Best case: it makes a TON of sense and if you are doing a major home renovation or in the market for a lot of purchases, then you could make your up-front investment of membership pay off.

Worst case: Between smart shopping on your own and the handling fees that are assessed to some purchases via Direct Buy (as well as fees for delivery -- in some cases), etc. etc. the actual savings never quite pay off.

Bottom line: for the concept to indeed save you money, you have to save what you invest in the membership -- which isn't a small number.

Thoughts?

A couple of things you need to consider. The savings do not include shipping. You have to pay shipping. This will often push you into the not saving as much over some local or Internet deal you can find. Thus reducing the overall savings. Second you have pick up the delivery at the DB site, if you are not capable to support this, then another charge to deliver from DB, again reducing your savings. Fortunately, I have a trailer and have not had that issue, but I see it can be a problem. Some (not many) will ship to your home. Third often the return policy stinks, if there is even a return policy, and you have to pay for shipping to and from again unless it is a carrier problem. Also there are minimum buy options, we wanted a simple charcoal grill at 50% savings over the local prices. but I had to order a minimum $500 and I didn't need anything else, so I bought locally, but it was still less than the $500 I would have had to order from DB.

But it is not all bad, I have saved and I plan to keep track so I know when I break even and get ahead. I will need to buy a lot of stuff to do it but my wife is good at that, I guess it depends on what you buy how fast you plan to recover your investment. The above is purely opinion, I don't dislike DB or think poorly of their service. It's just not my idea of how I want to shop and buy and save money. It's like a super catalouge shopping solution.

FH_LH

1st thing is RUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN! GO AWAY FROM DB! DON'T FALL IN THEIR TRAP & THEIR NUMBER LOGIC. SURE IT SEEMS LIKE SAVINGS, BUT CACULATE IT YOURSELVES!

Our visit: We saw the ad on tv, called number, the rep took our address, and a couple of days later we got our "invitation" in the mail to the free open house. RED FLAG # 1: The rep who extended the "invitation" to the open house repeatedly called us (around 3 times a day)upto 1 hr before the open house. RED FLAG # 2: The open house was to start at 7:30pm. Once we got to the open house, the lady behind the counter took our invitation and shortly the "director" that was appointed to us greeted us and showed us around. RED FLAG # 3: He informed us we would be attending an 1 1/2 hr presentation about DB to explain how DB works and its RULES. At the end of the presentation, we were told we would have to shell out almost 5 grand for a 3 yr membership. RED FLAG # 4: We were also told, that we had to make a decision tonight or we would never in our life be able to become members. We were released to be re-greeted by our director who than gave us a survey. He attempted to persuade us to become members, all the while my spouse and I kept pointing out disadvantages of DB. RED FLAG # 5: During our conversation we saw the Location Director watching from around a corner. RED FLAG # 6: When we didn't seem to be persuaded by our individual director, other directors came by to ask our director how to run a credit card purchase. They seemed to think we wouldn't notice that it was the same credit card each time (even though it was brought by different directors). Did they think we wouldn't realize this was a scam? Our director parted from us momentarily so we decided to explore the "library" of manufactures and products. This would be the only way to see if there really is a benefit to using DB. The location director came by and asked if he could help us out. We repeatedly told him that it was late & were exhausted (by this time it was 9:30pm or later) and that we would like a day to decide if it is right for us or not. We told him it wasn't right for him to call us late at night and force us to make an expensive decision on the spot. He told us that is the option, and so we bid him fair well.

BOTTOM LINE: D0N'T FALL INTO THE CALCULATED MANIPULATION OF AN UPFRONT RIP OFF......

STAY AWAY FROM DIRECT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The high pressure tactic to get $5000 was the worst part.

It is worth noting that all DB offices are NOT alike. During the past 10 years, and various moves, we have used DB franchises at several locations in several states. I have to say there is a vast difference in management and service between each franchise. For example, in one place there was very little customer service. The place was dark, cramped, and there was a slightly illicit and shady feeling about it. It was no surprise when that particular franchise shut down.

However the franchise to which I currently belong is extraordinarily well run, with an excellent and very large staff including interior designers, a kitchen designer, an amazingly professionally run warehouse, and their member areas are pleasant, well organized, well lit, and quite lovely. The chairs are comfortable, the tables are polished, there are pads and pens at every table, and the staff is constantly checking to see if you need any help. There is a kitchen/cafe area where members can avail themselves of coffees, teas, snacks, etc. The owners of our current franchise are really attentive, warm, customer-oriented business people. They are members of the community, with children in the local schools, and support a number of local causes. I have a hunch this sort of atmosphere is entirely a reflection of the owners' values. I enjoy shopping there.

I understand people's issues with the savings vs. the cost of current memberships. I personally am satisfied with my membership and continue to shop there. However, I do it on an item by item basis, and am using a mix of purchases from DB with purchases from local and internet retailers, when the situation warrants it.

The company is not hurting like so many others are right now, look at how many jobs Direct Buy has open. Obviously it isn't a bad deal for everyone or they would be laying people off.

