Hi, I just got a flyer in the mail about a DirectBuy store openning up in Saskatchewan. I have seen their infomercials on late-night TV and was just wondering if anyone knows anything about this company. Has anyone ever joined or dealt with DirectBuy? Is it worth it to join? How much does it cost? Anyone or anyone you know?

Thanks for any information you are willing to share.

Ok... I've never heard of them, but checked out their website. I'm leery. They say how consumers spend so much with retailers... yet they are middlemen themselves! I'd compare their prices to WalMart, Target, etc. and see how good they really are.

... just my 1.5 cents worth...

Hmmmm... what are the membership prices? It really bothers me when you can't get that information from their website nor can you get their term and conditions.

This is what I'm saying. They still have to make their money. Is it really that good for us as consumers.

I agree, I would be a bit sceptical.

However, any new membership store has an open house for anyone to use.

I know when a new Costco Warehouse opens up, the first week or so, any member of the public can use the facility. Then you will need a membership.

So perhaps try the free open house at, see if you like it, then see if it is worth the savings with having to pay for the membership.

Yes, actually we got a phone call and an invitation. The thing that struck me was that they didn't want us (my husband and I) to go without the other one. We had to show up together. It just seems a little off to me. I think DirectBuy has been popular in The States for quite a while. I thought maybe someone would know something about it. When my husband gets home, I guess we'll have to go check it out together.

If they have a "seminar" then I'd be extremely apprehensive. But then again I'd stay to see what the "catch" is and speak up. It's all business. :D

The thing that struck me was that they didn't want us (my husband and I) to go without the other one. We had to show up together.

That's actually not unusual. What they want is to make sure a decision can be made then and there. Their market research probably shows that people who leave without signing tend not to come back. So they don't want people to leave saying they need to consult their spouse.

My husband and I are doing major renovations to our kitchen and 2 baths, checked it out to see if we could save money, here is the long and short of it
(actually their speel is 2 hours long) you both have to go (husband & wife)
And are shown a long presentation about how you can save 400 bucks on this here Movado watch and these here boaters shoes that are the men are wearing and if you really have some money to spend you can save thousands on kitchen cabinets and furniture! Sounded kind of creepy fronm the get go but we listened, and turns out it is $4,500 to join for three years ( but they insist you will make your money back if you purchase a lot of high end items)
Anf then it is $299 for the next 7 years to maintain membership. Then you are told to join tonight or their sorry but you can never come back because "now you know all of thier insider secrets" I couldn't believe my husband gave the guy some cash to let us think about and come back (the owner signed a piece of paper saying if we decide not to join we can have our cash back) so anyway we decided not to join and I went over there last night and was told the owner wasn't there and he signed it so I could call tomorrow to make sure he was there because he is the only one who can give us our money back. Well as you can guess I called and called and no one answers, they have a reservation line, so you can sign up for a tour, but no one answers the phones at the showroom. I faxed over our receipt and letter stating we will not be joining. I will also go over there tomorrow, wish me luck. BUYER BEWARE!! :eek: Think about it why would you spend money to save money? Maybe if the fee were like 500 bucks and you could save but 4,500? Stinks of a timeshare/pyramid, the people who work there are probably just trying to recoop some of the money they lost joining! Ha:D

WOW... and... OUCH!!

That is scarey. I am forsure staying out of there. Or I guess we could go and have a look, just to never return. That's crazy what they are proposing. Thank you very much for sharing. If we decide to go, I'll let you know if it was the same for us.

Wow, I agree with Aqua, that is crazy baltimorehon.

Sometimes companies can be a real scam.

Thanks for sharing!

And good luck with getting your money back.

Going there in person, making a big stink in front of other potential buyers will probably get them to give you your money back to get you out of there.

After that, report them to the better business bureau.

I just saw their weekend infomercial and they actually said (I kid you not):
"The more you spend, the more you save!"

