With DirectBuy, it will cost you a lot to save

Your town or city might have been blanketed recently with newspaper ads and TV commercials for DirectBuy. The nationwide buying club, with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, promises members access to 700 brand-name manufacturers of home goods and the opportunity to buy merchandise with no “hidden store markups and middlemen costs.” Ads invite you to an open house, where you’ll see “confidential” wholesale prices. “We can’t show you the brand names and we certainly can’t show you the prices,” read one ad. What it also doesn’t show you is DirectBuy’s steep membership cost.

The Real Deal
To evaluate the pitch, we went undercover at two DirectBuy franchises in New York. Both gave us the same hard sell and offers of up to 70 percent off retail prices if we were to join. Only after an hour and a half of sales pitches and video testimonials from members did we learn the membership fee: $4,900 to $4,990 (plus tax) for three years and then $190 a year for seven more. Financing is available at 17.75 percent.

After the fee disclosure, we discovered that we had to sign up on the spot or never come back. We couldn’t bring DirectBuy’s “confidential” prices elsewhere to comparison shop, the representatives said, because this would likely anger retailers who might then retaliate against the manufacturers by refusing to sell their merchandise.

The fine print in the DirectBuy contract says you cannot return items, cancel orders, or terminate your membership. When we asked if, after plunking down $5,000, we could cancel and get a refund, a salesperson said, “You’ll have to check state law.” A review of New York state law revealed that the three-day cooling-off period for canceling contracts wouldn’t apply in this case.

Tacked onto the cost of merchandise—which you select from catalogs since DirectBuy has limited showrooms—are a 6 percent handling fee, shipping fees, and tax. Goods are typically shipped only to your local center, so you might pay additional fees to actually get your new stuff home.

Just how good are the prices? We compared them against those of other retailers. Prices for electronics and appliances were often only slightly better than those at online retailers and in some instances higher. For example, a 46-inch JVC flat-screen TV selling for $2,586 on DirectBuy’s site cost $2,095 elsewhere. We did find deep discounts on flooring and high-end furniture. In fact, one member we interviewed estimated that she saved about $50,000 over several years on furniture and a kitchen remodel using DirectBuy. Yet the club did poorly on some basics. We found a Kohler bath faucet for $300 less on a kitchen-and-bath Web site.

Some DirectBuy members complained to us about poor customer service and long waits for merchandise. But since DirectBuy outlets are franchises, service varies by location. Most outlets have a good record with the Better Business Bureau, though some have a poor one or have been suspended from the BBB.

The Bottom Line
The lack of price transparency makes it hard to evaluate whether you’ll save by joining DirectBuy. But even if you were to save 25 percent on purchases after joining, you’d need to spend more than $20,000 just to recoup your membership fee. DirectBuy might save you money if you’re furnishing a house from scratch or doing a major renovation. But since you can’t shop around beforehand, you’ll be joining blind.—Chris Fichera

This article first appeared in the September 2007 issue of Consumer Reports Money Adviser.

Comments

[Eric]

I just listened to the DB near Seattle WA. The people were nice, but it's unwise to spend $5900 because you only have this chance. What's the fine print? How much will you have to spend, and on what, in order to see true recovery of your "membership"? I think Direct Buy is the opposite of a stimulus package...it suck the revenue out of people and concentrates it on some well-fed franchise owners.

Direct buy is for people who have a lot of money to spend. If you spend a lot, you might save a lot. Especially if you purchase lots of high-end furniture, or if your medical practice has set you up to buy a bunch of patio furniture and home electronics. If you need to buy food or transportation you may want to save your pennies, go to college or take a vacation. I’m going to buy a new car with the money I saved by NOT joining Direct Buy – and I’ll take a little vacation in Victoria BC on Direct Buy’s Dime. Hope you haven't made the mistake of joining yet :)

[jennifer]

Thanks for the advise everyone. Heck no I won't join. This kind of stuff should be illegal, I keep getting offers from them but hey thank GOD for the internet.

[Sandi]

Once again,kudos to Consumer Reports! As a retired widow, I watched with growing excitement as a Direct Buy was opened in nearby West Palm Beach, Florida. Even with a healthy rennovation budget, the current economic climate demands we shop wisely. Direct Buy looked like to would "fit the bill".

I made an appointment with an affable young man, knowing I'd probably be subjected to a hard sell, but I was intrigued by the infomercials and brochures. That's where things got wonky. He would not answer general questions about membership policies or fees. His secrecy sent up red flags. His evasions were too practiced.

Without a husband to consult about major purchases, I asked if my canny school teacher daughter, who shares our residence and half the purchases and expenses could accompany me. It took him two conversations and telephone calls with his manager to get back to me.....

Did either of us make more than $40,000 a year? If not, then my appointment was cancelled because when manufacturers learned that we did not each make more than $40,000 or that my daughter inspected merchandise she paid half for,the entire Direct Buy structure would collapse around our ears.

I'm not a scam expert, but I can recognize a tap dance when I see it. We'll take our money to Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowes where transparency is not an issue.

[lucia]

too expensive for what you get! i actually felt ashamed after joining b/c i gave into such a high pressure sales pitch - worse than a time share presentation! it's a $5000 investment, you don't know how much you will save, and you don't even have 24-48 hours to think about it?

it's inconvenient to shop there, they don't open on some days until 1pm and are closed 2 days per week (NY).
savings are hit and miss - granite countertops were cheaper when i drove 25 mins north than at directbuy. 1 of major reasons i joined was b/c i was to replace all my interior doors w/ nice medium quality solid doors. guess what? no interior doors sold! the next year they started selling ones that were $800 each - i needed 14... i went to home depot.
i redid my entire kitchen with DB and did get great quality cabinets- i think you end up spending the same but upgrading quality in most cases.

with my refrigerator i saved $1100 - again very hit or miss.
inconvenient, you have to wait weeks/months for merchandise, there is an upcharge if you pay by credit card, 6% fee added to most purchases, then they are shipped to their center. that's fine w/ a sink,faucet, doorknobs, toilet etc., but couches, mattresses, armoires - once you add in the 6% and then pay them $100-125 per hour for delivery (from when they leave till they get back there!!) -the answer is a resounding NO!!

i hope i save what i put into it. also the website is HORRIBLE.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS INCONVENIENT!

[JEREMY]

I JUST WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THE FEE WAS CLOSE TO THAT AMOUNT AND WAS SCHEDULED FOR AN OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW IN CANTON,OHIO. GUESS I WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME FOR SOMETHING WORTH MY WHILE.

[Dustin Bailey]

Does anyone notice that the only time a true cost is mentioned on this page is in the article? (JVC television)

Not a SINGLE commendation states an exact price in comparison with retail prices. There's a reason for that. How many people, in REAL EVERYDAY LIFE, use percentages when comparing costs? Especially those taking a position publicly.

These "posts" are manufactured (just like the idea of savings) by DirectBuy marketing staff, sales people, and others who have a vested interest in the company.

The only thing more disturbing than the screw job this business model is, is the fact that this company raked in over ONE BILLION dollars last year.

Take your ass to Sears.

d-
dustin.bailey25@yahoo.com

[Tom Jones]

Hello "Best Try", I just want you to know that we did not feel like our visit was very professional when we got the bum's rush out the door once we said that the price was to high. Paul who was our tour guide was very superficial in his conversation and we felt like we were being hustled by some con-artist in to giving up a large amount of money up front for the promise of things to come.
Your operation seems to so close to a pyramid organization that it makes my stomach turn. The asking price of close to 5,000 dollars is so ridiculous that I wonder how you people can sleep at night knowing that your operation is such a con.
We took the time to come out to see what you have and towards the end of Paul's over rehearsed presentation, when I asked about the key, he was very distant and unprofessional in his behavior that he could not wait til we were escorted out of the building.

Very poor treatment of a perspective customer and public communicator of this mis-treatment.
I have held many positions in a wide variety of jobs and I still come in contact with many people in the health, food, and now transportation fields. I will be sure to let them all know of the treatment that Direct Buy has given us. Blogging is the best way to give out free information, which reach many more people than any advertising promotion can afford.

Paul seems to be one of your best assets and I would venture to say that he will be with you company for many years ahead. He will be one of the best examples of how not to mislead people into investing large amounts of money upfront.
It is so assuming on your part, to promised discounts in the future on items from companies funneled into the same agreement to participate in this charade. To pay retail up front before we purchased anything is true Pyramid talent on your part.

False advertisement about the key and the two gifts is the cherry on top of this calamity of insults.

[Don'tDrinktheKoolAid]

I just bought a house and thought joining DB might make sense because I'll be furnishing a lot of rooms and need some appliances. However, seeing what the membership fees run, I am glad to have found this out before attending the open house. I know that through diligent searching I can find what I need for my new house online or in store for prices I'm comfortable with and customer service, warranties, delivery, etc. that make life easier - all for the same prices (or less if you account for that sky-high membership fee.)

What I find interesting is that all of the supposed DB members who have commented here say that those of us who are skeptical of the whole thing are just pissy because we cannot afford to join the club. This may be true of some people, other people might technically be able to afford it but (like me) feel like paying that much for the privilege of shopping is equivalent to being raped.

One very distinctive feature of a scam or a cult is that the people on the inside truly believe they are in the right. So true in this case. Sorry to say, but it looks like you drank the Koolaid. It kind of reminds me of the Church of Scientology. Of course those of you on the inside believe you're the enlightened ones and everyone who thinks this sounds way sketchy is just jealous.

[Bill]

My Wife and I went to an "appointment" this past Saturday in Rochester, NY and didn't buy into the gimmicky production. the owners came across to us like conartists. I had many questions but wasn't allowed to ask! we happily left and laughed all the way to Target where we spent $300.00. We plan to go to some local retailers and inquire to see if they're aware of the Direct Buy process.

