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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.

9/8/2007 - Larry and Pam writes:
We have been members for about a year and a half. When we made an initial phone inquiry about three years ago, we were clearly advised at that time that unless we had plans to make several large ticket purchases over the next few years or regularly, we may wish to wait. We did. When we attended the open house, we discussed the fact that the primary thing we wanted to do was remodel our nearly 40 year old home. We were shown examples of savings that we could expect when ordering kitchen cabinets from Kraft Maid. We determined that those savings alone would cover our membership fee. The savings from that first cabinet order still came in at over $2,000 less than purchasing the cabinets through a discount supplier's best price.... and that still included the membership fee investment. From that point out, the savings have been unbelievable. We have replaced all of our major appliances, many of which had multiple manufacturers discounts when you ordered two or three pieces. We have also been quoted the shipping fees by Direct Buy when we make the purchases and in all but one instance, the fee was correct or we have received a refund check for any excess shipping costs that were assessed... and we have received several unexpected checks in the mail which means we saved even more than we anticipated. Is Direct Buy for everyone.... probably not.... but the presentation was not misleading and the benefits from our point of view have been phenomenal. As a side point, we regularly visit Direct Buy to check on items of interest for the future and at least walk out buying discount movie tickets. Will we continue after the ten year contract? Don’t know at this time, but for now it’s a pretty sweet deal! We are in the Indianapolis area, so our Direct Buy is just minutes away.

9/7/2007 - Scott and Nina writes:
yes i am i wrote on the complaint side by mistake we love direct buy weve been members for 5years of course it was only 1,500 at the time but we are a growing nation like them we/they have to make a living we did our home work i was told to go research furniture so we went to [] got several quotes for a bedrm set 5,500, dinning 1,900 , pub table 700 and coffee table 300 we went to meeting with this info and couldnt believe [] wholesale cost was going to be half the price so we joined right away since ive gotten diamond jewerly,china,silverware and soon luggage and the rest of my china i recommend them if your doing and entire house not if you only want a couple of things since the rate is now 6,000 its great for a complete makover of your home or someones elses in the family if they have cash to pay you can order online at a higher % you have to pick up unless you pay extra for delivary we pick up all our stuff because we liked looking thru the books thats my story we love direct buy theyve met all or needs thanks nina

8/31/2007 - Derek writes:
We joined Direct buy several months ago did a kitchen and some other things. Saved well more than the $4900 fee. These complaints don't seem quite fair. Join if you have some things to do to your home.

8/21/2007 - Mary Beth writes:
I have to tell you, I am looking at some of these very mean-spirited complaints and I feel badly for these people. I hope that if you are thinking about going over to check it out for yourself, you are looking at these comments with a critical eye. Because over and over what I find most disturbing is that almost all of the people who are complaining are not members. The few that seem to be members had some kind of a bad experience (which happens in every business), complained to the owner and received their money back. Also, if I were you I would give greater weight to the comments of people who are actually members and have used it (it just so happens that those seem to be the people who are raving about it over here in the “defenses” section). Let me tell you about my experience. My husband and I were planning on re-doing a portion of the downstairs of our house. This included some furniture, some flooring, some cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures and a couple of appliances. We had been doing a lot of shopping in stores and, like most people, I also saw the commercials on television. So we made an appointment at DirectBuy to check it out. The place was really nice inside and the saleswoman, Rachel, who met us at the door was very pleasant. Not pushy at all. She asked us a few questions about what we were planning on doing, and she walked us around a bit. Then another salesperson introduced himself to us. I can’t remember his name. He took us to a sales presentation where there were at least 2 other couples. The presentation was obviously scripted, but it was kind of interesting. The salesperson tried to keep everyone engaged by telling jokes. Then they delivered the news: it was $4,125 for 3 years and we would have to make a decision that day if we wanted to join. When we got out of the presentation, the only thing I could think about was how upset I was about having to decide that day. Rachel let me vent for a while and went into a pretty compelling explanation as to why that was the case and she flat out asked us if we were still interested in considering whether it was something we wanted to do. She asked if we needed a minute to sit by ourselves and talk about it, which we did. She was totally professional about the whole thing – not pushy at all. We decided that it was not for us and got up to leave. Just as we were leaving, though, one of the members that had overheard our conversation took it upon herself to stop us and tell us about her experience as a member. Ten minutes later we joined. We were nervous, but we were members. Then we started using the membership. First of all, the process is kind of overwhelming. They have almost all of the major brand name products out there and you literally have to flip through the manufacturer’s catalogs to find the stuff. But the center we use has a really great kitchen/bath designer and a really helpful staff, so we have never really had a problem finding what we were looking for. Secondly, and most importantly, we have saved significant amounts of money on almost everything that we have purchased through DirectBuy, especially the cabinets, the furniture the lighting and the nicer plumbing fixtures. On one or 2 things (like our slide in range and bathroom tile that we found on sale at []) we didn’t save money. Once, they screwed up one of our orders, but they totally took care of it and took responsibility for their mistake. Over all here’s the skinny: (1) No matter how you slice it the sales process does end up with a “same day” decision. It depends on your personality whether you can handle that (I barely could), but I think if you have a good and honest salesperson, that makes all the difference; (2) if you are just looking for 1 or 2 items to buy or you are looking to purchase lower end products don’t waste your time – go to []; (3) the membership fee was $4,125, but from what I am reading, it seems like some centers charge more; (4) We figure that we have saved approximately $6,000 so far, and the service has been really great. So now that you have read all of those negative comments from people who don’t really know what it’s like to be a member, hopefully this gives you a better idea about what it’s really all about. Good luck!

