The Truth About Direct Buy
June 14th, 2008 Matt Posted in Industry News |
Have you seen the Direct Buy website? You can take an online tour that explains how Direct Buy works. Direct Buy has a good point when they say retail stores generally mark up their products to cover the cost of the store expenses. Direct Buy is offering you a chance to buy home furnishings without paying a retail markup. When you are a member, all you pay is the actual manufacturer’s price plus shipping and handling. Design, delivery, and installation options are also available. There are testimonials on the Direct Buy website. Here is an example:
“Yeah, we’ve been members now for about four or five months. And in that amount of time alone, I would say we’ve saved about seventy thousand. It’s just been phenomenal and we really hate to use the same old quote, but we’ve just hit the tip of the iceburg as far as you know. Building a whole new home, it’s just been a blessing in disguise because we’ve been able to do more than we really didn’t think we’d be able to.”
This is a strong message because the person who bought from Direct Buy was able to save so much. If you want to become a member, you can click on the Free Visitor’s Pass and fill out your contact information to receive a free visitor’s pass to a local Direct Buy center.
Have you searched for Direct Buy on Google? The number 2 spot when I searched Direct Buy on Google was complaints from actual people who have become members. It’s called Direct Buy Complaints and it’s worth looking into. When I checked, there were 34 pages totaling 668 complaints.
Some of the complaints include:
1. Sales pressure from the Direct Buy sales representatives.
2. You can’t look at the catalogs until you join.
3. Each showroom has different policies and fees.
4. You don’t know what you can buy until you join and do the research.
5. It cost $6000 to join at one Direct Buy location. If the person didn’t pay, they wouldn’t be allowed back for 7 years.
6. Membership costs between $2200 and $4500 to join at other Direct Buy locations.
7. You cannot cancel your membership after you join. You may not get your membership fee back.
8. You can’t order online. You have to order at a showroom.
That’s just some of the complaints I read on the first page. There are 34 more pages, so I’m sure there will be other similar complaints from other actual Direct Buy members.
It’s a good idea to read about other people’s experiences before deciding on investing money for the membership at Direct Buy. What do you think of Direct Buy? Have you had a good experience or a bad one? Post a comment and let us know.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
DirectBuy Sued!
A federal lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court in Hartford against the national high-end DirectBuy franchise operation, accusing it of falsely telling prospective clients that they are getting furniture, appliances and other household products at manufacturer prices.
In a lawsuit filed by attorney Seth R. Klein of Hartford, DirectBuy is accused of hiding the fact that DirectBuy receives rebates from manufacturers which are not directly passed on to their members, who pay as much as $7,000 to join for two or three years. The lawsuit, which seeks to be certified as a class action representing thousands of present and former members of the more than 100 franchises, was filed earlier this month. It follows a column on DirectBuy that disclosed the rebates, which are kept secret from its members and from those it entices to join through high pressure sales techniques.
DirectBuy officials had no comment on the suit but had said earlier that it uses the millions of dollars it received in rebates to the benefit of its members.
We will see what a jury has to say about that.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
How can one get out of membership of directbuy?
October 10th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
I’ve noticed the question, “How do I get out of a DirectBuy Membership?” across the Internet. This is what one member of DirectBuy did to get out of his contract membership - http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/226/RipOff0226748.htm.
Hopefully that gives you an idea. Does anyone else know how to get out of a DirectBuy membership? If you do, please post a comment.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Find a retailer selling the same product and see if thay would show you the actual manufacturers price. If you have access to the DB site we may be able to help you find a friendly retailer.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:13 pm
We did a large reno, bathroom and kitchen and although we did save $ on the high end appliances and fixtures the hassle of dealing with direct buy is just NOT NOt I say worth it. We had issues with a bathroon vanity that took 6 months to correct, the kitchen designer was lass than adaquit, actually she was horrific………….
I have 2 years left and will not be going anywhere near them to even attempt to buy anything…..
I say stay clear……..