[dan]

I have been a member for 10 years and over the years the membership has more then paid for itself. Notice that most of the people that have saved big $$$ are the ones that have bought lot of furniture. That should be a clue to prospective members. If you are going to be buying LOT of furniture or cabinets, you WILL save money. If you are buying shoes and electronics, save your money and go to Best Buy or someone else like that. And yes, you will save more on high end items. I priced a dining room table and chairs at a local reputable store. Price:$20,000.00. Then I priced the same items through a Highpointe, NC store. Price:$14,000.00 Same item purchased through DB, including all charges and shipping for $9,500.00. I call that savings. I also had similar savings on some kitchen cabinets that I purchased as well as two bedroom sets. And no, I have not bought shirts or shoes through DB. Some things you have to try before you buy. I am sure that if I was in the martket for a thousand dollar dining room set and i saved 50% i would be disapointed, but in my case it really worked out nicely. And for the record I hated it then and I still hate their pressure filled membership sales pitch. Had I not known about the savings from a friend that was already a member, I would not have signed up after the "now or never" sales pitch.

[May]

Recently I visited the DB "showroom" (nothing much there other than catalogs) in Manhattan with a friend who was interested. At this time, she was only interested in a piece of furniture and a mattress.

Our experience was very similar to others described here. As others have said, there was no mention of the high membership fee ($6500 for the first 3 years) until late in the tour; it was only late that we were told that you have to decide today to join or never come back. I was shocked, and told the salesman I personally would never accede to that sort of pressure, and that I thought that such an approach was not ethical.

The salesman became angry, and essentially told me I should not be expressing my opinion, as I might influence my friend in her choice to join! Really!

They were offering a "30-day trial membership," or at least that was what my friend had been told when she was contacted by DB. She had to bring it up at the orientation. Reluctantly, it seemed, the salesman told her about the trial membership. I cost a refundable $100, but only allowed you to spend $1000, including tax, during the 30 days. (Also, I was told that unless I lived with her, I would not be allowed to accompany her on subsequent visits to the showroom.) The salesman assured us that she could find what she was looking for for the $1000, so she paid her $100, and took the trial membership.

We spent about an hour looking at catalogs. Brands are very limited. We did find what looked like a nice sofa, but it turned out to cost, at their prices, $1600. (We were of course assured that it was a $4000 sofa.) It also turned out that $1000 would not get her a decent mattress at their prices either. So the trial membership was a cynical bust.

My friend found the salesman and told him she would like her refundable deposit back. He gave it to her, with very poor grace, hardly speaking to her.

We left, and I still have a very nasty feeling after exposure to this organization.

I would like to add, that after leaving DB, we were walking past Macy's; we decided to have a look, and my friend found the sofa of her dreams on sale for $1600 - no high pressure, no "membership," the opportunity actually to see, sit on and walk around the piece, great service. "Wasting money at retail" was the refreshing culmination of our afternoon.

[Greg]

I was suspicious of their emphatic pressure to get us in for their presentation. An hour into the pitch I figured out why. You have to buy a 3 year membership for $4,990.00. You have to buy it today, before you leave because there was supposedly a legal agreement after a lawsuit that they can only deal with you in person one time every seven years. So you can't think about it over night or next week or next month or next year. Buy today or you are done with this great opportunity for the next seven years. What a crock. To paraphrase, if it looks like a scam and it smells like a scam, then it is a.....!

[yeah ok]

I attended an "open house" a couple of months ago ... thought it was creepy they kept calling me to remind me about this appointment.

Anyway ...went ... and of course the evasive answers started popping up ... just like they were practiced ...

SCARY ... did anyone notice the microphones or video cameras actually taping you? Looking closer at the "showroom" i counted 12 cameras... TWELVE CAMERAS. WTF are 12 cameras doing there?

I make plenty of money ... even collect rolex watches ...

My mouth dropped when they instantly demanded 4000 ... i laughed at the guy ... and when he began to insult me while not insulting me (hinting that i couldnt afford the WOW fees) i told him the watch i was wearing was worth more than what he would earn this year ...

Im a nice soft-spoken guy ... but I only mentioned the rolex's because ive read a few comments here about people are bitching because they can't afford the membership ...

If yall think its good ...then great.... but the very principles they stress ...shop around ...be an informed consumer ..blah blah blah ...WTF do they only give you 20 minutes to decided to give some asshat 4000 dollars

damn ... i didn't even get pressured that much when I purchased this M6 ... and i could even drive it home to think about it.

lastly ... companies like this ... biggest problem with our economy. they are sucking money out of many workers hands and putting it in only a few workers hands...

Ill gladly spend 10% more than cost to support a local store..or craftsman ... and ill make sure they know I am buying there because I am supporting my local economy ... 99% of the time ...those kind, honest, even magic words ring the bell of a good conversation with a man you are paying to put your stuff in ..and can then feed his kids ...and in turn maybe even make a friend.

so .. no need to haggle ..simply say hey ... im down with supporting my local economy ... so i am shopping here ... if you're fair with me ...ill be fair with you.

[S. Patel]

Directbuy now offers a free 30 dat trial, so join for a month for free.

[S. Patel]

Its amazing how many people think they are going to win a $50k makeover or get 2 great prizes to come in to an open house!! You have a snowballs chance in hell of winning the computer or TV either. You will get a cheap 3 dollar watch and a vacation voucher for 2 nights that require $75 to the hotel in advance, and will be returned to you in 30 days after check out.

[S. Patel]

Because of the complaints that people attending the Direct Lie open house have made about the showroom, the company is now going to refer to it as a "club". About time. It is not a showroom. Its a bunch of dusty, ripped and dirty catalogs. The telemarketer asks you to get thier early so you have time to look around and see everything! HA HA HA HA there is nothing to see...except a few carpet and hardwood floor samples. They say if you dont join you are a loser and classify all those who decline as DTR....."doomed to retail". And if your building a house or preparing to spend some cash on purchases and don't join, then you are CFS...."can't fix stupid". But hey, you do get a free coffee and maybe a cookie.

[Joey]

How many DirectBuy members do u know? how many people have come to u at work or school or soccer games and said u must join Direct Lie? I bet noone...and why is that if its the greatest thing since disposable diapers? Who brags about being a member? why is there now word of mouth recruiting going on? Do u brag about having herpes? Don't answer the phone people. Save the 5000 dollars. Stores are giving stuff away today. Bargain shop. try the internet. use your heads. dont get sucked in to the emotional ploys and lack of transparency. Why do u think most DirectBuy franchise owners are millionaires?? Why do they all drive Mercedes or Porche? Cause others suckers didnt do their research.

[Brian]

Check this out.....if you place and order from directbuy, you have to pay shipping from the manufacturer to the regional directbuy warehouse. then, you have to pay a fee to have it shuttled from the warehouse to your local showroom. and, if its a big item needing a truck, you have to pay for them to ship it to your home. Plus, they charge an 8% handling fee that they say is the manufacturers handling fee.....which is false. They take the 8% for their bottom line. Add sales tax, a 4-6 week wait, and you got yourself a real crappy price on an item that could have been purchased at a retail store for the same price. Or less!!!

[S. powell]

I know a guy from DirectBuy who said the sales guys judge everyone who goes in by appearance. If you look successful, or they see you pull up in a Lexus, they are all over you like stink on poop. you will get alot of charm, some laughs, some coffee.... Now, if you pull up in a 1992 Ford windstar, your probably not gonna pay the 5995.00 fee right?? I mean, you should buy a new car, and would if you had an extra 5995.00! They will not give you the same attention as the chick with the 3 carat diamond on her finger.

[Deborah]

Angry about this type of rip-off??? Well, if you people would stop going to these foolish, dirty, drab, poorly lighted, SCAM libraries (folks, they are not showrooms!!!!) full of smelly old ripped catalogs, then they will go away. this business model depends on uninformed people who are easy prey for a staged sales pitch with ads that are pre-determined to show you awesome savings. If it takes 90 mins for them to pitch the good stuff, imagine how long it would take to pitch all the dirty little secrets they wont and don't tell you.

[Barry]

If your gonna waste $5995.00, think again and give it to charity, or better yet, send it to me. this economy sucks and i could use it!!!!! Don't give it to Trivest/DirectBuy, or all the other Bernie Madoffs and pyramid shemes of the world !!!!
Don't say i didnt tell you so.

[BarryB]

DirectBuy has been having real problems. The memberships in all locations are down, and the fracnchisees are hurting, as they need the new membership fees ($4995.00) to cover thier costs. Too many people were coming to the open house and saying they can't make the decision on the spot that day for that kind of money without thinking about it, doing research on the company, or preparing a list of items and costs to compare to. They were told they would forever not be welcomed back and would lose the opportunity to buy direct . So, DB has created a new trap...a new strategy. They raised the membership fee $1000.00 to $5995.00, and, if you join that night, you get it for the old price of $4995.00. Wow, dont do me any favors. You get the membership at the old price and they lure you with $1,000 in instant savings so you will feel less pressure...like they are giving you a break or something. They talk in the open house about how retail stores are so dishonest when they raise the price on merchandise only to put it on sale for the real price. Isn't this the same tactic. This group out of Merriville Indiana is a shrewd bunch of unscroupulous leeches with big gonads, and bigger houses and fine foreign automobiles and fat pay checks thanks to all the lemmings they lure in. Wake up McFly.... Don't answer the calls. Don't get sucked in. Don't go to the musty, dirty, drab wall of bookshelves full of old ripped and torn manufactureres catalogs. Like Mrs. Reagan said, "just say NO!".