8/21/2007 - Mark writes:
I have been a member for 15 years and have saved 1000's. I see most of the complaints come from those who did not join and those who used appliances as thier guide. As someone who sole appliances i knew when i joined there would be little or no savings in this area as the profit from theses items are very small. I have purchased the excact same products i have seen in the stores and saved on every thing i have purchaseds

8/19/2007 - Joe writes:
I have found that on some items, especially electronics, the discount is not very good and you are probably better off going to a local company to make your purchase. But on other items my discount is great. I get at least 30% on everything I purchase at my local []. [] gives AAA memebers 10%. This is helpful to me because I buy and sell/rent properties. The discount is also very good if you are purchasing furniture, blinds, flooring, etc. I live in Dayton Ohio and a lot of local companies have an agreement with DirectBuy including [] 10-15% (at most not all), [], and the above mentioned [] at least 30%, []. Feel free to call any of these businesses to verify what I'm saying. Your discount is also better on high-end purchases than lower end. The bathroom I designed would have cost an extra $3000 without the discounts I received. The discount allowed me to design a unique, high-end bathroom for what your everyday bathroom would have cost. DirectBuy is not for everyone so make sure you will use it enough to make your money back before you join.

8/18/2007 - Brian writes:
Directbuy is not for everyone. But the only way to tell if Directbuy is truly for you, is to do your homework, get price comparisons BEFORE you go into the open house, take the price comparisons with you, and compare to the directbuy pricing. You can then see for yourself, how much directbuy will save you, and make the best decision for you and your family. Directbuy will tell you, at least the center I went to did, that Directbuy is NOT for everyone. But it does have many happy members, or you would not see them in the center shopping. Every company has negative media, this is just another example.

8/18/2007 - Kathi writes:
I have been a Direct Buy member at the San Ramon, California location for over 1 year. We used Direct Buy for our kitchen cabinetry, grainite counter tops, sinks, faucets and lighting fixtures. We saved over 30,000 and we are thrilled. We are now getting ready to remodel a home in Lake Tahoe and we are using Direct Buy for hardwood floors, carpeting, appliances, tile, cabinetry, bathroom and kitchen fixtures and lighting. We will again save thousands of dollars. We look forward to buying furnishing as well. This membership is not for everyone but it is definately for those that have major remodeling projects such as kitchen that have the extra time to spend negotiating through catalog buying. If you are that person, do not hesitate. It will save you thousands! Kathi