I guess that commercial is aimed at the fiscally irresponsible. :D

I have just recently joined Directbuy in New York (Long Island). It has only been a week and I am dissatisfied already. After joining I went in and they gave me a 10 minute Orientation. (film). After that of course as a new member you have questions. The woman who I was asking questions with seemed quite annoyed that I was asking them. Second of all I went in for skylights and they do not have any books on skylights but was able to send me to one of their window distributors (more gas and time). He was able to give me a $700 discount price but I could not get an installer at a discount price so I ended up not using the source at all.

(this is whammies already)

I went back yesterday (11/5/06) to look about some Mikasa dishes that they have in their monthly catalogue that is given to you when you first sign up. There was some 4 piece setting dishes advertised for $40 through them. The Mikasa book was no where in the showroom to be found. I then had the owner of this location look online and he could not find them or much either.

I have also been informed about various websites that you can go on to but none of them work. The latest one http//:members.directbuy.com. It is almost Christmas and I can't log in??

Also the hours are not convenient and you cannot contact anyone by telephone. When you call all you get is an answering machine. I asked the receiptionists about this the first day and apparently they only answer the phones certain hours of the day??

I have also been reading things on the web. Saying that the shipping and handling fees that you have to pay can be very expensive and you end up not really saving much money. If by chance there is anything wrong with the item, or the wrong one sent you to, you are also responsible for paying for the return fees.

I want to cancel since I am only a week old member I am hoping that they won't give me a hard time. I did pay on credit card and I will fight the dispute.

I'm glad I asked. It looks like it is no where near as good as it seems. I guess a person should just go with their gut. Thanks for sharing your story. From the sounds of it, you may not have much luck getting any money back.

I am on a payment plan.

The ones I have seen are a buyers club, and basically don't have a big store like Sams or Costco here in the US. They have catalogs that you order things from. If you were going to funish your entire home in a year or two, if you don't mind not seeing what you are buying, it would be OK.

But with this, it is hard to return any item you don't want and have to use a service contractor for any service work, Not like having a dealer you buy from. There are at times benefits from paying a little more from a local dealer.

I love Sams Club and do same money over all but you have to watch things, since some items are cheaper other places.

Fr Chuck, thank you. I do a lot of Costco shopping and watching for deals. I have decided to pass on the DirectBuy thing. I wouldn't be spending enough money to make it worth my while anyway.

I joined about a week ago. I am having the same problems that you are, Direct Buy Dissatified. If you do get your money back or get it satification, please let me know. I can't seem to get anyone there to help with any of the web site problems. It's like once they have your money they forget you. They got what they wanted.

Rockymtj

My mom is a bookeeper at the DirectBuy in Vancouver, BC.
Here is what I can tell you, from an "insider's" point of view.
DirectBuy is a franchise operation-so each DB will be run as well as the person who owns the franchise runs it.
Their sales staff are all people who have done high pressure sales. They will not hire someone who has not.
You can save a scad of $$$ on stuff, but only if you are buying a lot of high end. Only the really rich people who change up their homes every couple of years can really benefit.
When you add the shipping, handling and taxes, you are roughly at what you would pay retail minus taxes. (suggested retail price).
My mom got a membership through work. We have used it to buy laminate flooring, and saved approx $300. What would have cost us $1000 cost $700. We have also purchased paint-35% off. I have gotten printer cartridges and saved about $30 for 2 of them. The savings are better if you can go directly to the supplier with your membership #. We will probably buy a TV through them-although we haven't shopped around yet. It's probably OK if you are going to be doing renos, but the stuff you have to send away for takes a long time to come back, plus you have to pay s/h.
The center my mom works for is being slightly mismanaged, but not as badly as some out there. The franchise doesn't come with a management course, like many franchises do. They do use a hard sell on the potential franchise owners too, at trade shows and the like, so the owners are not guaranteed to be good management material. Overall, it's probably a better deal to go to Costco or someplace for the average Joe Blow homeowner.