April 21st, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Absolutely brutal service at Directbuy, Edmonton Alberta. I tried to relate my experience to standing in line at a checkout at a major supply store of any kind. I requested some product info from them and then waited 12 business hours before I heard anything back. Their so-called expertise is non-existant at the location and they have no interest in customer satisfaction. The long wait is only one problem of many we’ve had with this particular location.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Anyone who is dissatisfied with the directbuy in edmonton AB I would like to get a class action suit going to get my money back and shut them down. I have bought a lot of stuff through them in an honest attempt to make use of them but ultimatly I can find many things CHEAPER and with better service elsewhere. Direct buy is a lie… see their 8% handling fee etc. If you are a dissatisfied with directbuy edmonton email me at samdvrx@yahoo.com with enough names I would like to see about getting our money back….
May 27th, 2009 at 8:39 am
You get a salesman calling you everyday if you cancel your appointment to visit their show room .This style of high pressure sales is so typical of a company that only cares about selling memberships not product.If this is such a good deal why do they hound you over & over , not unlike
these two-bit companies that sell you a free alarm system,that ends up costing you two thousand dollars.I do not feel sorry for anyone who has been taken in by these tv ads (where do tou thik they get the money to pay for them)do you think that honest retailers can afford to have them sell the same product they do at their cost.How do you pay employees,building costs,electric,water,etc,etc.Yes even walmart makes a profit,but not by selling over priced memberships TO SUCKERS.
July 14th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Here’s something to consider. I was away for three months and came home to find that the show room in my area had closed. I received no notification that this had occurred and found out about it through a friend. Direct Buy didn’t inform me but they did send an email after my local show room closed asking to me invite friends and family to join. This is the kind of company they are. I haven’t even finished paying the membership fee yet and now I can’t get any money back. I was sold a service and it’s no longer available to me. Anyone in the Victoria BC area who are in a similar position as myself please contact me at neuro_paul@hotmail.com and perhaps together we can do something
July 15th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Anyone who is dissatisfied with the directbuy in Toronto ON I would like to get a class action suit going to get my money back and shut them down. I have bought a few stuff through them in an honest attempt to make use of them but ultimatly I can find many things CHEAPER and with better service elsewhere. Direct buy is a lie… see their 8% handling fee etc. If you are a dissatisfied with directbuy Toronto ON email me at kachmiifukan@hotmail.com - with enough names I would like to see about getting our money back.
August 8th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I went to a sales pitch last night in London Ontario. The red flag went up when they said if you did not get a membership now you will never be able to get one. Also they just stayed on topic how much you save on the retail price I have to question what about the delivery of a item and handling,etc.They did not touch on this subject at all for cost. Sure I could save on the item but I may be stuck paying 300.00 for delivery of a item and there goes my saving.The one thing I learned buying online you need to know the cost of shipping!!if you don’t you just may end up paying more for that great price yo see online. Direct Buy is not for me.
To DIRECT BUY …GO FIND ANOTHER SUCKER
September 4th, 2009 at 10:58 am
So it would seem that DirectBuy is actually a middleman between you and the marginally-marked up manufacturer price. How ironic.
Think i will stick with Home Depot, and anything marked up ridiculously by H.D., well i’ll shop online. and no $5000 fee.
September 6th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I joined DirectBuy back when they were called UCC Total Home. Same company, different name. I\\\’m assuming they changed it due to their poor reputation.
I got suckered by the \\"join now or you\\\’ll never be able to join again\\" ploy. I gave them a $1000 deposit and the rest went to a third party company on monthly payments.
I bought a Pentax camera through UCC Total Home for $500. Looked like a great camera, but little did I know it did not come with a lens! Just the body. By the time I bought the lens I could have bought the same kit at London Drugs for $200 less.
I ended up putting a stop payment on the pre-authorized payments. The company sent a collection agency after me, but I refused to pay and they eventually gave up.
DirectBuy is a scam! It\\\’s such a scam it should be illegal! But it\\\’s not and they\\\’ll continue with their tactics. I wish I had been able to find a forum like this back when I signed up.
September 9th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I also joined in 2002 when it was UCC Total Home.
Sorry to deviate here, but I didn’t have any of the negative issues reported above. I didn’t save any money on my first purchase because I bought more stuff with the approximately $3000 I saved on a kitchen appliance set.