[Tanya Trainer]

DirectLie wont tell you anything in the marketing call about their system....except that you have to come to the open house with your spouce. Doesn't that sound strange. See, you can pay 35 bucks to join Sams club without your spoucse, but would you make a payment of $5990.00 after one 90 minute info session wityhout your spouse? hell no. Thats alot of cash man. so notice these red flags and be sensible.

[Rod Bassman]

I have met several members of DirectBuy who say the meager savings is not worth the constant hassels they experience in shopping there. First, they rearely answer the phone, always sending you to voice mail. They don't return calls, e-mails, or faxes for days. To get a price on an item could take 48-72 hrs and if they are closed for 2 days, it could be 5 days before you get an answer. 5 days to get a price??? good god! The hidden 8% handling fee is on top of the shipping and delivery costs on top of the manufacturers cost price, which makes the savings dwindle with each purchase. If a showrrom does 70 members a month at 5ooo.oo per member, that $350,000 in revenue in just one month. Now, they pay the corporate office 22% of that for the advertising and support materials, but they franchise still makes $273.000.00 profit per month. Cant they pay someone 10 bucks an hour to answer the phone with that kind of profit????? And, if you don't have 5K to drop that day, you can finance your membership at 17.75% interest. So, now your membership is $6,700.00 instead of $5,000.00. You will need to buy over 20k worth of stuff just to recoup the investment, and deal with all the lack of service along the way and all the frustration of shopping thru catalogs. Maybe it shoud be called Direct Madoff Buy or Direct Ponzie Buy or Direct Pyramid Scheeme Buy or Direct Lie. Are you planning to spend over 20-30 K, then you many want to at least check it out. If not, stay clear people. reatsil stores are very competitive now, so shop around and actually see the merchandise you buy instead of trick or treat shopping in old dusty books. Direct buy sells granite countertops installed for 43 bucks a square foot, while Home Depot is 45-48 bucks. You gonna pay 5k to save a couple hundered dollars???? DirectBuyer Beware!!!

[Stater of the Obvious]

So the generally public complains and DirectBuy has several company individuals post success stories. I have my doubts that half of the success stories on here are actually legitimate consumers.

I'm sorry, but no matter how much money you supposedly save by using DB, any company that has to operate in this fashion cannot be reputable. End of story...

[Jim]

After reading many of these comments, it has become obvious that there are 2 sides to the whole DB argument. Those that are all for it are probably those that work for DB or have a financial interest in promoting it and those who were suckered in and bought the membership and are embarrased about it so they try and justify it to others so they won't feel so stupid.

Doesn't this whole thing sound just like time-shares? Yes, it's the same mentality and probably the exact same people that have sold time-share vacations.

Also, it sounds a lot like Amway or what ever they call themselves these days.

Don't get financially locked in to having to buy something so that you can justify your high cost of membership! Just shop around locally and online, you'll be much better off.

[Alison Moore Smith]

A couple of points:

(1) Why would a legitimate enterprise REFUSE YOUR BUSINESS if you went home, thought it over, did some research, and decided you wanted to buy?

Please, just ONE person give me a reasonable answer.

(2) Notice that most defenders use a bit of class envy. (A) Oh, it's not for you unless you are going to spend a lot of money. (B) It's not for you if don't buy high end items like we do.

Also, read this thread:

http://barmarbybroox.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/who-do-you-trust/#comment-626

Direct Buy BUYS UP SITES and fills them with fake glowing reviews TO MISLEAD CONSUMERS. Is this a legitimate business practice???

[Bonnie]

$5000 fee?

I hate even paying Costco's $50 fee.

Wow.

Some people just have "more money, than brains".

No Thanks.

[Emily]

My husband and I saw the ad on TV, and decided to listen to the pitch at our local DB office. The old saying, "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull****" holds pretty true. The PowerPoint presentation showing stats on dollars saved with them vs. retail pricing was interesting--if only from a colored graphic point of view. Then reality set in when we were told the UPFRONT cost of membership! My husband and I looked at each other with amused disbelief. Why in the world would anybody want to hand over more than $4k that day and then have to pay almost another $3k--spread out over a few years, true--in membership alone?

After that, our assigned representative started the hard sell tactics. Unfortunately for him, my husband is an attorney, and when the hard questions from our end started, the rep didn't have the answers. So, we left with the understanding from the rep that we could never come back to DB since we refused to sign up that day.

We live in CA, and even if we had purchased big ticket items for our house, the taxes, S/H, and marginal savings (not everything DB sells has a decent percentage off retail prices) still would not have added up to the fantastical savings the commercial touts. Plus, your items are not delivered to your house, but to the DB location. You must arrange to pick up your purchases! What kind of service is that?! Keep your money in your wallet, don't put it into theirs.

[Fart Besterwoman]

I know a guy in CA who says he paid the 6000 dollars to join DirectBuy, and regrets he ever did. He saw the same items he's been purchasing thru their "showroom" available at retail stores for less once you figured in the 8% handling fee they say is the manufacturers fee but actually goes to pay for the franchise owners million dollar homes and fancy foreign sports cars. To pay shipping, handling, then delivery from the "showroom full of dirty dust catalogs", and to wait 4 weeks, getting no customer service or a live person on the phone, and do all this just to break even tells me that people continue to use the service because the feel dooped, stupid, and cheated, and the only way to help them feel better is to use the stupid service they paid 6,000.00 for. It makes them feel better, i guess, or makes them think they are getting some use out of the membership when the whole time they are miserable and have really bad buyers remourse. He said at the closing table after the open house, his sales rep asked him this question to see if he'd be a good candidate for DirectBuy: "If you walked into a store, and saw a sofa you loved for $1,500.00, but the salesman came over and whispered to you , "hey, over here ....if you come back in 3-4 weeks, i can sell you that same sofa for $750" , then what would you do." My buddy said he'd wait and save 750 bucks and the sales rep says to him and his wife , well, thats what it's like to shop at DirectBuy. Congratulations....how do u wanna pay for your $6,000.00 membership?"
He was silly and joined. I would have felt offended by that type of childish, unimaginable scenario. Dont insult my intelligence, please. DirectBuy, he says, sucks, and he could use that $6000.00 now in this poor economy for his bills, his kids college funds, or to repair his wifes old car, but its gone! Meanwhile, the owner of the DirectBuy he shops at parks his new Lexus in front of the buiding next to his wifes brand new Mercedes. He took one up the DirectButt!

[matta]

I wanted to join direct buy inspite of my relative who was a member adviceing otherwise, looking at the comments it looks like it is a bad idea to join. i am from india and i found these contract schemes annoying even fitness club memberships are robbing places.
Why direct buy is bad?? they bind you in a contract which you cant cancal soo... they make you a commpulsive buyer and without even knowing you would buy stuff you dont need, that may be cheaper than retail but end of the day you are spending more than you want to.
because you cant cancel the membership for seven years, what incentive do they have to provide better service???

it is just like a panzi scheme if you don't get new members you cant offer good prices there is a constant pressure for new members so all they do is have the memebrship costs cover the difference of markup and where is the guarentee that they have to maintain prices lower than retail?? and the prices in the open house are real??

if you buy retail the uses are:
a person with whom you can argue,
a person who has a incentive to provide you with good service and good product.
the retail excess you pay goes to your local bussiness and this indirectly helps everyone(local economy) including you.
the same craveing for cheeper items made american economy dependent on other countries and you guys complain when jobs go overseas but you want cheeper items, higher payeing jobs.

come on growup help the local bussiness make money i love going to a local store talking to people and not only i buy a furniture i bring a smile to the salesman who sold me the furnitue i think the retail excess is worth it.
I am not a retail store person I am a physician and a iam a indian I miss the indian way of personlized bussiness in USA.

[Tina]

I called them and they skirted how much it cost to join, so I figured they were out to get your money. I've found out paying cash and giving some face time over several visits to suppliers gets you some great discounts! Also, when shopping for the home dress low key and no attitude. You'll get more help. The good places are usually busy. Remember, a fool and his money are soon parted!

[Mike Brunieri]

I obtained a price quote from a "Direct Buy Vendor" for high-end windows. I assumed I was receiving a substantial discount but out of curiosity I requested a quote from a local retailer for the identical products.

To my surprise the local retailer was offering a LOWER price than D.B. This turned out to be the same situation for two other items.

Be cautious, don't assume your getting a discount just because somebody says you are! Do your own price comparisons.

