Direct Buy?

[longtalltechsan]

Does anyone here have any experience with Direct Buy? We are buying a house and will need to replace a lot of flooring and it is starting to rack up. I hear all about DB and wonder if it is as good and cheap as advertised. Would like to hear what you know about them. Thanks.

[FunkyD]

Do a search on "Direct Buy" and either "high pressure" (as in sales), or "scam" and you will see a flood of responses.

I received an invitation to one of their stores and from reading a plethora of opinion online, it seems that they do the following. They will invite you into the store to do a guided tour (it didn't seem that they will allow you to rummange through it alone). Once that is done, they will have you sit through a canned video presentation where customers gush about how much money they save. Once that is done, they will pressure you to buy a membership (which costs around $3000~$5000 or so). If you don't buy right then (they don't seem to give you much time to make up your mind) you will be told that you will not be able to come back to DirectBuy for 7 years (or some inordinately long period of time).

For those that bought a membership, I got the impression that it wasn't worthwhile. The merchandise in the showroom is just for that. Anything you buy has to be sent to the warehouse (could take awhile), and then you have to pick it up yourself as DirectBuy doesn't offer delivery. On top of that, the quality and savings are not quite as good as advertised.

There were a few positive comments about DirectBuy, but the overwhelming amount (at least an 8:1 ratio) were negative.

Based on that information, I didn't accept the invitation.

HTH.

[longtalltechsan]

Thanks Funky, that's the info I was looking for. We'll steer clear.

[DanTheEldest]

We looked into it, too, but like Funky said, it just didn't seem worth it. The only people I've heard who actually come out on top by shopping there seem to be the professional "flippers" whose business is remodeling and reselling houses. For the do-it-yourselfer with only one place, I think you're better off just shopping retail and keeping an eye open for good sales.

[SVThuh]

We are members, and it has already paid off. It may seem like a scam, but Im enjoying this here $500 air conditioner in this 80* weather and it only cost me $275 + tax.

They have very good deals on a lot of stuff. If you just bought a house, it just might be worth it. You will end up paying a bunch up front for the membership, but if your going to be doing a lot of work on the house, buying furniture, appliances, cabinets, kitchen counter tops, etc. You will end up saving a lot of money in the end.

[Cannibul]

CostCo.

Direct Buy uses high pressure sales tactics. That right there should send up a warning flag. Any time you get high pressure sales tactics you can rest be assured you are getting ripped off.

[griz]

We have a membership to Direct Buy. If you are remodeling, building, flipping homes, it can save you a LOT of money. You have to be disciplined to actually USE thier services. YOU have to do the research and know what you're looking for. It's definitely not for the browsers or looky-loo's who like to impulse buy. If you're an impulse buyer, stay away. If you are one that researches your purchases before deciding on a specific model/brand/material etc in order to get the best value for your money, then it could work for you.

I priced a complete kitchen cabinet package. DB cost was about 10 grand. The same package quoted from other cabinet makers exceeded 22 grand. I didn't end up going with it simply because my home buying situation changed.

I've bought some Pella windows from DB at nearly HALF of retail. In fact, I picked them up at our local Pella distributor so they are not "special" made for DB buyers. They were the the same as every other retail/dealer outlet.

Yes, there is a hefty initial investment and there is some pressure to sign up. Those with the income and cash will see the value and take advantage of it. If you don't have the $3 grand or so to pony up for a membership, don't go. If you don't have the $3 grand anyways, you probably won't benefit from what DB offers simply because to save money with them, you'll have to spend it and actually buy merchadise of significant value. I would not recommend DB to anyone or family with less than a $75k/yr income and that's marginal.

Edit to add: My opinion of why DB uses high pressure sales tactics is to weed out the people that want something for nothing and those that truely will never benefit from a membership due to low income levels. As stated above, if you don't have the money to play, stay on the porch. DB provides a valuable service and great value for your money.