And then when they told me I would have to make a decision that very night, I couldn't believe it. What harm is there in going home to think about it or justify that indeed their prices are better than the competition? I would think they would WANT people to go home and say "wow, that was a good deal they are offering, now that I'm doing some research on prices..." Unless.... the research puts people on this thread.... a ha. Got it! We saved our money elsewhere, thank goodness.

Under the current economy, there will be bargains to be had, but better you do your own legwork and get the bargains where they are.

Google et al are also your friend in these cases, try a google search on them or anyone you're considering doing business with, in the search window it's helpful to add "sucks" to whomever you're looking up, you'll certainly see the dirt if there is any. Of course, for the most part you'll only hear the bad stories.

I'm sure their membership was comped. My sister looked into joining prior to a total home remodel and figured out based on their suggested savings and comparing it with typical local big-box deals, she would have had to spend a tremendous amount of money--several times more than she intended to spend--in order to recoup the membership fee, and besides, they didn't carry many of the brands she was interested in.

Instead of giving DB more credence, I think (for me, at least) it gives the radio personalities less credence as they're endorsing something that doesn't pass the smell test...

Only if you've recently been lobotimized.
Ron

I am not saying anything in particular about Direct Buy, but personalities/celebrities promoting a business do not confer credence in itself, although if people choose to see it that way, I suppose it does in some minds.

All having a celebrity up front means is you have the money to entice them to be a front person. They do it for a "consideration" ie a fee. They may or may not have been a member before, and their membership fee may have been waived as part or all of a consideration.

People should still do their due diligence. Personally with the economy as it is, who knows who will still be in business? If you want bargains, go to the source. There will be lots of selloffs and bargains to be had.

Great points! The only reason I even paid attention to the commercials is because of the negative feedback I have read so often on this site. I know the point is to get customers to feel like DirectBuy was worth joining because "so and so" is a member, but I assumed they wouldn't endorse something they didn't feel was worthy.

Ron, I thought is was getting "liposuction!" Man, was I duped!

Hello, All!

I've been a member for two years now. I've only purchased a mattress, dining room table and chairs, 290 sq ft of hardwood flooring, and my Christmas shopping. I've saved just over $6000 on these purchases. I'm a more high end shopper (by "I'm" I mean my wife picks what she wants; I could probably do without) and the savings can't be denied on the items I just mentioned. I've found a couple items (electronics mostly) that are not much savings, but the folks at Johnson County, Kansas got me the additional savings somehow.

Bottom line is that you have to be smart using Direct Buy and it is unbelievable.

The worst thing you can do is to listen to someone who is not a member or the couple of members who don't spend enough or are too impatient to see a great investment.

Just one (originally sceptical but very converted) man's opinion!

How much did you spend to "save just over $6000"?
And is the savings off MSRP or 'street price'?

Every time I have pocked hard at the purported savings they have not been real.

At 10% 'discount' you would have had to spend $60,000
At 50% off still $12,000.

Doesn't have as much credibility as someone who has been posting here for years. Doesn't prove he's a shill either, but it raises the possibility.

I'm skeptical of DB because I don't understand their business model. Costco has great prices because they move a massive amount of a very limited inventory-- only a couple laundry soaps instead of the dozens elsewhere. Walmart works because they have massive volume and space age inventory control-- no shelves of stuff gathering dust, no warehouses full of unsold product making its way to the stores at a snail's pace.

So how does DB make money? Not on volume, obviously. Which leads me to suspect that the astronomical membership fees are part of the story, and possibly high pressure sales tactics since you can't actually compare prices without physically surrendering yourself to the tender mercies of the salesman. Puts me in mind of the time share condo racket...

Mind, I only suspect this: not stating it as fact, can't be certain, never been there, dont sue me.

But a little transparency would allivate a lot of concerns: tell us how much the memberships are, publish the prices, let us decide for ourselves in the comfort of our homes, rather than in a face to face meeting on your turf.

We recently bought a house that we are furnishing and remodeling. I called DB to check it out, and although I knew it was a membership club, that wasn't off putting. When I was contacted about setting up the time for our presentation, I told the sales lady on the phone that I would either have to schedule something with only me or my husband present, or I would have to bring my child. We have a severely handicapped 5 year old who in addition to his numerous physical handicaps is also autistic and can't handle sitters very well. She told me that wouldn't be possible, which I understood and then I thanked her for her time and hung up.

In about an hour, she called again, this time asking if there was any way that I could have "family" come over and watch our son while we were at the presentation. I explained that all our family lives away and I just didn't think it would work. I thanked her again and hung up.

In LESS than an hour she called again, and by this time I was quite annoyed. This time she suggested that I see if my son's physician would CHECK HIM INTO THE HOSPITAL so I could come to the DB presentation. Well, that was just so ludacris that I actually laughed out loud, to which she responded "Well it seems to me that if your child is so sick you'd want to save all the money you can so you can afford to pay for him! You're obviously not that interested in his care."

