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3.5 130 Reviews

DirectBuy Complaints Summary

82 Resolved
48 Unresolved
Our verdict: With a good resolution rate, DirectBuy generally handles customer issues well. However, it’s important to be proactive. Familiarize yourself with their processes and services. Reading through various customer experiences will provide valuable insights into how they handle complex issues.
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DirectBuy reviews & complaints 130

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8:39 pm EDT
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DirectBuy billing and service

On February 2, 2013 my debit card was charged for $300.00. I thought I purchased the Warranty on January 31, 2013. Never again did I hear from this company. Never did I receive an email or mailing from this company. I was questioning what was going on with the warranty and after months of medical issues that had arose in my life, I contacted them. They gave me some song and dance that I could reinstate my warranty, that was suppose to take effect in March of 2013 if I paid the premium from March to August. Which would total $900.00. Heck, they never sent me the info on the warranty, never and email regarding the warranty that I put a $300.00 deposit down on. That would be $1200.00 for a product that I never had and what if I did pay them? Would I ever receive anything from them? So I asked to cancel the warranty. Oh I got an email then. Telling me they would refund $50.00 of my down payment.
What a scam. I think if I was a man that called and hadn't shared that my husband was overseas at the time I went to purchase this, I may have gotten the product I ordered. But no, I was in the perfect situation for their forceful salesman to take advantage.
I will not sign and send back this document they sent me. I will pursue the BBB. This is a racket and they are making money hand over fist as I can see from the other comments on this site.

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Howrider
, WS
Aug 10, 2013 11:26 am EDT
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There are lots of scams out there now..Just don't trust anybody or anything anymore...The govenment does nothing to protect us from scams...

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9:02 am EDT
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DirectBuy scammed

We took the lowest membership of $3490.00 that we couldn't really afford but the savings and conveince that was promised would have been worth the sacrifice, if it would have been true. During the orientation the subject of online shopping from your home came up. I am a handicapped person in a wheel chair so I asked if you could buy toys and anything else on line as I do all my Christmas and birthday shopping for our 6 children and 9 grandchildren on line. The answer was of course yes I could shop for anything I wanted online. That sold me, I could save money as I shopped online as I always did. The physical store is about 20 miles from where I live even if I could get out to go shop I would have to go all the way back to pick it up. When I got my membership papers with my member# in the mail about two weeks later, I went online to check it out. I was shocked to find that the only thing I could by online, with the lowest membership was big items appliances, some select furniture, big toy items (expensive electric cars, large swing sets ect.) and every piece of window curtain rod fixture there is, no curtains, drapes or even a blind just curtain rod fixtures. We were also told that Sears was one of there providers for in store and also auto maintenance. when we called Sears all they did was sell tires at a discount for direct buy. I immediately called and asked if I could cancel the membership because it was useless to me, I was told they were very sorry but once it went through financing it could not be cancelled. We have paid a total of $1500.00 and still owe almost $2000.00 on something we have never used and probably never will. Money we can't afford to lose thrown away because of being scammed into believing something that is not true. We are retired people on fixed social security incomes, and we are paying $163.90 a month that we should not be paying.

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7:01 pm EDT
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DirectBuy pushing people to get in debt

I have no problem with trying to save people money, but when it come to you telling me how i can and cannot spend my money is my business. I don't need another monthly bill weather it is 100 or 300 dollar a month it is still my money. The company contracted me through the mail and stated i will received a tablet 7' and 200 dollars in free meals. I states as long and i don't have to buy anything i would come she agreed and i had appointment the next day at 6:30 i had to listen to a 90 min. promotion pitch and i did then they became ruled and states if one hundreds was going to miss with your income then he more less said i did not need to be there. like i said the contracted me. And yes me and my husband have over a Eighty thousand dollars income . But it is our money we buying our house. Their is a saying you win some and you lose some. Just be happy you made it this far.

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2:56 pm EDT
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DirectBuy over priced items

Everything they offer is over priced. Nothing you look up in the stores around here match, at least nothing that I can afford. The items are big money market items. Things rich people look for and buy. For example. They told me I would be able to buy things out of the places I shop. Like lowes, home depot wrong. What they should have said is the store you shop in have to have what we sale. Biggest scam I've never bought anything from them. I haven't even gone back for orientation. I figured I'd go back after buying something since most of it you have to pick up but, I can't find a D** thing to buy. And even though I haven't even gone to the orientation they haven't called but that hasn't stop them from taking my money every month. The owners should be ashamed to even stay in business.

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Why The Long Faces
Why The Long Faces
, US
May 11, 2013 3:36 pm EDT

Boohoo you can't afford it. Get over it. Stop trying to live like the Joneses.

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Little Nipper
, US
May 11, 2013 3:15 pm EDT
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I looked into this a few years ago sounded a little to good to be true. When I saw you have to commit to a contract before you can really see what products is in the catalogs that was the red flag for me I know people who do honest business don't cover up things like this and having to pay to find out something so simple for them to disclose is just too obvious it's a scam. Then I research them on the web the list of complaints & misery is huge!

I think Direct Buy ( really Direct Lie) actually do let some people have some great buys from time to time just to keep some reports of satisfied customers out there. They also use some of these praise reports on their commercials to keep suckers baited.

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11:52 am EDT
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DirectBuy refund

Purchased a warranty from Ryan Dunn @ DBW in March 2013 for my brand new car. Read all reviews ahead of time so required DBW to send me an email confirming that if I canceled before a certain date that I would receive 100% of my funds tendered back. I got this email. Text shown below.

From: Ryan Dunn [mailto:[protected]@directbuyautowarranty.com]
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2013 2:04 PM
To: '[protected]@gmail.com'
Subject: Cancellation

Hi Drew

If you would like to cancel the coverage before the coverage start date of 3/22/2016, you will get a full refund for all your funds tendered.

Thank You

Ryan Dunn
Senior Underwriter
Direct Buy Warranty
33 Wood Ave South.
Iselin NJ 08837
www.DirectBuyWarranty.com

Ph: [protected] Ext 8817

After receiving a strange call and reading more I decided on April 11th to cancel. DBW said that could only be done via a form. I got the form and it had language in it that I would only get $25 back. I called them before I submitted the form and said I had an email from their Senior Underwriter stating I would receive a full refun dof my $300. They said it was standard language and not to worry about it as I had the email.

On April 12th I get a refund for $25. I call in and eventually speak to a Johanna in Customer Service who said that they are not a rip off company and she will get it to accounting who will call me back within 1 day. Of course that never happened. Today I called and spoke to Sam Edwards and he read me the agreement. Tried to talk over me but I persisted and explained about the Ryann Dunn email shown above. He said they wanted to see it and that I would hear back.