My wife and I joined in June and the first couple weeks we had problems because iur account was being set up. Since then I have shopped around and for the most part, can not find any better prices than at direct buy. We went because we started a house remodle and signed up. The 4500.00 was a lot and have had to put the remodle on hold because we want to pay off the bill. Which we did this month. After much shoppiong and checking everything from tile to appliances I will attest to the fact we only found 2 items cheaper elsewhere. 1. a nutone bath exhausst fan and 2. a jetted tub. Furnature and Julery are HUGE, HUGE savings. I am talking 50-70% off retail priceing. I will let you know how the ordering and pickup process is afetr we order some things. Two days ago I checked out a tankless water heater from direct. It was about 350.00 cheaper than anywhere online. Luckly a frind owns a heating company and I got one from him for 750.00. It was a little more than Direct but no wait. Go Direct buy you need to have some lead time because most items are 3-6 weeks out but well worth the savings. I will leave an example here. One person look up an item and give me manufacturer and model number and best price you can find and I will post the saving from Direct buiy..

I don't think anyone disputes that Direct Buy's prices are very low. But that's artificial when you consider the very high buy in. So you can buy $4000 living room set for $2000. Would you have bought that set in the first place or would you have bought one for $2500? And how much will you have to buy to make up the initial buy in? If you buy that $4000 living room set, then you still are $2500 in the hole.

This is similar to the issue one finds in many of the outlet malls. Yes the malls have great prices. But let me give an example. During the summer I was shopping for cargo pants. I bought 2 pair at a Bass Outlet. They were $25 marked down from $45. Later on I found pants at a Target for $15. Now the Bass pants were clearly a better pant. But the Target pants would have suited my purposes just as well. So did I save $20 or did I pay an extra $10?

There are people who will benefit from a place like Direct Buy. People who would normally buy brand name high ticket items. And lots of them to make back the original investment. But most people would probably not benefit.

You are correct. It comes down to choice. To go along the lines you were stating a person could do all there cloths buying at a second hand store and save big money over time. The higher end items have a bigger discount at direct buy the lowere end items atill have savings though.

Earlier in the thread someone wrote about a 299.00 yearly member fee for three years. Actually ours is $199.00 yearly membership set for ten years.

I guess one good point to make would be, if a person is buying items for a house and the item is a low end wood floor for $2.99 a sq. ft. instead you could get a mid end floor for the same price. I think if one is in a house over a number of years the overall value of the house and resale would be a further benefit of not looking for a cheaper product but getting a better product for the same price.

On a side note. I would say direct Buy is deffenatly a plus for the do it yourselfer.

Thank you very much for sharing. I have to agree with Scott here, it looks like it might work for some people. I don't think I will ever spend enough to make it worth my while. Well I guess one day I might but that is one long shipping period.

I'm A Member It Is Great If You Are Buying Or You Are Building A New Home But They Can't Get There Web Sight Up, So Shoping At Home Is Crap, They Had Told Me I Could Shop Online For X-mase And Still No Web Sight. The Savings Are Big Membership Is High $$$$ So You Have To Really Buy A lot To Get Your Money Back. Some Of There Rules Are Stupped. They Like To Lie, Any More Info Wright Back.

Anytime I have them ask me to show up with my spouse or "else" it usually pegs my BS meter. I have been "suckered" enough and sat through enough presentations to make one puke on command. (Not a quick study. HAHAHA)
They use this ploy on everything from timeshares to window installs, carpeting etc... If it is truly a good deal they would not need to use extreme pressure and one time only deals to get people to join. My opinion...

Is the DirectBuy membership agreement cancellable within three business days by Federal Law?

The membership agreement states:

"Members understand this program is not sold on a trial basis and that no refund of membership fees will be made. Members do not have the right to terminate the Membership Agreement without paying the amount remaining for this Membership. "

There is no statement of three business day cancellation period anywhere on the agreement. Contract was signed in the state of Rhode Island and I live in MA. Any idea on what my rights are? Not having any lunk on the RI.gov website on consumer protection for this.

You pay upfront and they can hold onto your cash for weeks or months and delay the order to their financial interest.
This is a bad contract and does not have any guarantee and they have the right to adjust prices and shipping costs on ordered and delivered products with no right to contest.