[Debbie Bowoman]

Hello people:
I dated a guy once who worked for DirectBuy. He said that the people they hire for the service jobs are absolutly clueless. They are usually very young, have never owned a home, most still live at home with Mummy and daddy, and they have never made any major purchases, know nothing about home improvement, and usually its their first job after high school or dropping out of the local community college.
A wealthy, high class female member once walked into his show room and asked one of the service airheads for some help with Karastan area rugs. the directbuy employee said "okay, that's the name of the collection. can you tell me the manufacturer?"
The member said "it is Karastan"!!! The service bimbo replied "ok, fine, but who makes it?"
The member was suprised...dumbfounded and now a bit perturbed, and said, "excuse me, the maker IS Karastan, who happens to be amoung the finest area rug manufacturer's around. What is so difficult about this???? Can I please see your boss???"
Welcome to directbuy!!!!! if you have a pulse , and are willing to accept 8 or 9 dollars an hour, YOU ARE HIRED. No training, nuthin, just go do your best kid....give it the old college....or directbuy try!!!
Now, when you pay 6 grand for a membership, should'nt the folks there know who Karastan or Whirlpool, or Grohe, or Samsung are?? Are you kidding me?? This lack of service and professionalism is just wrong. I can see a thrift shop or a record store or CVS getting away with this, but not a place that just took 6 thousand of your hard earned dollars!!!!
the salesmen and owners of DirectBuy just want your $6,000.00 and then they then pray like hell that your 3 day right of refusal or right to recind period passes before you call or come back in to cancel your worthless membership. Because people.... after 3 days, you're screwed!!!!!!! Bend over!!! Now, you CAN get out of this scam if you come to your sences in 3 days or less and ask for your money back, but after that, the worthless overpriced membership is ALL yours!! you own that worthless pink copy of your membership application and a membership guide and that's it, dummy!
Remember, the only exposure you have to make that very important and costly decision is a 90 minute staged visit where you hear all the wonderful stuff about the integrity and virtues and benefits and wonderful services at DirectLie....but you dont get the chance to see all the ugly warts on this evil beast headquarteered in Merriville, Indiana. Freakin rednecks.
He said once you sign the paperwork, they all try to get you to leave the property immediatly, and encourage you to NOT shop for merchandise that same day you join. they want you out! they will tell you they need to process the membership application, or that you have not yet been assigned a member number. WHY? Because they are afraid you will get crappy service and begin to get buyers remourse. That way, If you leave, and don't come back to shop for a few days, then 3 days will hopefully pass and than you cant get your cash back!!! Done Deal! How'd that feel??
My old boyfriend said he could'nt get NEW members out the door fast enough. He knew that a few minutes of exposure to the dummies in the showroom would jeopardize his commission. All you saw in your open house visit was one experienced, articulate, affable and polished BS artist who pitches the membership. what you are not allowed to see are all the knuckle heads you will be dealing with for the next 10 years.
I ask all of you to look long and hard at this investmentment before plunking down $6 thousand large. Even the employees at DirectLie know its a risky joke, but after 3 days, well...the JOKE IS ON YOU SUCKER!!!! ah ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! :) welcome to DirectLie!!! Can I get you a dusty, ripped catalog sir? LOL hahahahahaha What is Karastan?? lol Whirlpool? Oh, Do they make swimming pools??? ah ha ha ha ha !!!! These people should be jailed, and that's NO JOKE! And you should be institutionalized to fall for a ridiculous, mean-spirited, scam and ploy like this!!!! :(

[karen]

Wonder if I've been blacklisted?
I signed up through the internet a year ago for info regarding DirectBuy, then got a ton of phone calls (which I never answered since I just wanted online info). Well, one year later, I tried to sign on their site again, and it keeps telling me that there are no showrooms near where I live (there are 3 showrooms within 30 mins). Reading the comments makes me wonder if they blocked me!

[Ian]

Wow is didn’t know DB attracts angry and bitter people like yourselves who blog and rant about something that they, with the exception of Debbie Bowoman, who clearly knows everything there is to know about DB because she dated a "absolutely clueless" former DB employee. Tainted, partied and illiterate...sounds like CNN. Well that is a source that I am going to trust also like CNN ‘because it come out of the TV and the TV never lies’ says Billybob. There is nothing about her post that makes any sense to me and to be perfectly honest, sounds like she was fed a line of BS and ate it up hook, line and sinker.

I am a member of DB and have been really happy with the membership. I just bought a home and initial pricing, including those dreaded S&H cost (which you pay on everything it is just included in the mark up) and the oober scary Tax…which again you pay on everything in most states at on average a rate of 7%. I am still going to save at least $4500 on my new bathroom. Also I will be able to build my theater in the basement for $3000 5 chairs, projector, screen material and sound equipment…try and buy the movie chairs for that, I dare you.

The facts from my experience, I was treated with respect and told upfront why DB has the policy of not allowing price sheets to travel outside the showroom. I was informed that if we needed to price around we where more than welcome to browse the internet pricing on any of the items that we were interested in (sounds like high pressure to me). We did elect to take the membership, but I was not hustled out of the showroom we sat down, had some lunch and looked thru pricing sheets for the next few hours. I am not seeing the translation from evil DB to what I am seeing at the three showrooms I have been to. Also with respect to people who give a flying f@@k about brand names of some area rug…please pick up a book and concern yourself with the more important things in life. There are 750 brands on the national level and within our community there are and additional 350 brands to choose from. I think it unreasonable for a person to expect a human to remember off hand that names of every brand that DB carries.

Now back to Debbie Bowoman. I realize that blogging has no repercussions in this age of ranting and raving on the internet, but I guarantee that you keep shooting you mouth off it is going to bite you in the ass. I don’t care if you can’t afford the membership…just don’t bitch about it to those who can. Now have a nice day…I am going to do some online shopping…at DirectBuy…so piss off!!!

[Matthew C]

There seems to be lawsuits from coast to coast against Directbuy:

Phil Ganezer et al. v. DirectBuy, Inc et al
Case No. CV-08-8666 GAF
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

On behalf of "all consumers in the State of California who purchased discount buying organization memberships from Defendants," Plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit in Superior Court against DBI, an Indiana corporation, The Sequoia Group, a California limited liability company and citizen of California, and Does 1-100, alleging violation of several of California's unfair competition laws. Plaintiffs contend, among other things, that the defendants falsely represent that their DirectBuy club provides its members the opportunity to buy goods and services directly from manufacturers and suppliers at cost, and that the club otherwise defrauds its members through improper fees and overcharges.

Ponzi et al v. DirectBuy Inc et al
Case Number: 3:2008cv01274
Court: Connecticut District Court

Randall et al v. DirectBuy, Inc. et al
Case Number: 4:2009cv00243
Missouri Eastern District Court

Wilson et al v. DirectBuy Inc et al
Case Number 3:2009cv00590
Connecticut District Court

DirectBuy Inc v. Giacchi et al
Case Number: 2:2009cv00110
Indiana Northern District Court

[T]

I have an appointment with local DB for day after tomorrow. We're not planning to do a major build or remodel. So, $5k membership is insane for us. I'll save my time. Thanks for sharing all the info and saving loads of time :-)

[SkiBumPMC]

Scam Scam Scam...You give me $5K upfront and I'll broker any deal you want - Real Estate, Furniture, Car...Don't matter to me, just give me the 5 grand up-front.

What a scam!!!

[Luke]

I have read through everyones comments and noticed that almost all of the negative remarks are from people who have NOT joined DirectBuy. I did join and am happy that I did. I think before making a decision based on peoples gripes who did not join maybe find someone who is a member and ask them a few questions. They know more about DirectBuy than some guy who has a chip on his shoulder because he didn't join!

[Debbie Bowoman]

Ian,
Piss off?
Really?
Well good for you. You saved $4500.00 on a bathroom. That means you spent about 13,500 to remodel a bathroom. Mr. Moneybags! You go, boy!
Well, I bet I could have gotten the same stuff you did for the same amount you spent. What did you save $4500 on? The retail price? No one pays retail anymore. The directbuy dudes give you Kohler or Totos retail rice, and their price, so you think your saving 45-48 percent off retail. If you shop sales, and dont pay the 8% handling fee, and all the delivery fees, you can get virtually the same price, and you can put your $5500 membership in the bank.
So kiss my hairy, white sphinkter.

[tars]

I suspect some of the very positive comments are from Direct Buy staffers. On googling "direct buy scam?" it appears the first four or five so called consumer type entries are simply front websites for and owned by direct buy. Even a few of the socalled negative post appear to be complementary to direct buy.

We have purchased almost all of our high end items wholesale. Mostly from the same distributers that the retailers buy from. We even bought wholesale from Sears contractor sales until we were screwed by Sears on a swiming pool filter. We have not patronized Sears for over 25 years as a result. We then found an even better wholesellor in Seattle that beat Sears and other wholesale outlets hands down.

Now retired, if we can not buy it wholesale, at least just half of retail, we simply go without it.

Our only memberships are at BiMart and CostCo and even there you have to be careful as we handly beat their prices on a regular basis. However their membership fees are very cheap.

AND we do/did not pay a huge over the top membership fee to Direct Buy...

[Lolita]

My husband and i recently attended an open house in the Greater New Orleans area. Arrived as requested: 20 minutes prior to our the session; were greeted, offered coffee/water, seated in an area where the 1st lynchman made his pitch and pointed out this room of catalogs and their significance (to hold them until the end). The questions and answers session was not ever meant to be collectively as a group but to disseminate and disburse everyone so your neighbor would not dissuade you from possibly joining. Very pitiful and week information was provided (definitely not enough to persuade us to join) and when the great offer of $5880 - 1K discount ($4880) today plus $190 yearly after year 4. Men may be from Mars and women from Venus, but these guys and their pitch was all the way from URANUS. We knew immediately after inquiring about membership fees, bankruptcy, return funds and POC's for servicing issues;inconcise reasoning and responses alarmed us enough to know that we should finish our coffee/water and leave this place immediately. Least some tariff be placed upon us for taking up space in this place. Remember, if it smell like a rat and looks like a rat... Please don't waste your time, this might be the one appointment you'd not be sorry to have missed.

[Bertfw]

It's funny how whenever I look at the "customer" messages posted on sites that cover DirectBuy, in either a positive or negative light, some of them are exactly the same. Sometimes in longer comment threads I see the same messages repeated within the thread.

Now, I guess it's possible that some DirectBuy customers are just so happy with DirectBuy that they spend a lot of time going around from site to site posting about the good news, and copy/paste just saves keystrokes. And maybe some of them get a little anxious and hit the "Submit Comment" button more than once resulting in duplicate messages.

Yeah. It's also possible Angelina Jolie will show up here this evening and give me a hot oil massage.

