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11/2/2007 - Brian writes:
I started to read the complaints first...I don't know maybe its the way the website is set up. I can not actually look at the retail industry the same anymore. I now have direct access to the manufacturer. I have spent many years with a Fortune 5 Consumer Goods Co. looking at the cost within the Home Goods Market. When I walk into the Direct Buy "Scam" as the complainers read it, I cant help but laugh just a little mind you at the absurdity of actually paying the associate for the research I have already done? Top notch this is the real thing!

10/24/2007 - Erica writes:
Direct Buy is NOT for everyone. The sales tactics are scary. When I went in for the presentation, I didn't sign on the dotted line until they showed me their catalogs and proved that there was, in fact, a savings. There is! I paid $3000 for a bedroom set when it is easily $8000 at your local furniture store. I bought 9 pieces and my local furniture store was selling 4 pieces for $3000! I paid $13000 on custom cabinetry, appliances, and a beautiful sectional as a surprise for my mother. Before I became a DB member I paid $12000 (cabinets only) for my kitchen 3 years ago, after a year the cabinet started to come off the wall and recently the drawer bottoms are starting to sink. Buying retail is the scam...the sectional I purchased at DB came with a choice of over 200 fabric choices...try that at your local retailer. They give you 10 choices at most and sometimes they charge you extra for certain colors! Not at DB. And if your center is telling you that you will save %70 on everything then well they are lying. My center was very honest as to where the savings is. You will almost always save %70 on furniture of any kind. You will save less on certain types of appliances only because these are items that stores mark down to lure customers in. The best thing about DB is that nearly every item from different manufacturers is available to you. Retail stores only carry certain models not giving you a real choice simply because you don't know what is available. I membership is steep but I am making the most of it. I made the money back in my first purchase!

10/23/2007 - Lynne writes:
First, I\'ve been a member for 2 years. I find the comments about DB as a scam to be rather amusing. A scam? So the Sony TV that I saved $1200 on was not real? Or the granite countertops that were 50% less? I am a shrewd shopper-I researched and compared what was out there. Now, as I am in the military and have traveled through nearly 30 countries, I can assure you that you can find better deals overseas on certain things, like rugs. But I think the airline tickets would negate any savings if you get the point. I\'m certain you can find things on the internet cheaper as well, if you know exactly what you want and trust the company. In the stores, yes, you can find things on sale and sometimes get a steal at conventional retailers when they have clearance sales. However, like any business, you get what you pay for. First, retailers only carry a fraction of the models that are actually available, and they will push that model even if it\'s not exactly what you want. Most people are not aware of what is actually out there. Second, when DB compares their prices to retail prices, they are not comparing sale prices. So, if you see a red couch on clearance, great if red is your color. At DB, I can walk in a stress free (no, not a typo)and friendly environment and order that same couch in the color I want at the \"clearance\" price of the other store. Retail is what it is. DB doesn\'t claim to offer better prices than items on clearance. If you\'re the type of person that loves the stress and hassle of hitting the sales, has the time, and is comfortable with buying non-name brand products, then great. But DB offers the top brands at less than than retail, custom ordered. Not all things are less when you factor in shipping, but most things are substantially less. It\'s not for everyone though. My parents were DB members (formerly called UCC)for 20 years and saved so much money over their initial membership, so I knew what DB was before I walked in the door. I knew there was a steep membership fee. Fine, because you get what you pay for. If you already own your dream house and possess most of the high end furnishings that you want, then the fee may not pay off for you. But if you plan on remodeling or need major purchases on furniture for example, then you could save substantially. I recouped the fee very early into my membership, so I\'m happy. As for the secrecy and pressure tactics, yes, they are there, but the retail industry is ruthless. There are many that would love to see DB go under. Perhaps they are behind the planned \"class action lawsuits\". The bottom line is, you get a product/service for a fee. Do your research before you go, and you will be better informed to make the right decision. Americans need to take responsibility for the decisions they make, like signing agreements. Most of the complaints I noticed, were from those who didn\'t join. For those members who had bad experiences, I am sorry to hear about it, maybe another location is worth a try. Finally, everyone should rememeber, that those who scream the loudest aren\'t usually the happy majority, but the disgruntled minority.

10/22/2007 - Kelly writes:
My husband and I have been members for 3 years now. We joined when we were building our home. #1 - If you are interested in saving money here and there, this isn't for you. If you are taking on a big project or big expense, it is. We saved on carpet, tile, appliances, wood stove, paint, etc. Because we purchased so much, it worked out. And believe me, we went with what was the best buy - even if it meant it was cheaper to get it elsewhere. #2 - Big savings are on cased goods and a lot of their offerings are high end. If you are looking for inexpensive items, you won't find them here. After the house was finished we purchased an entertainment center with Piers. We spent approx $1400 for it when it listed for $4000. It was a Hammery product, not something you would find at Hank's Furniture down the street. We have had good luck with it - but it isn't for everyone.