There was some pressure to opt in right away, but when we called to make the appointment, we were encouraged (by staff at UCC TH in Brampton Ontario) to shop around for articles we needed so we could price compare when we came in for the pitch. We compared and the pricing was favorable. We haven’t looked back since.
I agree their tactics may be flaky in some locations, but it’s not like that across the board. Honestly, if it makes you uncomfortable, then don’t sign.
Some prices are beatable at retail. Especially when retailers are clearing stock, but I prefer not wait around for sales or deal with retail pressure tactics. At least at Direct Buy, you get it once, then never have to deal with it again.
I have saved allot of cash (probably around $35000 CDN) with my $160 per year membership over the last 7 years. For the record it was $2400 to join when I did, and I could have pocketed that on my first purchase had I not decided to get more stuff for our new home.
I am not trying to throw a wrench in the works here, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Hearing all these negative reports certainly indicates there are issues the company needs to address, but I just wanted to point out it’s not a nightmare for everyone.
September 24th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Here’s the skinny on Direct Buy… Manufacturers do not sell direct, they sell through distributors, who sell to Direct Buy and at a higher price than the Retailer pays. Then Direct Buy does indeed mark this price up. Now factor in your membership fee, add your 8% service fee, freight, and all the service related problems. What are you paying now… compare this price to your local retailer. OH… you can’t shop it now… they have you locked in since they have your membership money. You are not getting any value through Direct Buy.
How do I know? I own one of those dreaded “retail” stores in the tile industry and we do some wholesale distribution. Direct Buy has contacted us several times wanting to buy tile through us. I would not do business with them due to their underhanded marketing program. However, an associate of mine does sell to them. They pay more up front, mark the tile up, tag on the 8% service fee, add freight (which there isn’t any freight on the original order with this distributor), and they have several thousand dollars of your money up front. What a Deal. When did “retail” become a four letter word. Retail business is the back bone of this country. How many “Direct Scam” customers make their living working for a “Retailer”? Ah… the power of major marketing. Your best value is a local retailer who is a true professional in their trade with years of experience. Oh, by the way, you will not find these guys at you local big box stores either. They are almost as bad as the buying clubs.
October 7th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Incase no one has seen the new infomercials DirectBuy offers a 30day FREE TRIAL membership. This eliminates any confusion or threat of high pressure sales tactics.
80% of DirectBuy members renewed membership…if 80% of THOUSANDS of member renew membership with a 37y old company they’re OBVIOUSLY doing something right.
At the location I work for all our members get Manuf. rebates and always have for the last 11years.
People like Phil is the reason the founder of UCC/DirectBuy created DirectBuy…There is a 40-50% MARK UP on tiles that means DirectBuy members save 40-50% on TILES. I would lie too if i was Phil.
Do you want to pay $750+8% for a $1500 couch and wait a few weeks or do you want to pay $1500 and maybe get it within the next few days or maybe you have to wait anyways because the store doesn’t have it in stock anyways…….Your call…It’s always your call..D
irectBuy is an option..if you want to get it right away shop retial. If you want to save money and can deal with waiting and paying an 8% shipping & handling fee (that FYI is openly discussed at Open houses) then shop Direct at DirectBuy
My location has an A+ rating with the BBB and has had one complaint in 36months that was resolved.
The Brickk Corp Office:
BBB Rating
Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of B on a scale from A+ to F.
BBB processed a total of 421 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 421 complaints closed in 36 months, 149 were closed in the last year.
Reasons for this rating include:
•421 complaints filed against business
•Advertising issue(s) found by BBB.
Click here for an explanation of BBB Ratings
The company met with the BBB on August 22, 2007, to discuss ways to correct the underlying issues of their complaints.
DIRECTBUY Corp OFFICE:
BBB Rating
Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of A on a scale from A+ to F.
BBB processed a total of 27 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 27 complaints closed in 36 months, 19 were closed in the last year.
You tell me who you want to shop with!
October 11th, 2009 at 5:11 am
I recently joined direct buy after reading all the warnings about joining. I thought I could beat the odds because I recently purchased an old house that I am totally renovating.
I have saved but no where near level promised or expected. Here’s the deal with Direct Buy. The only real savings you will see is on appliances.