Here's what I think. DirectBuy is a company interested in increasing it's membership, so right now they are trying to advertise as much and as widely as possible. They don't seem to be a total scam like Amway though. I have no doubt that they offer some better prices on some items than you could get through a regular retailer, but combine that with their sales pitch and the way they lock you in, they are a bit scammy, and no matter how you look at it they aren't cheap to join.

I would want to know up front exactly what items I can get and how much it will cost me. None of this business where you have to sign up right away or never come back. Also, since the stuff has to be delivered anwyay, it's pretty inconvenient to have to go to their "store" to order - that just seems weird, almost like they want you to report back in for reconditioning or something.

Just too many negatives.

[Tommy V]

I am very skeptical of their ads and the one day only style pitch turned me off. My Mother-In-Law bit and decided to join because they were building a new home. I was surprised how well she did on some items. I am try bargin shopper and found some incredible deals on the net and just by taking the time going store to store and being patient. She did very well with floors and some furniture. When we decided to do a fence around our home, she was nice enough to offer to see what DB would charge. This was a large amount of fence. We compared prices and to my total surprise the much high quality Buff-Tech fencing, which is pretty much top of the line material, came in nearly 60% less than what all the other fence companies were charging. Honestly shocked that the price was even 25% less than the awful fence that they sold at Home Depot. Our fence installer is a very reputiable and would not even let me consider the Home Depot stuff and told me to get someone else if I was using it. Then when he found out the price we were getting for the Bufftech, he checked with a few of his retailer contacts and agreed that the price was at least half of what we would have paid anywhere else. Considering that the price of the total fence, gates, and post where almost $10k, the investment at DB would have been worth it for us. I almost considered signing up for our own membership, and still might do it when we are ready to do some projects around the home. But for everyday things I do not see the need for it.

I would try to find some friends who all had different projects that they wanted to do and maybe look into splitting the cost of the membership. Direct Buy is very strict about who is allowed in the showroom, and you should definately do your research on exactly what you want and go over it with the person you are placing the order with or you might end up with the wrong material. One of our gate sections was a lot smaller than we thought, and that was our fault for not checking the description and brouchure more closely. But it is something we can live with considering the savings.

We also checked into the prices on Silestone and Marbe countertops and found out that you can get pretty good deals and better quality material than at Lowes or Home Depot. But again this would have to be for a large enough area for it to be worth it. We are looking to do a large countertop, a large island, and a small table. So again volume is also a factor. This may not be cost effective if you have smaller spaces.

Tough to justify the cost of membership for one family, but like I said if you can split projects and the costs, it could be worth it. I believe that DB knows people share their services to some extent, and if don't abuse it and you should get the better prices and BD get the business too. A win win, but now you just need to find some to split it with you and understand the terms of how it should work.

[Roger]

WOW - The thing about these post is that this is NOT a complaint handling department for business. I have found that the BBB is the best place to get real answers, as post can be posted by anyone and people that actually think these TABLOID type post are for real. There is 2 sides to every story. I however have been a member of a private buying club for obver 20 years and have saved 10's of thousands of dollars. You just have to know how to shop. Shop smart. Not everything do I buy from there but I do check prices on a regular basis and I am armed with the cost price so I can barter at my benefit. I even use the knowlege to get pawn shops - flea markets - antique shops to come down on their prices when you know where and what is a good deal. NOW, more times than not I have found the cost prices to be less from the buying club on a consistent basis. Now, not of the cheap - loss leader items only offer at Walmart etc... but you can get a higher quality item for what you pay for a low or mid line item. I inturn am able to afford the finer quality of goods rather than settle for the generic or basic. Thank you and if you want the TRUTH - don't take these TABLOID type blogs but visit your local BBB. Thank you

[John Anderson]

I just joined DirectBuy a few days ago. Too early to have a strong opinion either way. However, I can say this...

For all of you that think you can get a better deal on electronics from the internet, do you know who you are buying from? Be sure to check the manufacturers site for authorized dealers. One item that I looked into listed for $2400, all of the authorized internet dealers had it for $1999 (no tax, free shipping), DB has it for $1399 (+ 7.25% tax, + $79 shipping to my home). I found two internet 'dealers' that had it for $1650 (still worse than DirectBuy) but they didn't show up as an authorzed dealer. I called that manufacturer and asked about these two companies that they said both companies have tampered with serial numbers (voiding warrenties), sold B-stock as new, etc. They had no such complaints regarding DirectBuy.

That's just one example, but it was certainly eye opening to me.

[Jay]

I too am interested in sharing a membership as we just purchased a large home and in need of a great deal of furnishings. Particularly I wonder if any discouraged current members wouldn't mind making back some of their fees by acting as an agent to purchase via direct buy and receiving say 2-3% of the price for letting someone use their membership? Also does anyone here have experience with either the Dayton or Cincinnati Ohio locations?

[Ian]

Again Debbie...simply piss off!!! And quite wining. You are starting to sound ridiculous. Why do you care some much about something that you are not a part of? Are you really just a do-gooder…that must be nice to be a person who can use random blogging to bitch about things that don’t affect them. View is nice from the cheap seats. Have a great day!!!

[Terry]

Say what you will. Look at what you plan on spending. Decide if you can research on your own and through the use of Direct Buy catalogs. Join or don't. We did and we don't regret it at all. Our "home" store is Lancaster PA and we often use the Chantilly VA store as well. Both provide great service. I have had to return an item and it was done without grief. I unpacked some kitchen cabinets more that a year after they were delivered and found some drawers missing. (They should have been in a separate carton but I thought they were in the cabinet) I went in and said “I don’t know if you can help me but…” Guess what. It was taken care of by the folks in the kitchen department. And they got me an extra piece of trim I wanted to buy… no charge. I had no right to expect that kind of service since I had waited so long to install the cabinets. (Long story) The membership has been well worth it for us. Is everything a deal…? No, don’t be an idiot. I ordered a stand mixer on the internet and saved more. I ordered some flatware from the manufacturer’s web site and got a better deal.

So in short, are we money ahead? You bet. Significantly ahead, and I always consider the fees, shipping, etc.

I renovated a house, so opportunities for savings were plentiful. Will you save by joining just for incidental, yearly consumer purchases? Probably not. But that doesn’t make it a scam. Purchase a membership if it’s worth it for you, just like any other purchase you would make.

[D. M.]

I will say this. My ex-husband is the owner of a DB franchise. I remember, during our marriage, joining UCC (the predecessor of DB) and feeling a bit duped. We also were in Amway. I don't necessarily have a problem with Amway, but you're not going to get rich unless you devote every second of your life to it and are willing to be a little deceptive with people. You also spend a lot more than you make.

But I know that my ex-husband is an evil person, and he will do ANYTHING to make a lot of money for just a little work. He thinks nothing of lying to your face. That tells me more about DirectBuy than any "customer testimonial" ever could. Knowing he's involved (with 23 BBB complaints in the past 3 years) is the only reason I need to never even consider DirectBuy.

[Henry]

I had my presentation done yesturday, the salesman told us withing the first 15 minutes the cost for membersgship. I already knew the cost before the presentation. during the tour, I check on one of their suppliers book, a desk we purchase on sale for $700 they had for $165, I had a quote for kitchen cabinets without any extras for $10,000, checking with the cabinet salesman, same cabinets with the upgrades would be $6000.00. It was a no brainer, we sign up.

[Larry]

I join DB and regretted having spent the money. I have been able to find everything i purchased through Direct Buy for the SAME Price OR LESS. The internet is a wonderful tool to start and end your search.

[Joel]

I have been a member since 1995, back when it was called United Consumers Club. If I recall correctly, when I joined it cost $1,200 for the first two years then it was $90/year to renew for the next eight. Since then I have lived in three different states and have placed dozens of orders. Some kinds of merchandise are an excellent deal, others are not. You would not want to buy a 25" TV or a mediocre refrigerator from DirectBuy, because those kinds of items have a very small retail markup. About 18 months ago I bought a leather sectional sofa that retailed for over $8,000, and I could only find it at a high-end furniture store. Through DirectBuy it cost me less than $3,000 for the merchandise, and arranged to have it delivered for $100 after it reached my local Directbuy center. Overall I like DirectBuy, but it's not for everyone. If you like to buy high-end stuff at a great discount, you will probably like DirectBuy.

[Linda]

Why the heck would you wait for a "so-called" sale when you can buy brand new merchandise any day of the week at the manufacturer's cost price?? To have that piece of mind knowing you can get an item anytime you want instead of a store telling you when it is a good price? Sales people bait and switch all day long in stores. 800 plus manufacturers wouldn't even do business with DirectBuy if they were going to risk their reputation. Think about it. This avenue is another way for them to increase their brand recognition. The company has been around since 1971, and is thriving. --A very happy member, East Coast

[Jerr]

Those of you making false comments about recouping the fee is all a matter of perspective. There are renewal options and the membership is structured to be fair to all kinds of consumers. You clearly have a misunderstanding of the concept if you think it's a contest of spending to save. When you invest in health insurance are you expecting to get sick just to feel better about investing the $? NO! Well, it's the same way here--you invest in the club like insurance so that when purchases come up as consumers you can get them at more affordable prices. Plus--it beats running from store to store to store wasting gas and time. The world moves fast--one stop shopping has saved my life!

[Amanda R.]

What face to face post sale support service would you have shopping online? What about warranties if something goes wrong? If a product you order online is discontinued, guess what? No one will service it. At Directbuy they stand behind you 100% and help you with all your purchasing needs. Everything you buy is brand new as they take discontinued items out of the price books once they're ready to go. EVERYTHING is covered by warranties and extended warranties. The staff treats you like gold-- I visited several locations because I travel a LOT---such a professional environment everywhere you go--Investing $5,000 was worth it for that mere fact! Looking back that $ I spent looks like nothing compared to the service and quality products I bought for my home. I hated having to walk around box stores wasting time and not getting the service I need. Directbuy reminds me of the way businesses ran years ago--the way they should be run. It's like a family. I will continue to refer my friends and co-workers. I can't say enough about this top notch company. Better than what I expected when I joined. DIRECTBUY ROCKS!