Can I just say: Oh. My. God.

I gave her a few choice words, told her to take me OFF her call list and hung up. The next day, HER SUPERVISOR called and told me that if we didn't take advantage of this deal now, we could NEVER become members. I told him that sounded good to me...I didn't want to ever BE a member!

So...they left us alone for about three months, and now they've started calling again. Even after I relayed to the new people calling what has transpired, they still won't take us off their call list. My husband has taken to speaking Spanish to them when they call...lol

Anyway, a long story to say...Direct Buy stinks! LOL

That cracks me up. I've never heard anyone mention a high end brand name for the furniture they've purchased from Direct Buy. There's no way Baker, Hickory Chair, Century, and others of that caliber are letting that place sell their furniture.

High end my foot. Name some furniture brands.

You DO NOT need to spend thousands of dollars to join a glorified shopping club. This is a blatant, fraudulent rip off. You are much better to spend that money getting professional advise from a designer, contractor, who will get you the same, or better, discounts and ensure your purchases are smart, cost effective & RETURNABLE!

Contractor's don't like the whole Direct Buy scenario...they want to purchase the stuff and add their take....also, it takes too long to receive your product...sometimes 2-3 months...so you really have to plan ahead or be very patient realizing it's going to slow down your project.

If you have a contractor that will let you buy through Direct Buy and is taking 15 or 20% off of what you purchase at direct buy....plus direct buy adds their 8%...so depends on what you are purchasing (what discount you receive), I've found some things may not be worth it....I've made a deal with my contractor on this.

Direct Buy is not easy to deal with and generally speaking, the DB workers don't know anything about the products because they have ALOT of products and manufacturers...from low end to very high end. They tell you not to bug the manufacturer...right....I've called just about every manufacturer I've bought from. You do ALL the legwork and research. You search elsewhere for what you want, ask all the questions and then go to Direct Buy to purchase. Sometimes I feel bad because I know I'm not going to purchase from these stores with walls...but the savings has been worth it.
I bought Pella windows and saved a ton...my discount was less than contractor's pricing. I bought Greentree Exterior Walnut Doors and saved money. I bought 4 fireplaces from Napoleon, Lennox and Majestic and really saved! I'm buying my outdoor/interior lighting, kitchen/bath cabinets, plumbing supplies etc through direct buy. Appliances aren't worth buying there.

I could have bought my CertainTeed Cement siding through DB, but they were too much of a pain to deal with...

Untrue about kitchen design also...I've worked hours with a fabulous DB kitchen designer...and I worked with a couple of other kitchen designers previously and had a few quotes done..... so I feel that I know what I'm talking about there, however, I haven't ordered the kitchen cabinets yet, so the jury is out....

It seems like DirectBuy is pushing a membership/snob appeal to people who have too much money. I'd rather pay high markup to a kitchen designer or contractor who works for me than join a membership buying club like DB. Just my opinion.

You're state does not have a 'use tax'?

Almost all of them do for items purchased out of state that have not already had a sales tax applied.

I have a friend who asked me to go with him to his DB open-house and I agreed. He had the foresight to call them and advise them that he was bringing me. I am married and we have twins that are a year old. They told him that I MIGHT be able to attend with him IF I called and asked 1st but no children were allowed. I could understand a policy of 1 child per adult PLEASE. But NO KIDS?! Screw them. I'll spend my $ someplace where my family isn't such a liability. He called me last night to tell me how it went and to offer me to buy into his membership. He had to buy it because if you leave, you can't return for "7 years". Wow. No pressure. When I asked how much it cost to join his words were, "Are you sitting down?" $6,000 for 2 years then the annual fees after that. He's going to cancel it within 3 days unless I want to split it with him. They are too much of a pain to use to purchase an item as large and as expensive as siding? And this from the only good review they got here? AND my family isn't welcome? No thanks.

I think it odd that the question in this forum is "anyone used direct buy?" and the majority of responses are from people who went in for the "hard-sell" (that "you have to join NOW and you can't come back to join again for a year" can definitely be a turn-off) and they talk down something they have absolutely no experience with....I'm thinking they most likely couldn't afford the "buy-in" in the first place.

btw, I just bought a Hunter fan....LOWEST price I could find on the internet $429....got it from DB $269...carved cherry wood blades and all. Took 10 days to get here.

I'm getting ready to order Omega cabinets from DB. I had the same design quoted for almost twice as much given to me from another source....and now with the economy....there are sales going on....I love it!

on a bad note..... I ordered Fine Arts Outdoor Lighting $7,400 worth in May for my new house reno....nice stuff....Gucci lighting....supposed to come Sept 1st...I get an e mail mid August telling me the company has quality issues in China...won't be here until end of Nov......I cave (cuz they are awesome lights)....then 10 days later, they tell me....they don't know when they will be in...maddening! I cancelled the order and got my $$$$ back and now am seraching for new lights...but what can I say? You win some, you lose some. Comme ci Comme ca.