Be VERY careful of this company. I will update this forum when I hear.

Drew Alexander

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2:07 pm EST
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DirectBuy rip off of $5000.00 +

We were sucked in paying $5, 130.00 to Direct Buy Syracuse, NY. First solicited by Direct Buy by phone and mail. Once inside you are burdened with a false sense of security by them telling you that if you don't sign you can't come back. Promising low costs and gifts, none of which transpired. Called Beta Finance 3/1/13 to get a copy of our contract (paid off) and was told by Mindy that she could not do that stating that my husband was the initial signature. I told her I was Paul, is she really in a position to know who is calling?I will file every complaint (including the AG's) that I can. I WANT MY MONEY AND I WANT IT NOW!

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10:41 pm EST
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DirectBuy fraud

salesman implied we would save a lot of money. made it sound like we were stupid not to buy the membership. we had to take his word that another place would have charged double for the product. Also he said the prices on the flooring included shipping and installation . I went to website to order hardwood flooring and they do charge for shipping and handling. it's cheaper at Lumber Liquidators, by far. I had to make a decision and there is no 3 day cancellation . I need my money back. I lost my job.

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1:11 pm EST

DirectBuy direct buy / beta finance... ripping people off

I bought into Direct Buy after being given a presentation that showed me everything was below cost of everywhere else because it was at manufactures cost. Not so! I have yet to buy anything from there because it is toooooo high! I have tried to get out of my contract and they say I cannot. I want out! They are a scam! I have already paid them alot of money for NOTHING! Now they want to mess up my credit!

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jamezee1
Las Vegas, US
Apr 23, 2013 3:57 pm EDT

My wife and I went to a Direct Buy presentation. It sounded very good, until they wanted $5000.00 to join.
I was against it. Too much money. But low and behold if we didn't buy now, we would never get this chance again.
Which was fine by me, but because I hardly ever accept any offer, I decided to give in this time. Well we have paid off the $5000.00, but we owe about $800.00 in yearly dues first before we can buy anything. Needless to say this is getting to be a joke. Is there any recourse for getting any money back, because we never used the service to buy anything.
Get ME Outa Here!

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calijane
las vegas, US
Feb 02, 2013 11:04 am EST

Did you know that DirectBuy has a pricing promise that states you will never purchase the same product for more money? I have been a member for 21 yrs and I have never paid more for anything. The savings on cabinets, furniture, window treatments, flooring, decor items, coutertops, windows, doors, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures all of which I puchased have been great. I think people that try and save 50% on appliances are the ones that are disappointed. Over the years I have listened to the sales people that sell the memberships at the clubs and I always hear them telling perspective members that the savings on those items are about 5 to 30% max. I would gather some of the examples you are talking about and set up a meeting with the manager of your store and show them.specifics of what you have found. I am sure if you actually show them some real apples to apple's examples they will always beat the price.

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9:48 am EST
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DirectBuy scam

Direct Buy is a scam! Now I'm stuck paying a bill for $185 per month and I haven't even used the membership. I tried to cancel my membership after I was constantly begged to join and was told that I could not cancel. After talking to another representative later on I was told that I called too late to cancel the membership. Really! Now I'm stuck with paying a monthly bill to Versa Finance and I do not want the membership to Direct Buy. I do not see the major savings that they offered at the time for you to join. If anyone knows a way to get out of this mess, please let me know. I'm all for the class action suit!

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Valerie
Valerie
, US
Jun 04, 2008 6:20 am EDT

You can only access their showroom by appointment only after completing a questionnaire that seems not too much of a big deal. They ask in this questionnaire if you are married and if so if you have a baby sitter available since children are NOT welcome during their initial presentation that is mandatory for both parents in order to know "how they can be at help for our household". By then I decided to blow off the appointment. they called me to confirm the appointment, I told the rep that I was unable to come since their requirement for both parents to be present is absolutely stupid and inconvenient. I asked why, she said that is their policy. I asked out of curiosity what if I was single? she replied that it is ok for single people to show up alone. In other words, they won't let me come unless my husband comes. It is sufficient information for me to believe that there is more behind the so called policy that the rep was unable to justify with a reasonable explaination. I went back on their website and then saw that it was a franchise business. Perhaps it's to lock down people and sell them more than what they want to buy in the first place. Who the hell dictate who should come or not... it's ridiculous and a scam.

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uh-huh
Tucson, US
May 26, 2009 9:51 pm EDT

This company is ridiculous, never sign up it's a scam. When you ask for information and they give you that supposed visitors pass, the people @ the front desk don't even ask to see it, they just wave you in. Gee, I thought it was some exclusive club you had to have an appointment to get in. That's the first red flag. Then after the presentation they give you a tour of the show room, let you sit for a minute and come back with the contract. Here's where the scam comes in, it costs over $5000 to be a member! And that's not a one time fee, that's just to get signed up, there are MONTHLY membership fees after that. And you get no time to think it over, you have to sign up right then before you leave the place. If you leave you can't come back. Not tomorrow, not for the next 7 years! So how does paying 5 grand for a discount club save you money? Do you know how much merchandise you would need to buy to even out? I can't believe this company is even in business, PLEASE spread the word so no one falls for this again. They also have lists of complaints on the BBB's website about misrepresentation of products and services among other things. May they have to close their doors or radically change their business practices!

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Americanman
Happyville, US
Jun 22, 2009 4:36 pm EDT

BEWARE of Direct Buy. They tell you how much you are going to save, show you advertisments of appliances, furniture building materials, etc. Then the hard sell. Buy now or you will never be allowed back to their showroom again. How much? From $3500 all the up to $7000.00! Are they nuts? There are no savings. This is a major scam. I called the attorne general's office. I think they are in on it. Nothing is being done or said about thes crooks. Tell every one you know...DON 'T SIGN UP WITH direct buy!