[Paul]

A complete SCAM!!! I went to the "showroom" for Tampa Bay. The bottom line is they will ONLY possibly save you money on high end items. So for example, let's say you can buy quality tiles at Lowes for $10 each. But at DirectBuy, they sell only $40 tiles and "mark them down" to $30 each. You "think" you're savings $10 a tile, when in reality you paid $20 more than you needed to. Maybe you got a better quality tile, or maybe they just want you to think that. That was purely an illustration. You can visit their showroom and apply that logic to ANYTHING they offer. So yes, if you're building a mansion with only the MOST EXPENSIVE things, maybe they'll save you money. I say MAYBE. I would still price it out. AH BUT HERE'S THE REAL RED FLAG... You CAN'T PRICE IT OUT!!!!!!! You have to sign up ON THE SPOT or the offer to join is revoked and you can never join!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If that doesn't say SCAM I don't know what does. I told the sales manager, I would NEVER force a client to buy a product. Are you kidding me?! But visit their showroom and then try to walk away. Try to ask for one night to think about it. NO WAY!!! I honestly think they should be investigated for their high pressure sales tactics. It's deplorable and anyone associated with this company should be ashamed of themselves. This is as bad as those stupid "Get Rich Quick" scams which charge you a fortune for a one day seminar. The same FLEECE THEM mentality exists.

[Paul]

To Ian who posted on May 15th 2009... why don't you "piss off". It's bloody obvious to me that you work for DB. Been posting lies to many other websites have you? You arrogant SOB. There is NO WAY IN HELL that they let you go for lunch, think about it for a few hours, then return and buy the membership. BS! I challenge anyone to try that. Ian is a liar and probably a DB employee or franchise owner. Look how many people bought memberships then state they could find everything offered by DB online for the same price of less. Are they all lying Ian... or are YOU the liar? Gee, let me guess. So sorry that folks are exposing you business for what it really is... a SCAM. Must be really annoying that your mortgage is being hurt because you can't rip people off with the same ease that you used to. But don't you DARE take your frustration out on good people who choose to expose DB for what it is.

[Paul]

PS - Maybe DB got wise and changed their SCAM to allow you a few hours to think. I highly doubt it, but maybe. Try asking them to return tomorrow. Try asking them return in 2 days to sign up. What's wrong Ian?! Afraid they'll have time to price things online and realize what a SCAM your business is? NO LEGIT business would force you to make a decision on the spot (or within a few hours, as you claim, but which I don't believe). NO LEGIT business operates that way. A SCAM does. A SCAM uses such pressure tactics. A SCAMMER tries to sell you fast, then hopes to God you don't back out during the 3 day "free look period". Which DB might have found a way around. So come talk some more trash Ian and disrespect more people who have the guts to tell it like it is. But folks, don't take my word or Ian's word for it... TRY TO WALK AWAY TO THINK ABOUT IT FOR A DAY OR TWO. SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THEY WON'T LET YOU DO IT. That's evidence enough that Ian's a liar and probably associated with DB.

[Debbie Bowoman]

Ian again kiss my hairy white sphincter. Direct buy is great for rich folks like you...no doubt....but it ain't for most people. These guys are the biggest joey bag-o-doughnuts, pieces of canine fecal matter that ever lived, from Scott Powell, the Big Cahoona sphincter in the ivory tower in skankville Merriville, indiana on down to the franchise owners like Carl the Bald headed Mosnster (he knows who he is). This business model of $6k for a membership is ridiculous, and in this economy, they are all gonna go under, and I will be there laughing as you go to do some "shopping"...ie looking thru dusty old outdated ripped and torn and solied nasty catalogs, and the door to the showroom has a padlock on it.
DirectBuy is the biggest Bernie Madoff get rich quick scheme i have ever seen, and the advertising is so misleading. Im glad you love your directbuy experience, cause it only makes me more committed to getting the word out about this trash heap of a company. Ill go to the mall and retail stores and design centers, and you can go to a musty, smelly, ant infested old library (directbuy calls it a showroom HA HA HA please).
And i'll still be $6K ahead of you.

[jane]

Why do people listen to these things anyway? Go see for yourself if it is something for you. Hundreds of thousands of families have benefitted from DirectBuy. Would you listen to someone if they told you to run head first into a brick wall? Of course not. Get real people.

[jane]

why don't you people realize that you absolutely CANNOT find everything for the same price OR LESS on the internet. Even with sale prices. You are stupid. Why don't you compare apples to apples instead of CHEAP JUNK to apples. understand that you can get crappy quality stuff for a lot cheaper because it sucks. You HAVE to compare the same name brands to get a real comparison. You wouldn't compare pricing for a Chevy Truck to a Ford Sports car would you? Of course not, because it is obvious that they are completely different things. So if you want to live with JUNK in your house, do it. So I'm gonna shop at DirectBuy with my MEMBERSHIP and save lots of money on some great stuff.

[Anny]

I signed up for the whole tour thing but cancelled with them due to a very busy schedual. I had notified them and told them when my schedual freed up. Well a week went by, then after that they kept calling and calling and calling and being quite harassing. My dad answered once and the woman got funny with him telling him that i made an agreement to attend the "open house". I wasnt happy. When I redo the house im renovating, Ill pay retail instead of dealing with them.

[Bobby]

I hate to see people being ripped off by sleazy sales people, especially in this economy.

The good reviews here are obviously posted by Direct Buy employees.

Here are some more reviews for them on Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/directbuy-mountain-view 95% bad

Their prices are terrible for everything, plus you have to pay $9000 to join plus they charge a 6% handling fee and taxes on purchases and outrageous shipping fees so you are actually losing money up front on top of paying way too much for the items. You'll also wait months to get your items that may be damaged. Returns are a nightmare.

Anyone who thinks Direct Buy prices are good have not shopped around at the right places. Their cabinets, flooring, granite etc are about TEN TIMES what you can get it for at numerous places around the Bay Area. i.e. Modern Way Home and Liberty Home Supply in SF, or Superior Hardware in Oakland.

Don't you think it's weird that Direct Buy doesn't tell you the prices of anything if they're so great?

I went to their presentation and laughed at them at the end. They got mad and said I could never come back. Ha. Like I want to. They try to tell you you have to join NOW or else you can never come back. That's a sleazy sales tactic. They don't want you to do research or think about it.

I don't know where they find people stupid enough to fall for this con.
Any idiot can find better prices for electronics, furniture and building supplies. If you need help, contact me.

They also have a "C" rating by the BBB and 13 complaints

So I ask you...why would anyone pay 10x as much for something, and pay $9000 for the honor?

[Joann Leung]

My husband and I had my presentation done today. We felt that we got stuck for 2 hours in the showroom with high pressure sale. When we declined the membership, the sales agent asked us why we came to DB. It is really rude. We are lucky for not being a member of DB. They asked for $7000 membership fee. It is costly.

[Jimmy]

50% of the positive reviews are blatantly fake. The rest are false. What a joke!

[John]

DirectBuy is not a scam. They clearly tell you that it is not for everyone and is set up to benefit people who are in the process of making some SIGNIFICANT purchases for their homes. If you are doing a remodeling project, you can recoup your membership fee with just that ONE project. Those who claim its a scam are those who just can't afford it and are bitter because of that. I got price quotes on kitchen cabinets outside for 17495 but got them at Directbuy for about 8300 dollars. Just that project recouped my membership fee and now I am enjoying ridiculous savings for the rest of my life. I expected the membership dues to be high anyways because for them to tell you its not for everyone, then that should ring a bell.

[Ron]

Don't do it - it's a Scam. DirectBuy claim that they deal with big name brands and it's a lie. I ordered GEMonogram products and DirectBuy had to go through a local supplier to place the order. As with most other brand name and designer items; DirectBuy is not and can not be an authorized distributor or retailer. The local supplier priced the products at the same prices listed for members of the public. For some of the other products from Moen, I was advised by DirectBuy to go to Home Depot to order the items.

I'm going through the court system right now to recover in excess of $8,000 from DirectBuy Houston. You're better off dealing with Great Indoors or BMC, where you are assured a better return policy and a better value for your money. At DirectBuy customer service is extremely poor and it's a nightmare working through order placement, pricing, shipment and delivery. Not to talk of the upfront fee of 55,100 - think twice and be smart.

RonC

[Steve]

Want to know if it's a scam? Try this:

Google "directbuy scam"

The first sponsored link on the Google results page is:

The Truth About DirectBuy
ConsumerReviews.org/Direct-Buy

This takes you to a page on what looks like a Consumer Reports-type site (ConsumerReviews.org), with glowing customer reviews for DirectBuy.

But there's no info about who runs this site. And if you go to the home page, the two reviews there are more of the same, and the links and search box don't work! In other words, it's a site made up to look like legitimate customer reviews, but it's clearly run by DirectBuy. A "whois" search shows that the site registrant is "Whois Privacy Service". Something to hide?

Digusting.

[Jay]

My wife and I went to the Direct buy presentation today and were just appalled at the pressure tactics that was used by the salesperson. He made us go over this survey at the end to see "if this membership is right for us." The survey was so blatantly biased and stupid. Here is the gist "do you like to save money?", "If I had a choice would I buy from shop A and pay more or from shop B and pay less" I was telling myself this survey must have been put together by 1st graders for 1st graders. But here we were going through line by line, question by question. Just because I scored 100% on this survey, doesn't mean you can have my money. No sir, not today.

