lawyer and he read through it with a fine-toothed comb. He said that they don't have to provide you with anything at all. They don't even have to sell you any products. You can pay for products and they are not liable to provide them to you. He said that no matter what, we still have to pay all of the $5,000.00 (or unless we pay it off early, $4,300). 17.75% interest rate. He said that even though they promise you things in the sales pitch, they don't have to provide you with those things, even though that might have been the whole reason you joined in the first place. They also state in the contract that if you decide to take them to court, you have to pay for DirectBuy's lawyer fees and all of their representation. BUYERS, BEWARE OF DIRECT BUY!!! Don't get suckered like we did!
8/17/2006 - Gail writes:
DirectBuy is, without a doubt, the least customer service-oriented business that I have ever encountered. I'm in the midst of renovating my kitchen, and after 4 months of waiting, still in dispute over poor quality kitchen cabinets, and even poorer quality service. At least a third of the cabinets arrived either damaged or were the wrong items, or the wrong wood. Of the ones remaining, the quality was poor. Purchasing from DirectBuy provides no recourse--DirectBuy says it's the cabinet company, and the cabinet company says it's DirectBuy's issue. There is no one standing behind a product or working to solve problems. Phone calls are seldom returned. I wish I could say that the kitchen cabinets are our only problems...from appliances, to toilet fixtures--not one order that we've placed has arrived without damage or issue. Not one time have we had a rep. answer the phone. Don't pay out over $4,000 to receive this kind of service and product. No amount of savings on products can be worth it.
8/10/2006 - Janet writes:
We bought a direct buy membership for $4500 to buy a 7 piece wood bedroom set that was substantially chepaer than a retail store - $2000. The original delivery date was 2 1/2 months. 6 months later we received the set but the main dresser was so damaged that it had to be returned. We were told we would have it in 10-14 days. It has now been another 6 months and the franchise won't give us any phone numbers. They just keep saying the manufacturer says it is on its way. They have offered us $250 to replace the dresser. We cannot replace the dresser as a single item for less than $1000 and even then, it will not match the rest of the set. Other than the $250 offer, Direct Buy just keeps saying they will send another email. Direct Buy, despite their claims, seems to have no ability to actually handle any sort of problem with manufacturers or customers.
8/8/2006 - Janet writes:
We bought a direct buy membership for $4500 to buy a 7 piece wood bedroom set that was substantially chepaer than a retail store - $2000. The original delivery date was 2 1/2 months. 6 months later we received the set but the main dresser was so damaged that it had to be returned. We were told we would have it in 10-14 days. It has now been another 6 months and the franchise won't give us any phone numbers. They just keep saying the manufacturer says it is on its way. They have offered us $250 to replace the dresser. We cannot replace the dresser as a single item for less than $1000 and even then, it will not match the rest of the set. Other than the $250 offer, Direct Buy just keeps saying they will send another email. Direct Buy, despite their claims, seems to have no ability to actually handle any sort of problem with manufacturers or customers.
7/20/2006 - Lee writes:
My husband and I joined Direct Buy in Jan. of 2005. We paid $4330 to join for 3 years and then $150 per year for the following 7 years. We had a lot of furniture to buy and wanted to eventually re-do our kitchen. All I can say is buyer BEWARE. We ordered patio furniture in May of 05. It came in the 4 weeks they promised, however, the wrong table was ordered or shipped incorrectly by the vendor. Now, we had to reorder the correct table which took another 4 weeks and came damaged. We finally sat at our new table and chairs August 29,2005. And that is only the beginning of our problems. I won't bore you with the other problems...juvenile furniture that came damaged 5 times, carpeting that came damaged a student desk that came damaged and the list goes on. Every member you speak to has a story with them. What I find even more upsetting is their customer service...or lack there of. You can never get a person when you call, so you leave a message. Maybe, just maybe you will get a call back within the week. I received a $300.00 check from them out of the blue. I called to question why I received it and it took 2 weeks for someone to figure it out. But what I will tell you is that if you strong arm them, you can eventually get some satisfaction. They delivered the juvenile bedroom set without charging us because of all of the aggrevation it caused. They have also sent a repair person out on a number of occassions to touch up damaged pieces of furniture at no cost to us. The bottom line is that after 18 months of membership, they did the right thing and refunded our money in full!
7/17/2006 - Tom writes:
We went to Direct Buy to find out about possible membership and the benefits. They would not tell us in advance what it costs to join or that you must decide on the spot or be "banned from membership for the next seven years".. you find this out when you tell them you want to think about it over night. In the sales pitch video they tell you it costs $4300 to join for 3 years. And that the decision to join is up to you alone and that it "doesn't matter either way" to them.Boy that is a lie. The sales person is very nice until you say you are not ready to join. The store manager, and the owners are always coming by and wearing you out with their sales pitch. They say they have everything you'll ever need, but you do not have time to really check things out in any depth. When we said we were not ready to join, the owner and the sales person continued to pressure us to the extent I had to keep saying "you don't understand or respect how I like to evaluate this" ... such a large investment; AGAIN IT COSTS $4300 TO JOIN FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS! They kept saying you either buy direct from them or pay retail..."what is there to think about?". They have some brand name products but to me some big "no name Junk" too. I was uncomfortable with the poor and limited selection of house windows (only one...no choice of any other..and it was a name we never heard of) and with their lack of expertise in kitchen design and selection (apparantly we were right .....see other complaints listed by others). Bottom Line.... I found the owner INSULTING like the "old now illegal TIME SHARE salespeople who talked and insulted you to near death until you either bought their junk/deal or got up and walked out. After over 2 hours of their high pressure tactics and then insulting reasons why we must join, and then saying if we did not join "right now" we would be banned from joining for seven years .... WE GOT UP AND WALKED OUT! AND Boy, are we GLAD WE DID!. Don't waste your time stay away from Direct Buy ...I think Direct Buy sales tactics should be ILLEGAL...perhaps they are, I'd like to know the government agency that would hear my complaint against them.
7/13/2006 - Tina writes:
I too, was sucked into the high pressure sales pitch. I arrived with my invitation to the "Open House" and the guy at the front desk had absolutely no idea what it was for. He showed it to another employee and he also didn't have a clue. They kept asking me why I was there - that should have been my first clue to run. A salesperson finally came out and I was ushered into the standard presentation then reunited with my salesperson, who by the way, had never even bothered to introduce himself. It was late, I was tired and he was relentless so I agreed to sign up. The next morning I realized what a mistake I had made and per the sales contract, I exercised my right to cancel via certified mail within the first three days. The contract specifically states that I will be given a refund of the entire down payment I made "within 14 business days" of cancelling. I am still waiting for that refund even though we has passed the "14 business day" mark. Calls to Direct Buy are not returned or I am put on hold indefinitely until I "accidentally" get disconnected only to be put on hold once again when calling back. I wish I had found this website before going. I am now forced to hire an attorney to get my money back because Direct Buy does not feel they are bound by the same sales contract we both signed. Stay away from this place, stay far, far away.
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