10/19/2007 - Mike writes:
My wife and I recently joined as members in Spokane, WA. I was a general contractor for many years and am familiar with costs of building materials. We have extensive remodel work to do - over the next several years and have no doubt we will more than recoup our costs. We felt no pressure to join, the staff was relaxed and friendly. Here is what assures me Direct Buy IS a value. My wife owns a company which is going to be a Direct Buy vendor. Her products are best in a very competitive industry, which has fairly tight margins. It is also an expensive product, average purchase being $10-15,000. After analysis of the DirectBuy client base, calculation of anticipated number of purchasers to inquiries, etc., it was determined her product could be offered to Direct Buy members at a price lower than to the general public by more than enough to make up for the small handling charge put on by Direct Buy (which, by the way, barely covers the cost of processing your credit card). As her product is currently competitively priced in the marketplace to begin with, an average Direct Buy customer should realize a savings of $1,000-2,000 just on her product alone! Without advertising what it is she does - our research shows for home owners who do not live in tightly packed urban settings, condos or row houses, approximately 4% of you will buy this product or a product similar to it within the next 12 months. Our opinion - Direct Buy is NOT for everyone. However if you are building or remodelling to any extent, it is probably going to be a great value to you. The people at the local Direct Buy were telling us and the other prospective members the very same thing, when we joined.

10/18/2007 - Lida writes:
I love direct buy I have been a member for 7 months now and I have saved incredible amount of money. To some people the membership might be steep but imagine how much your going to be purchasing in the next couple of years... if you understand the concept its a great company!!! I cant wait to remodel my kitchen I will recoupe my membership easily....thanks Direct Buy

10/17/2007 - Denise writes:
My husband and I attended an Open House at DirectBuy (Columbia, Maryland) last night (7:30) after a referral from a friend. We don't know if they've actually used the service yet, but wanted to check it out since we are currently making thousands of dollars in purchases to re-furnish our home. We did not feel any pressure in joining at all. The salesperson was very courteous, humorous and knowledgeable. The whole room was full of potential members. They also happened to be interviewing/filming members for a local infomercial. I spoke to one of the couple members and asked how satisfied they were. They said they joined in January and were very happy with DB. They also said as long as you're not in a hurry to have your purchases, we should like being members. Since it was closing time when we finished signing up, we weren't given the opportunity to look at any catalogs. I started to have some buyers remorse after reading the complaints last night, but my husband convinced me to take a chance. I only read one complaint from my area and that could happen through any retailer. I'm not really that patient, but am willing to give it a try. Wish us luck!

10/16/2007 - John writes:
It\\\\\\\'s funny, people that never use the service or bought any products are so quick to respond to negative comments. I feel nothing but gratitude that I joined and I am a great shopper. as far as Pro-Source, directbuy members get better pricing than that wholesaler. Anyone who says the prices are no good on flooring is mistaken and I know prosource is not recommended to go to if you are a directbuy member. We get cost books, the real cost books and are privilaged to shop anytime we want, and know if its a good deal or not. People who think they know better or some phone room cold caller who worked for them...they think they know what good pricing is, but I know and consider myself an excellent shopper-Directbuy is a good staight up deal-where the rules protect me-the member-no you the guest or \\\\\\\"know it all\\\\\\\" people. my advise is go see them and you make up your own mind.

10/10/2007 - Kim writes:
My husband and I are have been members of Direct Buy in Strongsville Ohio since around March 2007. I have to admit I was concerned the first few times I went to the showroom to try to find something, it is not always easy. I am lucky to have a helpful staff at our location. We started an addition to our house in March and have ordered windows, siding, roofing material, kitchen cabinets, and granite countertops. And let me tell you, I am a shopper, I have to get a good price. I have looked at all avenues before making my final decision to use Direct Buy and it has worked for us! But I would warn you, if you are not doing a big project this may not be as good of a deal for you. It has saved us tons and I am grateful we are members at this time. Now I am looking forward to carpeting, hardwood floors, and furniture.