Humor aside, how can one decide to spend whopping $6500 (initial fee for first 4 years) for the membership without being able to evaluate the service and products??? It is absurd to spend that kind of money in this economy and not knowing if and when you will be able to recoup the membership fee. Here is a quick synopsis of info we gathered

1. Membership fee approx $6500 for 4 years.
2. $199 yearly after 4 years.
3. Whopping 17.7% financing charge. (nowhere mentioned in the presentation. I had to ask the salesperson as he wasn't about to say the rate)
4. 6-7% shipping and handling fee on EVERY item you purchase.
5. Hefty delivery charge for large/heavy items.(the salesperson couldn't even give us a quote)
6. No opportunity to take advantage of 0% financing that it available at home improvements stores/furniture store/etc.

I am sure someone can add to my list but I think point is made (hopefully) and for the once that purchased the membership, sorry .no place for buyer's remorse. And for the 1% of people that think buying this membership was the best decision that they have ever made, hats off to you. Bravo!! Bravo!!

[Mollie]

They don't offer Monogram and they tell you up front. That's why they go through a local supplier at a wholesale discount--for the convenience to the members. They do have the full product line of GE minus monogram all at direct COST prices from GE. They have 98% of what you see in the stores, and then some. All brand names. Don't base your analysis/conclusion on one thing as it isn't wise. They have Stanley, Kincaid, Lexington, Jenn-Air, all those popular brands.. go see for yourself people---I PROMISE you won't be dissappointed. There was an extra piece I was looking for to finish off my Bernhardt set that I couldn't find anywhere---DB had it! Don't subject yourself to the absurdity on here.

[Dani]

We went to a DB open house today - my husband and I wanted to see what all the hub bub was about and find out what the catch was.... so we walk around and get wowed about all of the brands and product lines we have access too - then we go into a room with a TV and get a fast pased totally rehearsed pitch - showes us we are being charged out the wazzoo at the stores and the money we could be saving... then they throw out the 4900 and then everything else...ok - I knew there was a catch but who can affor this in todays economy? we just bought a house and we dont have an extra 4990+ just to throw down - I am a business major and while I can see that it may be a legimitate business but its very shady and needs to be looked into - why should I have to pay to buy direct from the manufactor? why can i not tell people what the price is - hmmm....makes me second guess what is really going on - we were not given a chance to talk it over or anything but pressured to sign up - our rep could not respect the fact we did not have the funds to put down but rather tried to sell us a cheaper plan that just got released this morning (yea i tried not to laugh) we told him we cannot afford it and it was not for us - we thanked him for his time but he did not get the hint but rather said he was going to get the manager to see what he could do...we told him we were not going to waste his or our time any more - he stood up walked us to the door didnt shake our hand or thank us for our time - its a shame they are all nice when you walk in but when you make a decision that is best for you you get the cold shoulder - what a shame...

[Andrew Castle]

I looked into DB and it looked good at first. The problem was the amount of money I was willing to spend. I decided to shop around first. I found a bunch of great products online for better prices. I found my Steam Shower and it was way more cost efficient for me. It was a really smooth transaction. Everything is perfect 1 year later. Click my name to see my shower.

[Jeff]

In my opinion, Directbuy is a complete scam. My wife and I joined three years ago and are not going to renew. We just price shopped Directbuy against Star Furniture for a Aspenhome home office set (around $3,500) worth of furniture and Star Furniture was actually cheaper. Plus, with Directbuy we would have to wait 8 to 10 weeks and move the furniture ourselves rom the Directbuy warehouse to our home. Star Furniture's price included delivery and installation in our home and it was delivered in six days. The price that Directbuy lists in their books does appear to be significantly cheaper but you have to pay an 8% "handling fee" and freight on top of those prices. We found out that just these two items more than makes up for the "savings" you think you are going to get. Also, Directbuy "estimates" shipping and we have always received an invoice later for the difference between what they estimated and what the actual shippping charges are. We have learned our lesson. If anyone is trying to sell you something and won't give you the same deal next week or next month, it is a scam. Period. Save yourselves $5,000 and just do a little shopping around and you will find prices just as good or even cheaper. Lastly, as many have commented about, the customer service is absolutely atrocious. It is ironic that on DirectBuy's "Authorized Purchase Order" there is a disclaimer (that you have to sign when you make a purchase) that states "I certify these items are for my own use and that I did not negotiate with retailers.". My wife and I now realize that they do this so you don't realize that you really are not saving anything.

[Erma]

I joined 3 years ago. I'm not very happy with it because it's difficult of do comparison shopping there. They always seem to have something that you will have a difficult time finding online to compare with the same item elsewhere. I think that's designed to keep you in the dark about the actual pricing of the item.

I have been able to compare some things and almost always found that I could get it elsewhere without paying the freight fees so that in the end it is cheaper to purchase it some place else. The whole thing is just a racket.

[tod borkersen]

DirectBuy sounds like the Republican Party. It's only a scam if you are not a Republican.

[Kris Carstens]

After forking over the fee to join, we paid Direct Buy in Austin for some tile (in November) to be purchased from a local company. The invoice was lost, misdirected etc, but finally the order was placed and we received the tile in March. The order was placed and paid for on Direct Buy letterhead; mastercard receipt showed Direct Buy. In June, I receive a letter from the tile companys attorney stating that the tile was never paid for and that a lien might be placed on our property. I am currently dealing with Direct Buy Corporate who is trying to work this out through attorneys. Apparently each Direct Buy is a franchise owned by an individual. The Austin store is "Direct Value DBA Direct Buy of Austin." Long and short of it, Direct Value took the money and ran. I am just hoping my receipts will encourage Direct Buy Corporate to pay the tile company what they are due. The real issue is between Direct Buy and Direct Value, but the consumer and suppliers are caught in between. The supplier sent us tile on good faith, we paid for tile in good faith. We held up our end of the contract.....

[Dennis]

This company is low life. I am a network administrator. They are using email spammers to send unrequested solicitations to users at my company.

[NWA Consumer Review]

A 'scam' can be defined as an attempt to intentionally mislead a person with the goal of financial gain.

This company changes its name frequently because of a poor consumer record. It was formerly known as UCCTotalHome & UCC and the name changes are to intentionally hide its poor consumer record.

There are many online consumer reports on all these companies regarding their poor consumer record. Look up 'direct buy scam' on any search engine.

Since you are reading this you probably don't know much about how a deceptive company like this does business.

A company with a dubious product or service for sale (like this one) will attempt to use coercive persuasion to make you buy. This may be a 'fear of loss' technique ("you will not be able to tour the showroom and check prices again for 7 years if you don't sign-up TODAY") or 'power close' techniques (pushy repeated directives to buy NOW) to 'intimidate' you into buying. Remember, they have nothing to lose ... they will not see you again if you don't buy 'today' so they are liable to try anything that might 'close the sale' with your personality type to get nearly $5,000.00 out of your pocket.

Time share is sold this way and some health club memberships. They are really just selling 'time' to use their facility ... they have virtually no additional expenses when you join.

Learn to use the computer and you will get better pricing than this company offers! (they won't even show you the prices through their service while you are there) Plus, they charge you an 8% handling charge on every purchase and you have to get your purchase from their store to your home, at your expense.

The contract, which no attorney would ever let you sign, is so one sided that it is patently fraudulent. But since you cannot take it home to review it ... most people who do join based on hype and inaccurate claims, find themselves holding a document that gives them virtually nothing for their money.

OH, I forgot to mention the contract bars you from almost any legal action once you've found an expensive lawyer who can understand it! It even allows their sales person to say anything and it doesn't matter, only the legalistic contract matters.

They are selling the equivalent of a SAMS CLUB or Costco membership for thousands!

Personally, I can find better deals than even SAMS or Costco normally on the internet (that deliver to my home, not a warehouse) (without sales tax) so DirectBuy selling for thousands is a total RipOff!

You are paying for a 'buying club' that gives almost no service, has prices that can be beat by almost any online discount retailer. They hide behind a clever contract that gives you no rights to contest anything or get any type of refund.

AVOID! If it were a good, decent company they would be happy to let you try it for a month for free and then pay monthly.

But if they did that no one would pay their price.

Consumer Review

[Jordy]

I was scammed from the beginning the same day I signed up I wanted out and they would not tear up the check. They threatened to sue breech of contract if I canceled the check. I went on line to a law site to see if I could do anything was told I had no recourse. be careful!!! this is a scam in every way shape and form. The prices are "SUGGESTED" retail. Have you ever paid suggested retail on a new car. I built a new house and furnished it and not one item came from direct buy except the vendor for granite. Everything I checked on, the same item, I could get elsewhere cheaper BELIEVE ME DONT DO IT !!!
Save your 4K on the difference you'll pay for items at the real retail. most furniture and appliance stores will give you 10% off.

[Jack Mehoffer]

hello people:
DirectBuy clubs all over the country are going belly up. its so bad they are spending the merchandise accounts (the money their sucker members give them to order merchandise) and they are using these funds to pay their bills. Clubs in Stoneham, Ma, Tampa, FL, Long Island, NY, Houston, TX and Albequrqie, NM are just a few that have members who reported major problems and or long delays in recieveing their merchandise. So go ahead, drop 3000 bucks on a fridge....hope you'll get it by chrismas.

[Joseph]

Trying to be as objective as possible this does seem to be able to work for certain people. One post said he was an engineer so he looked at it more logically and it pays off, well I am also an engineer and i have a few concerns. They talk about the high end products, can anyone tell me what some of these products are? Such as cabinets, or flooring. Lumber Liquidators has deals on real hardwood even exotic woods for less than $10psf and some as low as $3psf. Can DB really be that. Also I have a few friends that are Contractors, can DB really offer me such better deals than them?