I recently bought 7 appliances - all GE profile. Fridge (PGS1PJXSS), wall oven (PCT916SMSS), microwave with trim kit (JEB186SCNSS), Electric cook top (JCP346SMSS), dishwasher (GLD8312PSS), warming drawer (PTD915SMSS)….Total price $7066 taxes included. Retail, these might be around $14000…but you might decrease this to about $9K if you catch the sales or go to a store like TASCO or Appliance Canada. So at least on paper, I got the membership fee back, but I spent days on end going back and forth between direct buy and retail stores. I am a bargain hunter so I didn’t mind this so much, but if you value your time this is costly. In fact, if I were to put a cost to my time, I spent retail.
I purchased JENNAIR appliances and a week later found out that 3 of them were not in stock or discontinued. So even though my kitchen was designed around JENNAIR products I had to sit there and select new products all the while checking to make sure that they fit with the specs for the kitchen. This is another significant problem, although they deal with appliance manufacturers like Kitchen Aid or Jennair, they never have access to the full line of products [manufacturers do this on purpose]. So you won’t be able to get a wall oven from Kitchen Aide or a black fridge from Jennair, even though you see it in retail stores.
If you are not buying appliances, don\’t even bother joining. The best you could hope for is to pay the same money for a slightly better product. I also found that in many cases they are not dealing with manufacturers, but distributors; so, on the products you might really want, you will never see the savings. In most cases they slap on an 8% handling fee that brings you right back to retail. This is a business that is not only based on your hard earned $5000.00 but the handling fee. Their marketing strategy is about portraying retail chains in a bad light, but they are a retailer too and a very inefficient one at that.
When I joined, they promised a 63% saving off retail (not a specific brand) on my kitchen. I got 3 quotes prior to Joining ($19K, $19K, $25K). Two were from custom cabinet makers, the other from LOWES. At Direct Buy they carry 3 brands Cabico, Kitchen Kraft, and Kraft Maid. Cabico was equivalent to the cabinets I wanted. After the kitchen was designed the cost came to $15,700 +designer fee of $1350 + a handling fee of $1200 +installation of $2500 = $20750. Because I had already paid for the membership and the designer fee….I decided cut back on the kitchen and take out some components and proceeded with the order $12, 700 +designer fee of $1350 + a handling fee of $1000 +installation of $2500 = $17, 550. For all the trouble, the unavailability of the designer, and the delay in the delivery of the kitchen, I should have just gone with one of the other 2 companies.
After complaining about the cost and delays in delivery time and the unfulfilled promises of Direct Buy, the manager (MARK PRATI) and the customer service manager started giving me the cold shoulder. I even went in to talk to the customer service manager about the delivery time on the cabinets and the recent changes to my appliances, and got a total brush off (she told her customer service rep she has nothing to do with kitchens and that I should speak to the designer).
After Direct Buy gets your membership fee you are on your own.
When you pay $5000.00 for a membership you expect superior service…..NOT AT DIRECT BUY. If you complain, they totally just side with one another….they don’t even listen to a legitimate concern.
They have a price match guarantee, but you will never see it because they carry brands that you rarely seen anywhere else. I bought pot lights….the customer service rep misread the order….so I missed her oversight and waited 4 weeks only to find out I got 5 pot lights instead of 30. When I ran out to Home Depot they had a different brand at a much lower price $8.00 lower. They would do the price match because the price match has to be done when you submit the order.
I wanted hardwood…but found a better deal outside. It’s not so much that they didn’t have a wide selection of hardwood, but they don’t carry all brands and the cost is sometime more than you will get with a sale.
Right now I am ahead about $4000.00 and in a better position than most. Never-the-less, I would not recommend going down this road if you are a bargain hunter.
Direct Buy has some of the poorest customer service I have ever experienced. Home Depot may be cheap and common but they assist you and they treat you nicely. Furthermore, the ability to see a product in real life and time, point to it, order it, and have it delivered or picked up the same day is PRICELESS.
The decision is yours to make….but proceed with caution.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:22 am
I have never taken the time to actually comment on the internet. After ready all these comments, I am really confused, are we taking about DIRECTBUY, the company that allows home owners to buy direct from the manufactures?