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sexyygreek18
staten isl, US
Oct 26, 2009 9:40 pm EDT
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About a month ago I went to a Home Improvement Show and filled out a flyer for a chance to win $50, 000 in home improvements from Direct Buy. Two weeks ago they called my cellphone claiming I was a step closer to winning and to come to their showroom in Edison, New Jersey. I received the key in the mail that I had to try on a door knob to see if I was the $50, 000 winner. They called at least ten times within two weeks to constantly confirm if I was going to attend. I went to the showroom today, which they said there was no obligation for. After a 90 minute seminar about their products and the way the program works, I found out news I could not believe. They told me I then had 10 minutes to make a decision about whether or not I want to join for about $5, 300. Not only was that the 10 minute decision, but if I left and did not pay that amount they said I would be blacklisted from every Direct Buy in the nation. After saying we did not have $5, 300 or the $2, 500 for the cheaper plan, they proceeded to tell us it was "too bad" and "our loss". Then the manager came over with a very rude attitude and said she felt sorry for us with a very sarcastic tone. I could not believe the poor service once you said you don't have the money. They treat you like dirt and as if they are above you and you are worthless. On the way out, they then watched from the window to see the car we drove. Absolutely unbelievable! I have never had such a problem because I didn't have $5, 300 to blow. Once I got home I googled Direct Buy and saw many people have had similar situations and felt they were scamed or treated horribly. Stay away from this place.

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Pearland
Pearland, US
Feb 16, 2011 9:41 pm EST
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protect yourself & your loved ones from this big corporate scam, the sales rep start to build a repore with you as soon as you enter, but when you tell them that the $5500 membership fee is something that you cannot commit to at this moment they turn into aggressive obnoxious, rude people, & remind you of how stupid you are not to purchase this over priced membership, we were verbally insulted, & told how my husband & I wasted thier time, the very nice accomodating rep who wanted to know about our personal lives was transformed into Satan, i have never been treated like they treated my husband just because we were smart enough not to make such a hasty emotional BAD decision. they pray on decent people who have a hard time saying "NO!". we were litterally kicked out of the store, & told that we lost our chance to be direct buy consumers, Really-WHAT A BLESSING!, I'm keeping my money so Direct Buy " Bite ME!"

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DirectBuyScamVictims
, US
May 12, 2011 11:07 pm EDT
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My husband and I joined Direct Buy 3 years ago, as we are building a home, and later will build small cabins, and a log structure. We thought that over the 10 year membership, we would at least be able to get back our $5, 000 membership fee, through savings on major purchases, and hopefully get to save over time. After all the things we have purchased through Direct Buy, we aren't even close to getting our money back in savings. Not only did we find that prices on items we needed weren't discounted at all, but in some cases, we ended up going somewhere else because Direct Buy's prices were even higher than retail! Then there is the time issue. We order something, and it may or may not get to us within 6 months. There have been instances when we have cancelled orders because it continues to be on back order, which greatly holds up a construction project. We have had partial deliveries, with some items not even part of the shipment, and have had to make several trips to pick up 1 item. The Direct Buy staff seems to not care about efficiency. And finally, as of this week, the Direct Buy showroom is now closed, having gone out of business, without any notification to us. We are out $5, 000 and any arrangements we had with local contractors that Direct Buy works with, is not valid, and so we are going to end up paying retail anyway. This company is a SCAM! Don't even think about joining them.

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disgruntled member 111
San Jose, US
Jul 19, 2013 9:54 pm EDT
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Me and my husband were suckered into going to the presentation by huge promises from both Direct Buy and the 3rd party people who booked the appointment for us. They told us that we can get FREE round trip tickets anywhere in the US. Even after the presentation, I asked the supervisor at Direct Buy and she confirmed that the airline tickets were FREE. What a shock it was when I went to book a trip and found out that the FREE tickets were $800 (with $100 deposit) I had to put down. I told them that I was told they ere FREE from both groups and the booking agent told me they were only discounted. My only recourse was to put in a request to get my $100 deposit back. What a scam. Plus they encourage you to say you make more money than you do so they will let you see the presentation.

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Pearland
Pearland, US
Feb 16, 2011 9:53 pm EST
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Direct Buy is not the way to go, ck out all the other complaint sites after you google Direct Buy & protect yourself !

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sexyygreek18
staten isl, US
Jun 01, 2010 7:13 pm EDT
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Its sad to think buisinesses like this exist. Just an update, once a week I get a phone call from Direct Buy and when I answer they hangup. Talk about harassment.

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skyqueen1948
Victor, US
Jun 01, 2010 4:47 pm EDT
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Good for you! We had a similar experience but our presentation was almost 3 hours long. When we said we could remodel our bathroom for less than what the membership price was the saleman said good luck because you couldn't get the prices Direct Buy was offering. He did not know that we were on a budget, I remodeled for less than$2000.00, everything was new except the toilet. I got a brand new shower stall for $150.00 because of a small dent that can't be seen. That was my biggest expenditure plus labor. Who needs Direct Buy? You get my kudos, kee up the good work. Take care

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11:22 am EDT
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DirectBuy the whole enchilada

I worked for DirectBuy for over 10 years, in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and California. First it was called United Consumer's Club then, UCC Total Home and finally, it's DirectBuy. When I began working for the "club" the 10 year membership was $1500 and today it's over $5000. Their business model, while flawed, is simple, sell memberships to generate revenue.

You (the consumer, invited to take a tour based on being selected as a finalist in some "sweepstakes") will be shown incredibly low "cost" pricing on all kinds of consumer goods. You'll be told that you have to make a decision today as to whether or not you want to become members, due to the confidential pricing you've just been shown and the fact that the manufacturers will only allow you to see them once (as non-members). This is not true. There is no such agreement between DirectBuy and any manufacturer. It is DirectBuy's own internal policy, aimed at closing the deal while you are still high on the ether of "confidential" cost pricing. The $5000+ contract (which does not include annual renewal fees, shipping fees and handling fees on all members' purchases) is worded to protect DirectBuy from disappointing you (with your expectations of realized savings) and, most importantly, from refunding any and all membership dues. Once you're in, you can't get out. I can tell you with absolute certainty that unless you're planning on furnishing a home (with high-end, high-dollar improvements) in the near future, you will be disappointed in DirectBuy's performance. The promises made in the pitch are absent from the contract. Read it carefully before signing. Once your state's rescission period passes, you own it. And if you stop paying for it (whether you've used it or not) DirectBuy will send the account to collections, negatively affecting your FICO. Just look around the web, there are 10 negative posts for every 1 positive.

In fairness, if you're a well-heeled consumer who doesn't mind shopping from catalogs, waiting 90-180 days for your purchases to arrive and saving a net average of 23% on those big-ticket items, then DirectBuy might be worth a look. However, if you're like me and the instant gratification of free next-day delivery is worth a few extra dollars, then save the $5000 and have fun shopping the retailers' sales!