[Gene]

I didn't do my homework prior to agreeing to attend a "free visit" and introduction in early 2009. So I went there with naive optimism. However, I was totally disgusted by their sales handlers and thus decided to walk out during the warm-up session prior to the formal sales presentation. It felt like I was being screened to join a cult. They refused to answer any of my questions. Can you believe the guy had the nerve to give me back my "free" pass? This place is a legal racket. Run away as fast as you can!

[Margo]

DirectBuy is NOT a scam!! A SCAM is something that deceives and tell untrue stories about there product and what it does for a person. DirectBuy is far from that. What DirectBuy say they do. Most people are too stupid now and days to realize a god deal when they see one. I admit DirectBuy fees are high but DirectBuy is not for everyone. If you are not looking to invest alot or if you are looking for CHEAP furniture then DirectBuy is not for you. I have saved well over 30,000 dollars on my home and remodeling. Some people don't have 30,000 dollars to spend so this would not be something they will consider a good offer. Every DirectBuy is franchise owned and good customer service do depend on what center you are in just like any franchise. I use the Rocky Hill center in Connecticut and I could not ask for a more helpful knowing staff. If they don't have they answer they will contact manufactures for me to get the answer. Come on every manufacture have estimated shipping dates which can very depending on where you go. If something is back ordered w/ DiretBuy I have the option to cancel 98% of the time. You get the same service when you shop retail. Some people want things handed to them hand and feet or so cheap it's free.. GET REAL you have to pay for something and if you think DirectBuy is a scam then you must not know the correct way to SAVE..

[RJ]

Going to the Direct Buy presentation was a waste of my two hours. It is interesting that their showroom is at an out-of-the way place. With all the hoopla of getting huge savings, they can't even beat the price of the wood flooring I went there for. I needed about 2,500 square feet worth of flooring plus a granite counter top, paint, some other home improvement items and furniture. Lumber liquidators' price was $3.39 per square feet. DB could only come up with $4.45. Then realizing they couldn't beat the price, the sales rep starts lambasting Lumber Liquidators, e.g. that their wood isn't as thick as theirs, that they don't carry the particular brand, etc. (excuses really). They didn't only waste my time they didn't even let us talk to flooring expert. Good thing I didn't pay that horrendous $5,900 initial fee (that's already more than 60% of the price of my entire wood flooring order!) plus $199 a year after that. So what savings are they talking about? I see their steep membership fee as some sort of a rat treadmill. I guess some people like to ride it. Moreover, any honest company does not need to pressure sale their customers with one time offer and 7 year ban tactics. Paying retail helps the economy doesn't it? :) It's just a matter of shopping around for the best price.

[Ian]

To Debbie and Now Paul...

Nice that you didn't ask to use the computer that was located in the showroom to compare a price and see if they are telling the truth...I have bought several things for my new house in the past few months and saved money. And not on obscure items...a friggin leaf blower, mover and chainsaw...saved $400 over places like Lowes and Home Depot...seriously call it what you will...if you think it is a scam...whatever don't give a shit. It works for me...doesn't have to work for you...another example...buying a wedding ring...priced it at 3 jewelers yesterday...$3500-$4000...a good price for a ring...found the same ring from DB for $950...I can't complain....so I am happy that you all have your comments to cling to...enjoy them...you won't hear from me again...toodles

[Sue]

I read an ad online about Direct Buy. Filled out the info and was immediately called by a fast talking saleperson named Amanda. She sent me info and a free pass to the presentation. After reading the information, I wasn't interested. Within 48 hours of the open house, I have received numerous phone calls every 2 hours. I called and left a message that I was not interested and to take me off the list and not to call. I received 4 more phone calls!

[Bob D]

There's so much obviously wrong with DirectBuy that I'm amazed anyone falls for the scam. What POSSSIBLE reason could these people have to save you money? Why would they care? Are they philanthropists? Think about it. If it sounds too good to be true, it's too good to be true. Their goal is to lock you in. That's all there is to it.

In retail, you need to make about 35% to stay in business. Nobody breaks that rule. Not even DirectBuy.

[buyer-bware]

Complete & total scam... dont waste your time with the visitors pass, it's merely a 45min commercial to tell you to join in NY cost $6,500. horrible experience... do your research, shop online & save money with a return policy plus delivered to your door.

[Jean Hathaway]

I received a phone solicitation from DirectBuy. I asked the saleswoman the initial fee and she refused to tell me. She gave me the "sales pitch" and I indicated the company seemed similiar to BJ'S and Costco. She stated the fees were similiar. I asked her to send some literature knowing that I had no intention of joining. (The company seems best suited to contractors). Several times during the course of the conversation she refused to tell me the initial fee; this alone told me I don't need this company. I did some internet research on the company and am apalled at the fees--also, if one can't afford the fee, the company will finance it.. who in their right mind would finance at 17%?!?!? Thanks to all the commentors... you have reaffirmed my decision to stay away!!

[t ra]

Me and my wife recieved, a key in the mail and we went ahead a went to the open house, their policies on not telling you anything about the company was a little petty, and their policy on you have to make a decision right now or you dont get another decision "EVER" was unapealing, but their prices on high end iteams are good. I dont necessarly spend $8,000 for a a dinet table but i would spend $1500 retail with what ever interest rate they may have which would equal to about $1900 pending on you interest, and with DB it would only cost one payment of $550 + shiping and handling. which is a saving of over $1000, MY MEMEBER SHIP WAS ONLY $1885 for the siver version with 125 manufacuters, (DB was on sale esentialy). But with buying a dinet table i would be paying half the amount of my membership

But my wife says that she does not like the fact that they had poor buisneship and does not want to deal with a company like that and demands me to cancel it llol before the check goes through

AND IN REGARDS TO CANCELING im sure if they have not send the check in for the deposit then their shouldnt be a problem.

[BM]

I visited DB location near me (20 miles away in Fairfield, CA) yesterday. I sat through saleman's presentation where he used few examples (Displaying a flyer for each case that summarized the savngs in using DB against Retail). They did not give me a copy so that I could do my own comparision. One of the examples they used was a high end Sony HDTV that I happened to be shopping for this very past weekend. The price for the tv coated by DB was $2300. The same tv sells for $1999. at Frys electronica in Concord, CA.

A few minutes into the video presentation that, to my surprize, included some high level executives from the some well known manufactures it was mentioned that DB could not reveal the prices of the merchendize and that the visitors wont be allowed to come back if the didn't join! (before telling me what the cost the membership was!!!)............
It was very clear to me that I am dealing with a SCAM.
I got up and left the showroom..... Never to come back again!

[kevin]

so how does the free pass work ? I was thinking of going over for the speech this weekend.. how can they give you a 30 day pass if they ask you to sign on that night.. that doesnt make sense ? who has been in for the 30 day pass ? can anyone explain that ?

[Nancy]

We went last night for the open house, and were high pressured into buying. Knowing we couldn't afford it, that we are behind on house payments, they didn't care. After losing over $250,000 on a business, they still didn't care. This would of been good for us 10 years ago after our house burnt, but right now we can't afford to spend $ buying things we really don't need or might not even use the membership. I'm so tired of being ripped off by greedy people. I guess I am tooooooooo gullible. But come Monday morning, I'm sending in the cancellation notice, because I do have 3 business days to cancel any signed contract. So please beware of these suttle high pressured sales people!

[Nelson]

http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/09/05/Class_Says_DirectBuy_Has_Hidden_Markups.htm

CLAYTON, Mo. (CN) - DirectBuy lures consumers to buy memberships with false promises of savings of 40 to 50 percent, a class action claims in St. Louis County Court.
Named plaintiffs Tammy and Jerry Randall say DirectBuy claims members can save 40 to 50 percent off retail price, but charges handling fees and freight charges, which are actually disguised retail markups.
The class seeks damages for deceptive trade and an injunction. It is represented by David Marcus with Graves, Bartle & Marcus of Kansas City, Mo.

[Scott J]

Please let all of us know if anyone has knowledge about the "30 day FREE membership certificate".

I suspect it has nothing to do with being able to opt out after 30 days as a member. I have a feeling it's something like them extending the 3 year membership out a month into the future, and 'giving' you the first month 'FREE'.

I'm interested in the answer, but not so interested that I want to waste 2+ hours of my life finding out directly.

[Un satisfied consumer]

Direct buy is a scam just like so many companies out there. My husband and I got a free pass to visit the show room. What a waste of time they dont want you to ask any questions they want you to watch video and a women reiterate over and over that you save money by joining. Of course they keep the cost of membership to the end and then try to justify the cost . The cost for 3 months is $6,790.00 can you believe this 6 thousand dollars and then some just to join.?? What a farce.And the kicker is that if you do not join that day you can never return to join at later date ahahha who the there right mind would even think of it . I compared some of the prices for certain items I see absolutely no advantage in joining Direct buy. If you are thinking of joining save your money it is not worth it. My husband and I are very smart shoppers and want the best for our dollar and trust me you will not get it at Direct Buy. DON'T DO IT YOU WILL BE SORRY YOU DID.

[pat]

My wife and I attended an open house last night and found the interest rate charged on financing the membership fee is over 17%. I can not believe you want me to join with that finance rate or maybe you want my money up front before I find out i really do not want to be a member. In any event I think my wife and I will continue to buy using the internet to shop.

[Maria D.]

It sounds like what DB does is cover thier non-existent commission fees with their membership fee, because most of what people have listed here that saved them the most money, would be things you would typically pay commission on in a retail store. I don't know if it's a scam per se, but it's obviously not for everyone.