Even after you add all the charges, it is still the CHEAPER route. Keep in mind that you have to compare \\\\"APPLES TO APPLES\\\\", to have an honest example of savings!
I have been a member of UCC/DIRECTBUY for 10 years. I thought I could get better prices outside of Directbuy. In the 10 years I am yet to find manufactures prices cheaper at retail stores compare to Directbuy. I price compare all the time!
I have purchased things like gifts,everyday items, little home reno(to sell my home), to building from scratch. I do still buy retail, about 20% of my purchases is done that way.
It is a matter of choice to pay Mark-Up or Save it! Please do yourselves a favour, for those that still have the ability to join Directbuy, Make your own decision. Do research on some of the products that you are looking at before you attend an Open House, this way you can make a Real Educated Decision to join.
I didn\\\\\\\’t like the fact that I had to do it now or never be allowed back, but when I did the math it just made sense. It keeps the retail stores in business. Some join, some don\\\\\\\’t that is what they want. The CONCEPT sells itself.
I am really sorry for those who feel that Directbuy is not meeting their needs in regards to customer service issues. I just know that Toronto North Club has services to help members like myself with finding products or just spending time to help with selection(Personal Shopping Service). This has helped me out greatly. I love this service, I use it all the time. Thanks Guys I know that I can be a pain sometimes!
Please let your club know that you need help, or come to my club TORONTO NORTH, the staff are great.
Just to let you readers know that no matter where you shop, you are still dealing with people. Not everyone is perfect. I know that I am not. I can be a difficult member at times. One thing for sure we are all consumers!
The membership is worth every penny. Savings is savings, no matter the amount.
October 17th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
My husband and I took a tour of a location in Alberta. Just walking in the door - we were shocked. I expected to see actual kitchen & bath displays, appliances… instead of a small room chock full of catalogues and small tables and chairs much like a library. There were a bunch of young sales people hanging out in front of their computers almost like a telemarketing office. Not what we expected.
Our sales rep was a slick young guy who kept pounding home the fact that we would save 65% over retail. When I started to ask him more in depth questions he told us to sit down and watch a 30 min. video. My husband was about to walk out when he found out about the $5000 membership fee but I wanted to see more. More of what - catalogues??? I had concerns about customer service, technical support, installation… When our sales guy told us that he would be our kitchen designer I nearly died! Then we found out that if we didn\’t agree to sign up today (Hard Sell), then we couldn\’t join unless we wanted to pay $6000 for our membership.
I did take the opportunity to ask members looking over a catalogue about their experience. They said it had been OK but warned me about checking all items before they ship because returns are difficult. Also, shipping can be expensive.
Long story short, we walked out after 30 mins without a membership. Total high pressure sales people (almost pyramid scheme ish), lack of technical support (or expertise for that matter), terrible return policy and an expensive membership that makes you feel like a prisoner is not for me. We also live to far away to micro manage every purchase.
We received a quote from a local retailer that was higher that DB. This company has followed up on every question we have asked and have bent over backwards to create the kitchen we want. I figure, whatever we pay out in cabinets we will recoup in customer service and professionalism.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Heres the deal, I hope somone will reply to this.
On October, 7th 2009 my husband and I went to one of the shows they do. It was really long, and I really just wanted to pass out on their couch. But the guy who was talking trying to sell everyone on Directbuy was charismatic and funny. Which ofcourse, made me more comfortable with the idea of buying. There were lots of things that sent little red signals to my brain, but for some reason I decided to ignore them because the way they sell it to you makes it seems like an exellent idea to join. We gave them $200 and were to give them $490 on october 24th. It is now, the 25th. We didn\’t go to pay and get our full membership, we didn\’t not call to reschedule. I DO NOT WANT THIS MEMBERSHIP. It says that the membership starts as soon as you sign the agreement. We were told that our memberhsip wouldn\’t start until they recieved full down payment, soo? Since technicaly our membership hasn\’t started yet, and we haven\’t even payed the full downpayment, could I cancel? Would they expect me to still pay them some money? What are my options? Anyone!? PLEASE?! If anyone can help me, please email or write back on this board, I will be checking daily. x.ariel@hotmail.com
October 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Everyone who is posting negitive comments about direct buy
how long have you been members? - its a lifetime membership- obviously it wouldn\’t be worth it right away- youll save the money over a long period of time- when appliances break down etc…
I just joined last week- am having a house built and in my first purchase of appliances and furniture i will have saved money- not the entire membership fee- but i am still confident that I will save money throughout the years
you can find some stuff cheaper or the same- but quality is important and if you can buy better nicer things for the money youd spend anyway- its worth it just for that
if the high presure sales are something that you hate -dont even bother going to the open house- they are very high presure. I was lucky because i got the scope from a friends parents who are members before going so i knew what i wanted
November 13th, 2009 at 9:08 am
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November 20th, 2009 at 11:45 am
My DirectBuy horror story is very similar to those listed here. I was unfortunately one of the \"suckers\" who bought into the great savings offered.