You should know that I'm not a disgruntled employee, quite the contrary; I made a great living working for DirectBuy. I simply grew tired of coaxing people into joining that truly had no business doing so. That's why I say the business model is flawed. DirectBuy's clubs are 100% franchised and, as a result, each individual franchisee is responsible for the health and success of their respective club. Well, by the time they cover the rent, utilities, marketing, insurance, salaries, commissions, payroll taxes and benefits, they have to try and make a little profit of their own. After all, it's why they bought the franchise. So, the only revenue stream they have (since they don't profit from merchandise sales) is by selling more and more memberships. Do you think there's a stronger focus on sales or servicing members after the sale? I'll give you a clue: there are an average of 15 full and part time employees working at any given DirectBuy franchise. Out of those 15 people, 2 are dedicated service staff. The rest are in sales, telemarketing, accounting, reception and, of course, the owner. If you attend a pitch, ask 'em some real questions... "How many stores have failed in the US and Canada since United Consumer's Club was founded back in 1973?" or, "How many members decide to re-join the club after the 10-year membership expires?" or, "Has DirectBuy ever polled the members to gauge their satisfaction with the club's services?" "No? Why not?" and maybe even take a list of items you're interested in buying soon along to the pitch with you and have them show you the net savings (be sure to write down model #'s so you're comparing apples to apples). If that savings adds up to more than the net cost of the 10 year membership and you've factored in DirectBuy's shipping, handling, sales tax (many online purchases remain exempt, it varies by state) then go for it.

Otherwise, buyer beware!

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Update by Featherwieght
Nov 25, 2012 2:09 pm EST

It's curious that you spent quite a bit more time questioning my tenure and knowledge of the business rather than addressing even one of the "things" I brought up, with which you say agree. I'm curious about what those are, exactly, and how it is you continue to stand behind them.

I heard that Viking bit 15 years ago so, save it for the next "up", my friend. If there were agreements (and there aren't) with manufacturers, why wouldn't DirectBuy simply paste them to the inside jacket of every single one of those "confidential" manufacturer's catalogs? It would make your job (sales, right?) a lot easier, wouldn't it?. It would certainly lend some much-needed credibility to the whole "one day decision" wouldn't it? You say it's "common knowledge among employees that this is an understood agreement with our manufacturers that helps us keep them." and I won't argue that. It is common knowledge amongst DirectBuy's employees. Trouble is, it's just not common TRUTH. Ask your club owner to produce an agreement, any agreement, for you to use in your next "Open House" and see how that goes...

You see, I spent a long time in your shoes and it's easy to justify and rationalize internally (and to prospective members) that what you do for a living is legitimate. However, deep down inside, you have to admit to yourself that while sound in philosophy, DirectBuy is flawed in execution. It's why I had to walk away, I finally found my conscience and I couldn't continue to lie to myself and to all of those prospective members.

By the way, I never said that I worked for a franchisee. I know they don't like their assets going to work for other clubs elsewhere. Good help, after all... And no, I'm not aware of the trial plan or the online only plan, the silver, gold and other plans named after precious metals. When I was there, one plan existed. Apparently, the times they are a changin' and as fewer and fewer prospects are saying "Yes!" to a $5000+ membership, DirectBuy is forced to adapt and find newer, less expensive ways to separate consumers from their money... I am aware however, that while you use "some" in your definition of the number of products available to members which carry a handling and shipping fee, I will argue that "most" would be a more accurate vernacular.

Ever heard of a guy by the name of Rod Troutman? If not, ask around. He worked for UCC for 24 years until he was fired in 1997. During his long career, he helped Jim Gagan get the franchise model started and developed the "baseball diamond" that all clubs adhered to when trying to find the one hire-able employee out of 25 applicants. He wrote the scripts which all the clubs were contractually bound to use. From telemarketing, greeting, the entire (verbatim) presentation, all the way through the close and finally, the oft dreaded "buyers remorse" statement. ALL of them. Rod was also charged with traveling to failing franchises and corporate clubs where he worked his magic by either turning these clubs' numbers upward, facilitating the sale to another potential franchisee, repossessing the failure and absorbing it back into the corporate club inventory or simply closing it forever, leaving all of those local members swinging in the breeze. I worked in Rod's circle. At the risk of damaging 25 year-old relationships, that's all I'm willing to divulge about my time with DirectBuy other than to note your suggestion that I didn't have an intimate understanding of the public image vs. internal policies is quite bewildering.

You've been there over 4 years now, you know the truth, the WHOLE truth and nothing but... Are there success stories of members that get a full ROI? Hell yes! However, and most importantly, what percentage of DirectBuy members feel that they themselves fall into that "success" demographic? Oh, that's right... DirectBuy doesn't care to ask it's members whether or not they're satisfied. C'mon, every other day my inbox has a survey from one vendor or another... Whether it's eBay asking me to rate my experience on that new plasma screen or Jiffy Lube wanting to gauge it's performance on my last oil-change... Your company possesses zero data on customer satisfaction because if it asked them, compiled the numbers and published the data in say, The New York Times, it would be out of business by Christmas.

If I'm wrong (I have been... twice) and you are able to look every single new member in the eye and unequivocally believe that you just helped them, well you, my friend, have a bright future in membership sales! Otherwise, don't waste your talent on something you're constantly forced to defend.

You're better than that, kid!

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Jepeclepe
Kennesaw, US
Nov 24, 2012 10:21 am EST

I agree with some of the things you brought up, though as a current employee (four years and counting) I question whether you worked there, and if you did (for as long as you say) then why it is that you clearly just do not know several policies that have been implemented that fly in the face of what you have written. For starters if you were successful at DirectBuy then why is it that at least two different DirectBuy clubs granted you a release to work at a different center? You're telling me that a club that you have "clearly" shown only cares about memberships allowed a separate franchise to take away one of their producers willingly? Hmm, that seems odd. Also where were you when two years ago they rolled out different membership options such as the online only (1000$), or the silver lifetime plan (opposed to the gold lifetime that you referenced), or how about the term memberships down to 3 months for people who are only doing one big project and then do not need our services? Also you say that EVERY purchase has shipping and handling fees? That's odd because that's simply not true; while some products do include this cost, any good club clearly explains that on the very front page in the manufacturers book there is a line that states whether or not there is a shipping and handling fee and, if so, what that rate is (varies among manufacturers). Additionally while the claims you make about the manufacturers not actually having made DirectBuy sign a contract of any sort requiring that our clubs limit the guests choice of whether or not to join to that day, it is common knowledge among employees that this is an understood agreement with our manufacturers that helps us keep them. A great example is Viking Appliances. After years of working with them to carry their line (very high end) we finally came to an agreement with them to be able to offer it to our members. At the 11th hour Viking backed out because of the backlash from their retailers because they feared consumers being able to see the prices at cost, and thought that they would not be able to compete with that, so Viking pulled out and we do not have them as a manufacturer. Why you ask? For the reason the decision policy is in place, because in the past people have in fact used the pricing in here as leverage against retailers. So while you may have worked for DB in the past, I question just how much you truly understood what you were doing and the length of time you state that you were an employee.