The federally mandated right of recission applies to credit transactions:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=254a85051e8d3a1125b1189ac28712be&rgn=div8&view=text&node=12:3.0.1.1.7.3.8.7&idno=12)+
(a) Consumer's right to rescind. (1) In a credit transaction in which a security interest is or will be retained or acquired in a consumer's principal dwelling, each consumer whose ownership interest is or will be subject to the security interest shall have the right to rescind the transaction, except for transactions described in paragraph (f) of this section.47

Try researching right of recission for RI and MA to see if there is any more comprehensive local laws. You can always try and bluff your way by sending them a cancellation notice as per your Right of Recission.

The federally mandated right of recission applies to credit transactions:

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=254a85051e8d3a1125b1189ac28712be&rgn=div8&view=text&node=12:3.0.1.1.7.3.8.7&idno=12)+
(a) Consumer's right to rescind. (1) In a credit transaction in which a security interest is or will be retained or acquired in a consumer's principal dwelling, each consumer whose ownership interest is or will be subject to the security interest shall have the right to rescind the transaction, except for transactions described in paragraph (f) of this section.47

Try researching right of recission for RI and MA to see if there is any more comprehensive local laws. You can always try and bluff your way by sending them a cancellation notice as per your Right of Recission.

This is only good for real estate transaction.

Plan to honor the agreement and hopefully it works out in three years worth of large purchases like furniture and cabinetry. I see a number of suspect "new" posters saying it's good when the question comes up and a few who say it's worked for them among the rest that say beware.

The state of New Hampshire is adopting the three day cooling off period to cancel a buying club membership starting in 2008. I suspect there is a reason for that. Some states have clauses to protect consumers on health club contracts and timeshares, and adding buying clubs that employ the same sales techniques should be added across the board. I really thought I had three days to cancel like in a 2nd mortgage, but it appears not in my state.

Hi, I just got a flyer in the mail about a DirectBuy store openning up in Saskatchewan. I have seen their infomercials on late-night TV and was just wondering if anyone knows anything about this company. Has anyone ever joined or dealt with DirectBuy? Is it worth it to join? How much does it cost? Anyone or anyone you know?

Thanks for any information you are willing to share.
I would be very, very careful... I called and talked with DirectBuy sales rep who needed my personal info and a firm appointment before they would reveal address of sales location. I do not think this manufacturer catalogue ordering concept can compete with Home Depot or Lowe's Home Improvement buying power and prices. Who do you think is indirectly paying for all those late night infomercials and high pressure commissioned sales reps?

Hi, I just got a flyer in the mail about a DirectBuy store openning up in Saskatchewan. I have seen their infomercials on late-night TV and was just wondering if anyone knows anything about this company. Has anyone ever joined or dealt with DirectBuy? Is it worth it to join? How much does it cost? Anyone or anyone you know?

Thanks for any information you are willing to share.
Just had a inteview with direct buy to join. It is high pressure sales but I think it is worth it. You can save a lot of money. Drawback is that you must make an appointed and take a tour of the facility before you join (about an hour), and when you take the tour you must join that day or according to Direct Buy you cannot ever be asked to join again or you cannot go back on your own later and join (I did not join but am now trying to find out if I can force them into letting me join). It is a 10 year membership with the initial cost being about $4,700 for the first 3 years and then a minimum amout for the years 4 - 10. If you are going to do a lot of renovation or buying of furniture or appliances it is worth it.

Well direct buy isn't as bad as what some of the people before have said in the case of home improvement items your best choice is a regular contractor. But furniture is where these people really shine in our case we just recently purchased a new house and were able to outfit several rooms in Ashley furniture for substantially less than what we were quoted at the Ashley home store and several smaller retailers

So basically if you have bought a new home and plan on putting brand name furniture then its your place to go and as for customer service the direct buy we go to has excellent service since it is in a major city (toronto)

We joined Direct Buy 7 months because we were starting construction on a home. The Direct Buy savings sounded great. We feel completely ripped off! We have spent endless hours in the showroom and on their website comparing costs and trying to find the savings that they promised. We are building a "high end" home and by their measure we should certainly experience significant savings.