10/9/2007 - Frank writes:
We have been a DirectBuy member for over 4 years and although it is a bit scary to decide to spend that much money on the membership, if you do the math over a 5-10 year period, making basic purchases for a home you will easily come out ahead. There is no question that if you just furnished your home and have no big purchases or are well into retirement... it may not be for you.... target client (i.e. the best person to buy into this is a young couple, if they can figure out how to pay the membership fee up front).... Just consider it part of your mortgage costs probably less than 2% depending on where you live. Then calculate the costs of what you would spend over the next decade or two and you come out with huge savings. Having said all this... I wish Direct Buy could come up with a little less tension filled and pressure tactict based marketing and sales program. We have had no problems with deliveries except the odd delay due to manufactures (the leather is still on the cow I think with one of our chairs). They have been fairly helpful with orders and manufactures.... Do your homework in advance if possible, but do it.. you will come out ahead.

10/9/2007 - Derek writes:
DirectBuy has been a big part of my life since 1994 when My wife and I joined. Looking back its funny because I did not want to go because I hate shopping! I was pulled there by my wife. Juring our visit I fell in love with the concept straight away so much so that a year later I began my career w/ DirectBuy. Today I'm involved in a Franchise and I'm still blown away by how much buying power our indiviual member's have on buying literally anything for in and around there home and alot of other "STUFF" that we seem to always buy for ourselves as consumer's. I have always felt that every one should be a member! yet not everyone who requests a appointment (For first visit) will become a member and that is OK. We are not and will not be everything to everyone! I have always explained to guests who visit our showroom that this is not Heaven! but its a hell of a lot better than retail/discount stores. Basically DirectBuy is where member's can shop for what they want, when they want it, and are not dictated by retail's limited selection and their sale prices! So if your a member or not yet a member, Your always welcome to visit us at DirectBuy in Naperville IL. just ask for the IRISH MAN!

10/8/2007 - Edwin writes:
I am reading all of these scam reports and it came as a bit of a surprise. Having dealt with Direct Buy for about a year, I have learned they are good in certain spots. When it comes to home furnishing and kitchen makeovers, it is very viable. I am a member in Paramus, NJ. My fee is about the same, almost 4 grand for the first 3 years and about 200 after that. In order to see the return on the membership fees, you need to have spent around 15 grand or more. The kitchen cabinets and granite counter tops we got for our kitchen totaled around 18 grand where we would have spent close to 25 grand at other places we priced. This alone made it worth while because we still saved a good 4 thousand. I don't know if we are going to use it again but for big purchases, the membership is worth it.

10/5/2007 - Anonymous writes:
Direct Buy El Paso is the best! After the presentation and many questions later, we purchased the membership. We were considering remodeling most of our home. DB salespeople were extremely nice and we liked that we were not pressured into buying the membership. After a difficult month and knowing that I’m notorious for returning items, our plans had changed and we were even wondering how we were going to pay for the membership we had just charged on our credit card. After explaining our situation with Kyle and Dylan, they understood and a refund to our credit card was immediately issued. We would have loved to keep the membership! I did see a difference in pricing and there could be a huge savings, but it was just not the right time for us. Thanks Direct Buy! You saved us, BIG TIME!

10/4/2007 - Jessica writes:
uh, i had to post something because all of the defending arguments sound like the people are directbuy employees....it's weird. anyways, my husband and i just joined directbuy, last night actuallly. i'm not sure if it's a great thing yet, the membership fee seemed pretty outrageous, but i'm optimistic. they let me flip through a book they had with some contemporary furniture in it and i was impressed and it seemed to be around half the price of some things i've been researching online. who knows....i hope in 6 months i can write another good review.

10/2/2007 - Patrice writes:
I have belonged to Directbuy since 2005 at the location in Chantilly, VA and recently transfered it to the new location in Woodbridge. Anyway, I think there wonderful. I purchased to a complete solid cherry wood (heavy!!) from Direct buy for my daughter bedroom It expensive period but including shipping and everythin I easily saved over 2000.00. My membership at that time if I can remember correctly wa 3000.00 for two years and renewals there after for a couple hundred bucks. We are currently purchasing a new home and are purchasing floor to ceiling silk draperies in solid colors and designs for literally a fraction of the cost. I do have to say that I don't like having to make a decision that day and feel they should let people know that so they don't make their appointment until they are really ready. I also think that it probably best serves folks that are purchasing, remodeling, or building a new home because in those circumstances you will get your money and then some. With all the things that I am purchasing I will literally save at least the cost of 8-10 memberships at the 3000.00 price of course. DirectBuy is not a scam you just need to be smart with the reason why you are actually purchasing the membership. If you need it purchase it if you don't then don't no one can force you to do anything you don't want to just say NO.