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DirectBuy gift scam

I received a "Gift" Certificate from Best Buy for a "free" tablet or netbook or blueray or video camera. All I had to do was redeem the "certificate" and send in $39.95. I filled everything out, read the instructions and sent a copy of my drivers license as required and a check for the $39.95 as there were no other instructions on how to pay or any place to fill out for a credit card. I received a letter in the mail today that states that personal checks are not accepted as an appropriate method of payment and my certificate is now NULL and VOID for "Not adhering to all terms and conditions". What a crock...They never intended to send out anything in the first place. Major SCAM! Direct Buy promises these things and if you don't sign up for a membership you just wasted your time and the promises go out the window.

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DirectBuy stealing money from customers

They con you into financing a membership, set the financing up with versa and then tell you it is "none cancelable". This is wrong!

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DirectBuy is a total fraud!!!

I have purchased their policy 4 months ago and recently few things in my BMW started to malfunction. I brought it to the BMW dealership where they ran a diagnostic and determined that my car had an oil leak caused by a broken oil filter housing gasket and my manual gear shift override which was not functioning, needed a gear selector lever replaced. Direct Buy has denied payment for the gear selector lever under pretense that it's not completely broken and the car still drives on automatic mode. The Claim Rep actually had the gull to ask me "how did you get the car to the dealership?" and when I said that I drove it there, he exclaimed "you just proved my point -- if you could drive it to the dealership, it's not broken and we do not cover partially malfunctioning parts"
Side note: The Direct Buy Representative was exceptionally condescending and rude in his tone and conversational demeanor.
Further more, regarding the gasket: he said that they don't cover gaskets but as a curtsey to me they will take care of it this time and pay for the gasket and 1 hour of labor which is 2 hours short from the dealership estimate to replace the part.
NOW: it states in the coverage contract under all 3 sections of Engine, Transmission and Cooling system coverage sections that GASKETS AND SEALS ARE COVERD with no fine print of any sort anywhere in site. Basically, this DB rep. is now trying to tell me that they are doing me a favor by covering the $15.00 part with insufficient amount of labor that it takes to install it. The Gear Selector Lever was estimated at $1, 774.00 dollars. So basically the amount that I have to pay for the gear lever + the difference in labor for the gasket replacement + the diagnostics would equal the amount that I paid for this SCAM of A WARRANTY (which was $1, 999.00)
I decided, OK cut my loses immediately, return this FRADULANT WARRANTY and use the money to repair the car. How naive was I; Upon receiving cancellation request form from DB, I was prompted to sign a form that stated I were to be reimbursed $1, 474.25 out of $1999.00 that I paid for it. There was absolutely no explanation as to what happened to $524.75 that they took off the price I paid for the service I never used.
Upon reviewing Cancelation contract I realized two things: ONE is that you can return your policy with in the first 30 days from purchase only paying $25.00 for the processing fee but YOU CAN"T USE THE WARRANTY DURING THE FIRST 30 DAYS of this so called grace period. TWO: After 30 days you may still Cancel the contract but "the refund will be the lesser amount calculated as a time prorated amount based upon the time since the contract was purchased " -- quoted verbatim from their contract.
So it seems to me that the first 3 months are especially expensive as they cost a quarter of the entire 4 year warranty. At this point I had a "HALELUJA MOMENT" and realized: that is how DIRECT BUY makes their money. As no person in a right mind would keep this warranty after the first time they would try to use it. And since one can't use the warranty in the first 30 days when the cancelation fee is only $25.00 they have created a convenient money making loophole by not clearly stating the fees that customers would be charged if they choose to cancel the policy after they have a chance to actually try it.

Direct Buy warranty is a total rip off and they should not be allowed to continue their scheming business.
Direct Buy Auto Warranty IS A TOTAL FRAUD!

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bakpac
Cumming, US
May 22, 2013 1:37 pm EDT
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I bought the same warranty for a little less money but for two cars - mine and my daughter's. The first time I tried using it for mine, they gave me and the dealer such a bad time it wasn't worth the small amount they ended up paying. The guys on the phone when you call them are very clever, condescending and steadfast in their commitment to pay very little towards anything. They used the "previously faulty" mechanism on me claiming the parts were broken long before the warranty was purchased. How could they know that, and it just wasn't true. On yet another occasion, they pulled the old "wear and tear" game on me. They said they don't pay for wear from age! Well, that pretty-much takes care of NOTHING as wear and tear are going to happen to EVERY part on EVERY car! I ended up getting a refund also, but really lost a lot on the deal. They are not folks you want to deal with in my opinion.

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DirectBuy prize scam

I received a phone call from a marketing agency representing DirectBuy sweepstakes claiming I had won 1 of 4 prizes, one of which was valued at $50K, and had also been guaranteed two airline tickets to anywhere in the US and a $100 dining gift card. I followed through with the offer, and told the salesman at DirectBuy I would not be joining there club before he started his sales presentation. He asked me to step out of the presentation. I was then asked about this by another sales person and I explained why I was there. DirectBuy then brought out a woman who claimed she was the owner who then started yelling at my wife and I that we had mistreated the staff and she was going to call the police. My wife and I left. DirectBuy is a scam and treat you like garbage. Turns out there actually was no prizes. What a shame, never do business with DirectBuy.

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Update by Complainer222
Apr 27, 2012 8:00 am EDT

I received a phone call from a marketing agency representing DirectBuy sweepstakes claiming I had won 1 of 4 prizes, one of which was valued at $50K, and had also been guaranteed two airline tickets to anywhere in the US and a $100 dining gift card. I followed through with the offer, and told the salesman at DirectBuy I would not be joining there club before he started his sales presentation. He asked me to step out of the presentation. I was then asked about this by another sales person and I explained why I was there. DirectBuy then brought out a woman who claimed she was the owner who then started yelling at my wife and I that we had mistreated the staff and she was going to call the police. My wife and I left. What a shame, there was no prizes. DirectBuy treats people like garbage, never do business with DirectBuy.