8/14/2007 - Rachel writes:
I joined direct buy in june of 2004. I am still a current member. I joined in Farminton Hills Michigan, I went to get the info with my husband and 3 children. They were very nice, our kids watched movied and played in the childrens center. I wanted to make sure that what they were saying was true as we had just bought a new home and it had nothing done to it since it was built in 76'. I went to the local large home do it your self stores my carpet for 3000 sqft was going to be $9500.00 dollars I got prices on cabinets and tile etc. I went back and asked him to show mw the price that my carpet would be through them it was $3000.00 so in my $3200.00 membership fee I alsready saved money not to menchion all the other savings. My kitchen was remodeled, Omega cabinets is what we put in. I had the same kitchen designed at the local carrier for the omega cabinets as there are only one or to stores that carry them. I paid $14000.00 for my kitchen bathroom and laundry room cabinets in Omega with Direct Buy. I was quoted through the local store just for the kitchem alone was $38000.00. I had corian countertops made and installed the local store was $8000.00 I paid $3700.00. My list goes on and on about my savings. I have now moved over 1000 miles away and I am using the local Direct Buy here to remodel our new home. This was the best investment we have ever made. I have bought smaller item and the savings it not as big, like camping items, hunting items, excercise equipment, clothing and such, it is a smaller savings but you do not join for those type of savings, you join to save if you are doing large remodels rebuilding or huge redecorating, I just ordered my mom a computer desk she was going to pay $1800.00 at her local store I ordered it for 899.00 with shipping and tax and delivery it is $1150.00. I love this membership and all the money I have saved. It is not for someone who wants to buy clothes it is for the person who wants much bigger things in life and a better quality product. I am a very happy customer!!! I Love Direct Buy!!!!

8/9/2007 - Susan writes:
I became a Direct Buy member in 2004 and I have been extremely satisfied with both the products and service I've received at the Peoria, AZ location. So far I've purchased a new car, new carpet, hardwood floors, outdoor furniture, new tires, and numerous household appliances through Direct Buy. There was a problem with the carpet manufacturer and Direct Buy totally battled it out for me and saved me $400! I found the salespeople I dealt with in the presentation to be extremely honest and knowledgeable. I feel badly for people in other cities who were not dealt with in the same manner. I was told upfront about the 8% service charge as well as shipping charges. I was also told that major appliances (refrigerators, etc.) only have about a 10% mark up so it isn't always the better deal to purchase these items through DB. DB employees explained that major retailers sometimes can offer better deals - below cost prices because they buy in large volume or buy closeouts and thus get a volume discount from the manufacturer. I went in to DB to buy a new camera and they advised me to shop prices at retail stores because I could probably get a better deal. They suggested i use THEIR computer to shop prices online. I found what I wanted at a better price than DB had available and they were happy for me. Like I said, I've found them to be extremely honest and helpful.

8/2/2007 - Steve writes:
First, I am neither a Direct Buy employee (current or former) or have a financial interest in the company, short of a paid membership, in Chantilly, VA. Is the sales-pitch a little strong? It depends on how you view it. I do hate video sales-pitches and when making a membership decision, it needs to be done on the spot. I ask hard questions, since if I am going to make a decision, three-day recession law or not, I want to make an informed choice based upon facts, not fluff or emotion. By the way, I am on record for taking the most time in a membership sale in this particular facility. Prior to obtaining my membership, I bought a new house and needed to have it furnished. I did my homework on the cost of new furniture and other accessories (window treatments and such). In reviewing the catalog, I was able to compare what the pricing was, membership v. non-membership. Unlike most consumers, I had a house to fill, get married (Direct Buy helped with the invitations), helped with the interior-design of the house and so forth. If you are looking for a one or two item purchase, such as counter-tops or tile-flooring for the kitchen, you may not pass the break-even point for the membership, vs. purchasing something dramatically reduced for sale at a [] or [], just to get it out of the store or inventory. I can say with complete confidence that my membership easily saved me $35k, vs. going out and purchasing what was needed and the products were of high extreme value and quality. Even my wife was shocked, since she had some apprehensions about such a membership and its benefits. I can brag, my money and my decision, since I obtained the membership prior to our marriage. Again, this membership is not for everybody and I would encourage everybody to "Do the math" to determine if such a membership is warranted. Likes: 1. People and personnel- Always helpful and responsive! : 2. Quality of the product- equal to, but generally better than what you'll find at a retail store or outlet. 3. Prices- There is substantial savings in a number of areas, in some there are less. 4. Warranty- Extended warranty service is available on furniture. 5. Delivery- Granted it may cost more; they have a number of delivery service companies who can deliver and perform the set-up of your order, e.g. bedroom furniture, sofas, etc. Dislikes- 1. Gets crowded around holiday season 2. Service fees- Tack-on 7% (+/-) for your order, unless it is waived by a promotion. 3. Potential storage fees. Because of the limited storage area, there is a three-day time-limit to pick-up your items, unless other arrangements have been made. 4. The Contract- Finance charges are accrued at a high percentage rate. Either pay for your membership directly in cash or by a low-interest credit card or pay this note off, ASAP! 5. Timing of delivery- Plan to wait a period of time to receive your goods. Furniture can take up to nine weeks, so plan to start painting and laying the flooring before the furniture arrives. 6. Electronics (TV's, Stereo Systems, etc.)- The pricing and items needs to keep in line with release of new products or a drop in price, since this is done unexpectedly by manufacturers. Conclusion- If their services make my wife an extremely happy person, does my opinion really count? :) In my opinion, I would recommend Direct Buy to those who are in a similar situation in trying to find a way to use their dollars in a more effective manner. I believe it is incumbent upon us as good consumers to "do the math," ask pertinent questions and perform outside research. It works for me and my blushing bride.