So far we have not found savings on windows, doors, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, lighting or appliances. Some shopping around on our part and the 10% - 25% discount available to us through our builder has proven to be less expensive EVERT TIME!

Be smart and keep your $5,000. I hope this message will help others from being taken advantage of through the aggressive Direct Buy sales tactics.

I agree with scammed. Some people who have money to throw around and want one stop shopping for convenience might think a place like that is a good deal, but if you check around for the best buys, sales, stores discontinued items, and second hand bargains you most likely are going to save more than paying somewhere to *save* you money. That sounds like as much of an oxymoron as the ads that say *save* $60.00 (by spending $500.00)
Shopping around is always the best way to save.

Recently went to Direct Buy in Las Vegas. After sitting in pep talk meeting for 45 min. result was Salesman jotted down on display board the cost of various items, the cost to buy from "DB", what you saved. Result is from the example used a savings of approx $4,500 is realized, and this turns out to be the "Membership cost". Then there is the annual fee of $275 to keep membership. I opted out... No matter how much you save, you would always be out the $4,500, up front. Maybe it would be worth it if you were planning on spending $50,000 and they could save you $15,000 or $20,000 (But I doubt it).

I'm sure most of you have heard this saying : If something is too good to be true, chances are, it is. For what it's worth, that's the philosophy I use.

Skip direct buy...

I was going to read everyone's post and then reply, but after reading the first few the consensus looks to be about the same as my experience.

They make it seem like an "exclusive club"... you go for an "open house" and if you have a spouse then you cannot come without them. Also on the questionnaire that they make you fill out to get your "tickets" to the open house they ask if you have children. This is, of course, to make you think about baby sitting, as no children are allowed.

You get there and it's like a group interview. Sales pitch, pleasantries, yadda yadda. Then they drop the bang that to join is like, $5,000 for "x" number of years.

This is good, MAYBE, if you are going to do a remodel or add a wing onto your mansion, but to up front thousands and then have to spend 20, 40, 60K to try to recoup your initial investment? Just save money as you go, the deals are NOT that great.

Here's the kicker... lol... if you decide NOT to join? They make you promise not to tell other people your experience, OR the PRICE.

Sleazy.

Hi, I just got a flyer in the mail about a DirectBuy store openning up in Saskatchewan. I have seen their infomercials on late-night TV and was just wondering if anyone knows anything about this company. Has anyone ever joined or dealt with DirectBuy? Is it worth it to join? How much does it cost? Anyone or anyone you know?

Thanks for any information you are willing to share.
I was also approached by them. They wouldn't give me any ballpark idea as to cost of products so I could compare and to see if it was a wate of time. I did find out though. I own a retail wood flooring and tile store and my prices on first quality, not "A" or "B" grades is lower than their prices. Also, you don't know if you're getting "home improvement" store quality, which is usually not the normal quality compared to buying it from a professional.
My advice is buy your stuff from someone like me or in your area... We don't charge $4500- to walk into our stores either... lol

My boyfriend and I signed up with Directbuy at the end of December. In January we hit a huge slump financially and are unable to continue with the direct buy payments (we had yet to pay the first month) and they have given us a hard time. Not returning our calls... setting out of office replies when they are in the office to avoid responding to emails... rolling their eyes when you walk in to talk to someone or when they know you by name and you haven't met them yet. Oh and one guy said to my boyfriend "we own you"... can you believe it? DO NOT GET INVOLVED WITH DIRECT BUY AND TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW! They have been less than cooperative with us and we are drowning and they are heartless monsters. We're now mid February and we are still fighting... not sure what the outcome is...

Be very careful with Driect Buy. You can tell a lot about a company by the way they force feed you their membership. Very hard sell... much like time share... and look what happened to time share. However there are enough stupid people out there to keep Direct Buy in business for a while.