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Lark6
Graham, US
Sep 26, 2012 1:56 pm EDT

I bought a membership to the Olympia store, and I asked the salesman before we signed that if they closed this store would I get a refund (over 3K spent on membership) and he assured me that wouldn't happen (yeah...verbal means nothing), and besides I'd have the Kent store to go to. 3 months later both the Olympia and Kent stores were closed. I tried ordering online, but their website didn't carry the brands/items I had been looking at in the store. I called the Bothell store but they were so backed up it took 4 days for a return call from them to help me, then find out each store can carry different brands and vendor items...the one I had seen and wanted wasn't available. It was carried in both Home Depot and Lowes, so that is where I ended up. This is such a rip off...and of course they laugh at the suggestion of a refund! Don't waste your money on this outfit...sleazy snake oil salesman. I should have known better.

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DirectBuy long waiting time, unrealistic shipping cost.. irresponsible customer service

Direct Buy / Asley Furnuture.

Long waiting time, unrealistic shipping cost. . Irresponsible customer service
For $300 item shipping cast is over $350.

We ordered a Storage bed for $300 through Direct Buy website. The manufacture is Ashley Furnuture. At the end with shipping handling, duty and tax it came to around $850.00. since I was in a rush I decided to order regardless of the price.
Order was placed on January 12th. 2012. after several phone call, direct visit to the Direct Buy store finally I was able to pick up the Bed on April 20th.
Over three month after I placed the order we pick up the bed . But there is a Railing is missing and without that we can’t assemble the bed. Now they ordered it and as of today it is going to take another few weeks since it is back order.
I spoke to Direct buy and wanted to cancel the order, they stated I can’t cancel it. I ask to refund the unreasonable sniping cost, they are blaming Ashley.
It is not fair to charge over $350 to something they couldn’t deliver on time.

But Direct Buy or neither Ashley furniture is not taking responsibility and I have to wait until I receive it.
Paying over $5000 membership fee and $350 yearly renewal fee I expect more fair treatment than this from direct Buy.

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DirectBuy deceptive advertising

DirectBuy is committing fraud through deceptive advertising. Thier advertisement indicated that we were to receive a New 7” Tablet complete with Android O/S, Camera and Wifi as well as receive a $100 or $200 Restaurant Dining Card (Valid at Many Area Restaurants). On Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 3pm, we attended the 90 minute information session at the Sunnyvale showroom. After the information session was complete, we decided that becoming a member was not something that we could afford to do at the time. We informed the staff and declined the membership. We then approached the receptionist to receive our promised promotional items only to be informed that there were none available. The young lady said that a shipment was expected later on in the week. We were told that our name would be placed on one of the tablets and that we would receive a call to let us know when we could come pick it up. After repeated calls to the showroom, as of today, we have not received our promised promotional item. We’ve only received the “run-around”. Thier advertisement baits in customers with the promise of a receiving an item. Yet, it does not state that the product is in limited supply. Therefore, they are violating the law.

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csalina1
Buda, US
May 18, 2013 11:18 pm EDT
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The same exact thing happened to us today.

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slambamthankyoumam
Coral Springs, US
Jul 23, 2012 4:53 pm EDT

now they are sending the offers out in Florida received on 7/23/2012 same offer. I knew it was a fraud... I am sending mine to the Florida Attorney General's Office.

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Evelyn Torres
Queens Village, US
Jun 13, 2012 7:33 pm EDT

I also went to a seminar for 90 minuites and offer a tablet with camera and wifi, and 100 gift certificate for dinning they gave me the certificate which I had to enter in the computer to get voucher. But I went to get the tablet and they told be it was in back order. I just went to this seminar on June the 10 at 2:00 in New york, Queens Blvd. They said people that are in the waiting list are waiting since march. Now if that doesn't sound like a scam to you, what else.I declinded the membership because I could not afford the down payment at this time. I also felt like I was being pressure and I don't do well underpressure. My husband didn't feel comfortable and he started to sweat and he just wanted to leave. I just wonder did the people that join, did they had the Tablet there for them.?

My name is Evelyn and the more I read the more I think I made the right decission. I should have reserarch DirectBuy before I agree to go to this seminar...

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DirectBuy rip off

directbuy of fort mill specializes in high pressure sales tactics, and will do or say anything to get a person to sign up, cost is $5000, then after 3yrs its $190, they say, (ben martin franchise owner), that they are bbb Accredited, and are not at all. ben will lie through his teeth. there prices aren't what they say they are, there is a contract people have to sign, which states that memberships can't be cancelled, and been martin himself will tell you that to your face with all the smugness and arrogance befitting the [censored] that he is, they will finance you if you don't have the $5000 in your pocket, with a high interest rate through a company called beta finance, which is wholly owned by example corporate, and beta finance is an aggressive finance company with the reputation of a bad third world country.

this company should be investigated by us dept of consumer affairs, the IRS and a vice squad, the walk a fine line between illegal and legal practices, if a person goes to the bbb website, look at the difference between directbuy corporate, and the individual store . you will see a huge difference. example:Southern Piedmont/Charlotte, NC BBB > Business Directory > Buying Clubs & Group Purchasing Service > DirectBuy of Fort Mill
BBB Business Review
overviewcomplaintsdirectionsWhat is a BBB Business Review?This Business is not BBB Accredited
DirectBuy of Fort Mill
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
2180 Carolina Place Dr Ste 103, Fort Mill, SC [protected]
[protected]@directbuyfm.com
http://www.directbuyfm.com

B-On a scale of A+ to F

Reason for Rating
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BBB Accreditation
DirectBuy of Fort Mill is not BBB Accredited.

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
Reason for Rating
BBB rating is based on 16 factors. Get the details about the factors considered.

Factors that lowered DirectBuy of Fort Mill's rating include:

Length of time business has been operating.
Factors that raised DirectBuy of Fort Mill's rating include:

Complaint volume filed with BBB for business of this size.
Response to 4 complaint(s) filed against business.
Resolution of complaint(s) filed against business.
BBB has sufficient background information on this business.
Customer Complaints Summary
4 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years | 4 closed in last 12 monthsComplaint Type Total Closed Complaints
Advertising / Sales Issues 3
Problems with Product / Service 1
Billing / Collection Issues 0
Delivery Issues 0
Guarantee / Warranty Issues 0
Total Closed Complaints 4

Complaint Details | Definitions | BBB Complaint Process | File a Complaint
Government Actions
BBB knows of no significant government actions involving DirectBuy of Fort Mill.

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Advertising Review
BBB has nothing to report concerning DirectBuy of Fort Mill's advertising at this time.