10/1/2007 - Marvin writes:
We've been members of Direct Buy for three years and we think we have them figured out. They seem to be very good in a FEW areas. The biggest is furniture. We bought an entertainment center costing about $1600 (including taxes, shipping, handling, etc.). We priced this same piece at a couple of furniture stores for around $5000+. We feel we also saved significantly on cabinets purchased for a new home. For "run of the mill" stuff, there is not enough savings to make it worth the cost of membership. We joined because of building a new home and the need for new furniture. If that's not your situation in life, I would suggest that you won't realize the savings they suggest.

9/30/2007 - Henri writes:
I attended a DirectBuy presentation in Signal Hill, CA in September 2007. After meeting with a salesperson and quickly touring the showroom, I watched the presentation. The presentation duplicated some of what's on the infomercial and internet, and include a Q and A. I decided to sign up for a membership, knowing that I had a 3-day "right of recision" during which to think things over. I didn't want to miss out on a possible opportunity to save money. After doing some research on how much I would have to spend to break even, I decided that this was not a good program for me. One needs to spend anywhere from 25,000-40,000, depending on the items purchased and the markups saved in or to just break even. Since I have no need to buy that much stuff, I returned the next day and asked to cancel my membership. Less than one week later I got my refund check in the mail. At no time did I feel pressured or coerced. The staff was very professional and courteous, and the facilities clean, neat and wellorganized. I notice that the website has a spot for those who want to buy a franchise. Perhaps some of the franchises are managed better than others. I feel sorry for those who had a bad experience with DirectBuy. I would recommend that anyone considering a membership explore this company in everyway possible before attending the meeting. Also, make a detailed list of what you want to buy before attending the meeting so you can do some price comparisons while you are there. That way you can make a more informed decision. One of the resources the presenter discussed was the markups on various kinds of retail as researched by the Census Bureau. Look into that as well. If I were just starting out with remodeling and/or furnishing a house, and wanted high end products, I think the DirectBuy plan would be a good idea. The company is up front about their earnings coming from membership fees, and not product markup. There are some service, handling and shipping fees, some of which depend on whether your product is delivered to your home or their store. Keep in mind that all vendors may have a delay of several days to weeks before they can deliver your goods, whether it is DirectBuy or not. Also remember that remodeling costs are mostly for labor and services unless you are a do-it-yourself person.

9/29/2007 - James writes:
I am a member of DirectBuy for about two years in California and the first thing I can promise anyone who reads this person's website is that the Company is not a scam. That is totally unfair. DirectBuy sells first rate physical products to its members from all kinds of different manufacturers - brand names BTW(I have personally saved monay versus retail on everything from an appliance to a LeCreuset pot to Nambe gifts for a wedding) so to call it a scam is ignorant and irresponsible of this site. Now is it for everyone - absolutely not - but if you have a collection of needs it is worth it in my opinion. The one thing I wonder about is who is Justin Leonard, what are his qualifications for running this site and why doesn't he let the positive stories about all these Companies be displayed as easily as all the negative stories. I guess the web is what it is, a totally uncontrolled, un-policed medium for anybody to put their two cents in. I would tell everyone not to listen to me or to Justin or to anyone on the web as who know who anyone is and what their quaifications or motivations are for posting to a site but learn for yourself if a product or service such as DirectBuy is worth it to you.

9/17/2007 - Paul writes:
Wow, I just happened to stumble on to this site by accident. I can't believe all of the negative comments about Direct Buy. I have been a member for almost two years now. Both my wife and I have been very pleased with the service we have received. We too were sceptical when we first joined, but upon our first purchase we knew we made the right decision. We had gone to Fortunoff to have an estimate done for some window treatments we were wanting to purchase. After we received the estimate, we went over to Direct Buy. We had an appointment with one of the designers. Much to our surprise, we saved almost $4000.00 on our fist purchase - and we have the written estimate from Fortunoff to prove it! Since then, we have started the renovations on our house. We have spent almost $80k so far with a total savings of about $34k. So you ask me if the $4400 + tax was worth the investment? Oh yeah! With out a doubt! The only suggestion I can make to potential onlookers is don't believe everything you read...check it out for yourself. I'm glad we did.

9/14/2007 - Jewell writes:
I happened across this website by accident and began browsing the comments about Direct Buy. My experience with the company has actually been very different than the complaints. It's true that the buy-in is high and that they ask you for the money at the time of your appointment. However, at our center in Houston, we have found everyone to be very kind - regardless of the guest's decision to join or not to, as several in our group did. My husband and I did decide to join and have been very happy with the service we have received, as well as the savings we have been able to redeem. It's true that not EVERYTHING you buy will be cheaper through DB (I found a really fabulous outdoor furniture set that DB pricing couldn't touch), but if you plan to make a series of large purchases you will certainly save money.

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