I have purchsed a few items now and saved a total of about $280, but my favorite is that now [a month and a half later] I receive a bill for \"additional freight\". IF I pay the bill that will drop my savings down even further. Liek others I called and complained and was told \"to bad, we are not cancelling your membership\".
I am not saying anything new, I know that. The other postings here say it all. I think if you can buy everything for a brand new house this club may be for you. If you are an average joe like I am… avoid DirectBuy like the plaque!!! You will not see the savings promised and the customer service DOES NOT EXISTS, so please do not even talk about it anymore.
For those thinking about DirectBuy memberships, keep this in mind, things they never tell you:
1: huge membership fee
2: if you price shop you can find items online for typically about $20-50 more, but shipping is included and shorter delivery times
3: prices shown are NOT INCLUDING SHIPPING, which typically is extremely execive.
4: handling fees are extra
5: [heres the big one] DirectBuy reserves the right to send you addition bills for up to two months if they feel the shipping sharges are above what you have been quoted originally.
Think long and hard about joining. I personally would warn anyone thinkning about it to stay away, you will have better luck online or with local dealers.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:26 am
My wife and I purchased a membership end of October. After going through their \"wow\" speach we decided to join. We searched local distributors after joining and found that unless you are doing a remodel or purchasing major appliances, we felt the $5500 to join just wasn\’t for us. So we called to cancel out membership. We canceled within the 10 days that you have to cancel, which they failed to mention. They then have 14 dys to refund the money per their policy I believe. I have called about my refund every day for 10 days. I was promised that it would be done 4 days ago. $ days ago was 3 days after the 14 days that they said they had. It is now 21 days after canceling and I still don\’t have my money refunded to me. They return 1 phone call per 5 I leave. They are quick to take your money, but don\’t want to give it back. I would really consider if this is worth it for you prior to joining. They do the impulse buy strategy. They say that it is your 1 and only chance to join and you won\’t get another chance to do so. I don\’t believe it, they have no problem taking money. You might want to check the Better Business Bureau prior to going to their orientation meeting and see if there are any complaints about your local Direct Buy. I feel that there is no professionalism, all they want to do is hit their quotas. All you are is a $$$ sign to them.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:02 am
Direct Buy just moved to bay area, today (nov 28th, 2010) went to an appointment with these guy, was terrible, the sales woman Jessica was really pushing us to buy the membership, when my husband told him straight that he was not willing to pay that membership she told him: dude I’m gonna send you back to watch the video because obviously you didn’t catch anything” what??? are you basically telling my husband that he is stupid just because he doesn’t want to buy your bull…? These persons have 0 knowledge when it comes about to deal with CUSTOMERS.
An as everybody else I think furniture is something you need to see it and try buy yourself, sit on the couch, see the color and textures in real life instead of a paper, finally your furniture is what it make a house comfortable or the opposite, so I would rather prefer to spend more time and even money on something that I have seen and tried before buying.