What is BBB Advertising Review?
Additional Information
topBBB file opened: 06/12/2009
Business started: 02/01/2012
Type of Entity
Corporation

Incorporated: February 2012, SC

Contact Information
Primary Contact: Mr. Ben Martin (Franchise Owner)
Mr. Chris Beile (Member)
Mr. Rand Falbaum (Member)
Mr. Jerry Letendre (President)
Ms. Miranda Martin (Franchise Owner)
Mr. Carl T. Miller (Franchise Owner)
Related Businesses
BBB-West Coast Florida Ben Martin owned this company in Florida.

Number of Employees
20

Business Category
Buying Clubs & Group Purchasing Service, Home Design & Planning, Home Furnishings

Alternate Business Names
DBFT, LLC

Industry Tips
Buying An Unbuilt Home
Discount Buying Clubs: What You Order is Not Always What You Get
Dont Forget to File for Rebates
Directions | Enlarge
LocationsX1 Locations
2180 Carolina Place Dr Ste 103 Fort Mill, SC [protected]-8950Directions

Industry Comparison ChartXThe information in the table below represents an industry comparison of businesses which are of the same relative size. This is based on BBB's database of businesses located in Southern Piedmont/Charlotte, NC. Businesses may engage in more than one type of business. The percent of time the business engages in a type of business is not accounted for. There is no known industry standard for the number of complaints a business can expect. The volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by BBB.
Buying Clubs & Group Purchasing ServiceHome Design & PlanningHome Furnishings
*DirectBuy of Fort Mill is in this range.

X Types of Complaints Handled by BBBBBB handles the following types of complaints between businesses and their customers so long as they are not, or have not been, litigated:
Advertising or SalesBilling or CollectionProblems with Products or ServicesDeliveryGuarantee or WarrantyWe do not handle workplace disputes, discrimination claims or claims about the quality of health or legal services.

X BBB Complaint ProcessYour complaint will be forwarded to the company within two business days. The company will be asked to respond within 14 days, and if a response is not received, a second request will be made. You will be notified of the company's response when we receive it (or notified that we received no response). Complaints are usually closed within 30 business days.

X Industry Tips for Buying Clubs & Group Purchasing ServiceBuying An Unbuilt Home
Discount Buying Clubs: What You Order is Not Always What You Get
Dont Forget to File for Rebates

X What is BBB Advertising Review?BBB promotes truth in advertising by contacting advertisers whose claims conflict with the BBB Code of Advertising. These claims come to our attention from our internal review of advertising, consumer complaints and competitor challenges. BBB asks advertisers to prove their claims, change ads to make offers more clear to consumers, and remove misleading or deceptive statements.

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C lowder
Albemarle, US
Apr 26, 2012 10:33 pm EDT

I was told that i am a guaranteed winner of two round trip tickets to anywhere. I just have to come pick them up and i have a chance of winning $50, 000 if my key opens door. Is this just a scam or should i take the two hour drive to the direct buy in fort mill sc?

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DirectBuy scam

They are a new low on the human species chain. Ask yourself why there are so many complaints about them. There is no customer service. We joined and never bought a thing because they are triple the price of Lowes Charged us $3500.00 membership dues. How ridiculous in this age of the internet does a bottom feeding company like this remain open. Why did they change their name? Why are there class action lawsuits against them? Biggest regret is not looking them up before we signed.

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nsrlf
tor, US
May 24, 2009 9:14 pm EDT

began pricing units and found that we could get both washer and dryer and a refrigerator for less on the open market. Directbuy lied about the pricing and shipping charges. Am sincerely sorry we lost 5, 000 dollars to scam artists

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Andy Kerr01
Marionville, US
Mar 22, 2015 4:19 pm EDT
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Was promised up to 50% discounts, can find everything on the internet for less cost and no finders fee. Totally lied to me. Not going to stand for it, am in process of going after them. I ordered a book from www.directbye.blogspot.com. Stay tuned

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davialhm
Maidens, US
Oct 21, 2011 7:11 pm EDT

We asked for information from DirectBuy and we can't get them to quit calling. The phone agent was very rude and hung up on my wife when she said she could not come in for a tour.

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DRIVING ME CRAZY
Norton, US
Jan 15, 2011 8:06 pm EST
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I have asked DirectBuy to remove me from their e-mail address lists. However, the more I ask the more messages I get. Just today, I've gotten 17 messages from DirectBuy. Does anyone know how I can get them to drop me from their address lists? Or where they are located so I can ask the BBB to assist me.

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scotty506
Waterloo, CA
Feb 23, 2015 5:57 pm EST
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www.cbc.ca/.../the-price-cut-promise - 76k - 2013-04-10

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Jun 17, 2008 2:01 am EDT

We paid $5000 for our membership. After joining we ordered $24, 000 in kitchen cabinets. When we presented Direct Buy with a cabinet quote we received from Menards for the exact cabinets, they would not honour the quote. Bottom line, we paid Direct Buy approx $2000 more for our cabinets then we would have paid retail.

Not only do you pay a membership fee upfront they also charge a fee each time you order anything.

It is frustrating to shop with them, you need to search endlessly in catalogues for items. It is much easier to buy products on-line and much better pricing.

Don's let their hard sell tactics fool you into joining. DIRECT BUY IS A RIP OFF.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Jul 07, 2008 9:44 am EDT

They claim to be best price and I have not yet received a lower price and bought my things elsewhere for many reasons: you need weeks to get to order something, the service is really poor and you end up buying elsewhere instead of waiting for 6 to 10 weeks. By the time you get prices that are competitive (if they can) and to receive the item you need at least 8 to 10 weeks.

The entry cost is 5000$ and you will never get it back because it is specifically specified. Once you are a member you really feel you have been had good.

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RichGCPW
,
Jul 16, 2008 10:09 am EDT