7/15/2007 - Detroit writes:
Well all these people who think are not saving money are extremely ignorant and not intillegent. Money does not lie, profile, or discriminate. Saving money is a given with this company and I have been doing it since 1998. Saved over $33,000.00 since then and I have not even built a house. Fantastic. Bottom line how do stores stay business. Oh, thats right mark products up. Directbuy is cost plus shipping and handling and 8% handling fee covers any problems for company because they do not make any profits on merchandise. What a great concept and vision this owner came up with buying at cost. All the stores can kiss my ass with the ridiculus prices they charge. I will take my ass to directbuy and make financial sound decisions. It is truly a investment unlike a stock in the market which is speculative directbuy is a guarentee if you use it.. Why not buy the same thing you would in the stores but at cost. This negative talk is crazy and any reading this statement should join directbuy. Best Investment I have mae in my life. Thank You directbuy.

7/14/2007 - Nathan writes:
I saved $38,000 on my newly constructed home by being a Direct Buy member. $14,000 of which was just on the cabinets. I understand their high pressure meetings because of their arrangements they have with manufacturers. Direct Buy isn\'t for everyone I fully admit. It isn\'t for the occational average buyer. But for renovations, contractors, builders, remodelers, and the like, Direct Buy is a company heaven sent!

7/11/2007 - Anonymous writes:
We made up for our m-ship fee in 1 month by buying a Simmons king size mattress (found at discount store for $3500, pd $1100 through DB)and carpeting some of our home ($6 sq ft on sale vs .84 sq ft we paid through DB)Next up: kids furniture and hardwood floors!

7/11/2007 - Brad writes:
Member since 98 and have only had good experiences with them, even as I have continually relocated around the country. The issues people have with them center around the sales pitch-not their decision, and the initial fee-a one time charge. Any point one could make in defense has already been made. Direct Buy is as good as advertised, if you have a brain and any concept of how retail actually works.

7/5/2007 - Jennifer writes:
My husband and I joined last summer. We bought a house, and there were many things we wanted to repair or renovate so we went to Direct Buy for a tour. We were a little shocked by the membership fee at first, but when they showed my husband how much he could save on the brand name big screen tv he wanted, we were sold. We ended buying it and saved $1000 compared to the commercial stores we were looking at. We also bought many things to finish our basement. In just one year we have made up our membership fees from the great savings on their products. I do have to mention the products sold at Direct Buy are from quality manufacturers. You may find similar products but of less quality for cheaper prices. We made the mistake of buying my son's bed at [] because it was a little cheaper than Direct Buy. Well it was cheap in more ways than one. It fell apart after 3 months. We wished we had bought the one we saw at Direct Buy. I know it would still be in fantastic shape. If you don't need thousands of dollars worth of renovations or furniture for your home, Direct Buy probably isn't for you, but if you do you'll save money.

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