December 28th, 2009 at 5:14 am
I have been a DB member for about 4 yrs now in Edmonton. I have spent over $90,000 at DB for numerous items including furniture and appliances. I have recouped my $4000 sign up fee. Yes it is a high pressure sales pitch…buy now or forget it. I do have a problem with these handling fees. I can understand shipping on SOME items but why do they need to charge a handling fee on a cordless telephone that takes abolutely no time to load or unload and takes very little room to store for a day or two but if you order a set of appliances, which are obviously heavier and take up many times more space than the telephone, there is no fees applied in most cases. Not that I want to implement fees for them, but how do they justify handling for some items and not others? Another item was a gas BBQ which came complete with a $300+ handling fee…totally outragious. Still saved about $500 in the end over retail, but at the end of the summer, the BBQ was probably marked down that $500 for clearance.
I bought an Ashley kitchen table with 8 chairs (pub height) and with all fees and US exchange, I paid $1020 CDN and The Brick had the same set for $2200. There are some great savings to be had but you have to watch your prices. TV’s vary in savings, if any. I purchased a 22 x 22 garage package complete with doors, siding and delivery and saved over $1000 from what Home Depot, Revy and Totem quoted me. You can go to some retailers who deal with DB and buy direct from them at discount prices. Also saved about $300 on a 12 x 20 deck package delivered.
Sevice at the Edmonton location is questionable sometimes and I have not used their expertise on installations for anything so I can’t comment on that. I heard that they are planning on moving to a larger location very soon so hopefully they will update their binders and have better displays. Also hoping the website will be updated more frequently and also have shipping and handling fees so we have a better idea of what the final cost is. They also need to give the potential member access to some of the binders to give you an opportunity to actually see what you are getting.
If you are going to a showing, take an flyer or two with you from, for example, an appliance store and electronics store and do some comparison for yourself that day.
Bottom line is if you are going to join, it can be well worth it, even though it is now $5000+ if you join that day or $6000+ if you do the 30 day trial, but you HAVE to make use of it. If you are just going to buy an can opener or a set of blinds, save your money, but they do have almost everything, except food and computers. They do handle limtied clothing, but not alot.
January 27th, 2010 at 5:42 am
The Center for Media Research has released a study by Vertical Response that shows just where many of these ‘Main Street’ players are going with their online dollars. The big winners: e-mail and social media. With only 3.8% of small business folks NOT planning on using e-mail marketing and with social media carrying the perception of being free (which they so rudely discover it is far from free) this should make some in the banner and search crowd a little wary.
http://www.onlineuniversalwork.com
February 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I just wanted to put my two cents into this discussion. I have been working at DirectBuy for over a year now. I am a service associate. I stride on providing excellent customer service to our members, and it shows in my work. I see the savings everyday from our members. Out of every 2000 orders I place, yes, we do run into an issue where an item is cheaper at retail, but we have policies in place to correct this. We will always beat the price, as long as it’s apples to apples, ALWAYS. In any industry, you are going to find a service personelle that is unpleasent- that’s life honestly. I know at our store personally, there is NOTHING pushy about our “sales pitch.” Unfortunetly, anywhere you go in life, you cannot please every single person, again, thats life! Membership costs may seem “pricey” but that is why we invite the public to come and sit in on an open house, to show the benefits of buying a membership, and the savings. After reading every single post on here, I am quite blown away by some of the comments. Like the one on the “high mem. fee’s and not making any money off the products & so on” Our memberbership fee’s cover costs such as, paying employees, paying the bills and such- we do not make money off the unit prices themselves- we do not secretly mark them up to make a buck. There are some items that are charged an 8% handling fee to cover costs. And no, you are not always going to save THOUSANDS of dollars on lock ticket priced items- it’s impossible. But, would you take $50.00 and flush it down the toilet? When wondering about DirectBuy, you need to look at the WHOLE picture, not just the membership costs. If you are renovating, or remodeling, it’s definitly worth your time. We don’t only sell Kitchens, Flooring and furniture- we sell shoes, jackets, shirts, coffee, tea, dog food/cat food, log homes, tires, blinds, sun glasses, watches, wedding invatations, and SOO MUCH MORE! If you come in for an Open House, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you wish! If you have something in mind you’d like to purchase, feel free to bring in the model #, manufacture name, and retail price to compare! Yes, they will not let you freely shop in the catalogues, but they can assit you in showing a few pricing examples. –Well that’s MY two cents– Thanks!