I was online sometime ago and search of some new furniture for a new home that my wife and I just purchased. I happened onto the Directbuy website and filled out the information. I was contacted a day or so later by a sales representative, who made arrangements to attend their open house. We did attend, and I can tell you that you can feel something is not right. The spokesperson gave several examples of what appeared to be best case scenarios with highly discounted consumer electronics, furniture, and other items. There were comparisons directed related to major club wholesale chains. Although many of thier examples are highly attractive, thats all they are. They are presented in a way to draw you in. Admittedly we joined the membership, we fell for the initial scam, wrote a check for 2500.00, with the rest of the total of 6000.00 to be financed. After we were given our contract and other brochures and the like to take home. After we signed up we were allowed to walk around and view thier catalogs, Directbuy is tiered by a star system. 1 star being value, 4-5 stars being high quality products. I went directly to thier electronics in particular big screens, since I had shopped these extensively I knew where the pricing was at. I went directly to a 1 star catalog in which I found many models that I had shopped and oddly enough these models were NOT any cheaper at Directbuy. In fact you would find a better deal and better models at Major retail electronics chains via thier outlet stores, or sale priced items. Another thing that I found odd was that this 1 star manufacture was actually one of the better manufactures of big screen in terms of quality and picture, again I have researched big screens for the last 6 months. When I questioned the pricing, I was told that electronics is not where I would see my biggest savings, that furniture and other items would net the biggest savings. I also went through thier value catalogs for furniture and found that several retailers/wholesale outlets offered the same if not better pricing on things that I was looking for.
When we got home that evening, we quickly changed our minds. I read the contract and we were given three days to back out. My wife called and put a stop payment on the check the very next morning at 8 AM. I sent an email to thier customer service, and also took back the contract. When the wife dropped off the contract she was told it would take 10 days to get our refund. I immediately called Directbuy and questioned why they would state refund when we wrote a check, and we barely left that check 12 hours before? They claimed that they thought we had used a credit card, then quickly said well we ran your check through our machine last night, we got our money. I then told them nothing cleared my bank and I put a stop payment on the check this AM. She then said hold on a sec, let me check to see if they took the deposits to the bank. She came back and said we will refund you if the check clears, then hung up. 3 days later Directbuy attempted to cash our check, because of the stop payment there were not able to get our money. We consider ourselves fortunate to get out of what have been the worst financial mistake we have made in the last 10 years. Directbuy is a scam, its not geared for the everyday consumer.

Valerie
Valerie
, US
Aug 31, 2008 5:48 am EDT

They only people happy with Directbuy are those who are to arrogant to admit they were screwed. I am a member (3 years now) and I KNOW from experience that on at least 3 out of 4 products if you shop around you can get the same deals, often online stores offer free shipping and let you use your credit card, thus sweetening the pot.

The fact is they lie, the savings are not what they make them to be because the MSRP is never what retail stores charge anyway. And the service is very poor. I didn't do my due diligence so shame on me. I read about some class action suits in the US and you can bet that Ill be on that bandwagon if ever I find out about one in Canada.

These are some items I DID NOT buy at directbuy recently as I found them CHEAPER online. A queen size mattress set, a 52" LG LCD TV, a samsonite luggage set for my daughter. I did some comparative shopping this morning and found may other things that I could get for a very comparable price if I needed them.

Directbuy is just another type of retail for those of us foolish enough to join. But something should be done about their sales pitch as it is a lie.

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Betty
Dayton, US
Jun 17, 2009 3:15 pm EDT

We were warned by friends that they were cheated out of about $5, 000 for a DirectBuy membership fee. They forked over all that money because DirectBuy told them that they would be able to buy things for their new home at the manufacturers' price -- at a 50% to 60% discount. Little
did they know, after DirectBuy tacked on hefty shipping and handling fees, they were able to find most of the items for sale through DirectBuy at the same prices, if not lower prices, at retail stores like Lowes and Best Buy!

If you were scammed by DirectBuy, like my friends, you should contact the law firm Craig T. Matthews & Associates at cmatthews@ctmlaw.com or 937.434.9393. That law firm has sued DirectBuy before in both Ohio and
Indiana (where DirectBuy's are located), and it's conducting an investigation about DirectBuy's misleading promises. If you want your membership fee refunded, you should contact Craig Matthews to pursue a class action case against DirectBuy. No matter what state you're from,
his firm should be able to help you. Be warned!

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DirectBuy returning items

NEVER sign up for this corrupt company! We were foolish enough to think that we were building a new home so it would be a great savings - wrong! My first encounter with them was to order my plumbing fixtures and doors - the plumbing fixtures all came in (eventually with a back order and wait time). The doors are a different story - we met with the representative on numerous occasions and had our plans - we told him we wanted a masonite front door - our plans called for a double door (no side lites). We even provided him with a picture of what we wanted - then our french doors (we provided another picture) - we wanted prairie glass in them. The garage door - once again he had our plans and he ordered a 20' door for a 16' opening. When the doors were delivered we received a single door for the front door (wood 3'x8' and we needed a 6'x8'). The door cost us $1, 748.00 and now they won't take it back. We have no use for that door. The french door came with regular glass in it - we kept it just for the sake of not switching out and of course the garage door now they owe us money for the difference in size. He got nothing right on the order and the sales people won't return phone calls or help us in any way. They are the worst excuse for a business that I have ever dealt with - HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU NEVER JOIN THIS SCAM - BECAUSE THAT'S JUST WHAT IT IS!

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DirectBuy open house

We attended an open house at Direct Buy today. We were promised several gifts for listening to the presentation. The woman who called herself the owner made a professional presentation and we were impressed with the products and service. But, when we were told of the very expensive membership fee, my wife and I decided not to join. The owner was furious with us and told us we were making a big mistake and were very foolish for not becoming members. She was so insulting and angry that we did not stay to receive the promised gifts. The longer we were there, the madder and more abusive she became. I would warn anyone to stay away from the open house at Direct Buy in Richmond, Virginia.

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RVA Customer 1
, US
Jul 03, 2013 1:30 pm EDT

If only we had did the same thing you did. We fell for the scam and did not receive the appropriate package level we paid for and did NOT receive the Great Wolf Lodge 3-day stay that we were promised. Even after purchasing, they did NOT give us the offer they used to lure us there in the first place. The owner Tim Haney and the rest of the staff are all part of a deceptive, misleading and likely unlawful scam. I read the reviews but thought it would be different for us. I should have paid more attention to the thousands of negative reviews online about Direct Buy. For those who are interested...don't go for the presentation as you will not get the gift you're promised and you're pressured to make a decision on the spot. And the customer service is beyond pathetic people who obviously have no conscious. Stay away!

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virtes
, US
Jan 12, 2013 9:19 pm EST

you too could file complaint to the Virginia Attorney General's Office for coercive, deceptive, and unlawful tactics into buying expensive club memberships that have little actual value. My wife and I will file complaints too and get our refund back.

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Sal Ladda
Plainview, US
Sep 22, 2012 5:10 pm EDT

You were wise not to join. I did and wish I never had. I feel that they lied from the beginning and that I will never even break even on my membership. Customer service is non existent, some of the staff are very abusive it is as if they are doing you a favor when you try to order or pick up something. Very disappointing!

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Sal Ladda
Plainview, US
Sep 22, 2012 5:06 pm EDT

You made a wise choice. I joined this club and I wish I had not. I seriously doubt I will ever save enough to break even on my membership.

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