I've frequently been tempted to go to one of those open houses for Direct Buy but I don't know if it's really a deal to belong. I anticipate that it would be a high pressure sales pitch like you get from timeshare salesmen. In Direct Buy I'm referring to the home improvement and home furnishing club. They say you can buy at 'insider prices' and save thousands. Do you belong to Direct Buy? Are the prices really as good as they say? Do you really save lots of money? What is the 'open house' like? High pressure? I'd love to hear about your experience.
It sounds like what I thought it would be like. It also doesn't sound like something that would be worth it for us. Maybe about 8 years ago it might have been as we've done some major remodeling in the past. Thanks for all your comments.
I'm thinking if it was SO great, everyone would probably at least know someone that belongs....right?
We went to their sales pitch once. We are in construction, so we figured, what the heck? Why not check it out? Well, there's high pressure to join then and there, or they'll black-list your name for 7 years (umm, what?), and it's extremely expensive. What really made our decision for us is that we know the prices of all kind of construction items (cabinetry, countertops, etc), and it's certainly possible to obtain all of the items cheaper than you would at Direct Buy. Additionally, let's suppose you were doing a big remodel. If Direct Buy doesn't have exactly what you want, you're left to choose something other than what you want, but that they have, so you can utilize your membership - or go elsewhere, and feel like you were ripped off buying a membership you'll never use. No, thanks. We passed on getting a membership there, and have not regretted it.
The only thing I've heard about them is the super high pressure sales to sign now or never have another opportunity, blah blah
I personally feel like you can do better if you know a contractor, etc. Talk to neighbors, get references, etc
I don't buy into this clever scam but I'm sure they will make you think you got a great deal!!
You know the saying... If it's too good to be true and... Most importantly... You get what you pay for!! Why should you purchase a membership for thousands to save thousands? Sounds silly to me. Manage your money correctly and you get some quality products from reputable places of business.
Best wishes!!!
I would not belong to that organization again. We belonged to it years ago and were able to get some very nice furniture at huge savings. We had already picked out a bedroom set, priced it and knew how much we would be saving so we opted to join. The cost to join was less than the savings we got on the bedroom set so it made financial sense to join. We bought a few other things too. However, there were a lot of hassles involved. Very high pressure at the open house. At the time, you had to provide your own transportation and delivery of your purchases. You had to pay a "service charge" for them to receive it and open it before you picked it up. You could be charged a service fee if your purchase "sat" in their warehouse too many days. You had to pay an annual fee to maintain your membership. We let ours lapse-several years later I inquired about rejoining and they said I would have to go back and pay all the annual fees I had not paid or just get a new membership which had skyrocketed in price. Now with Costco.com and other organizations offering furniture, flooring, right on the internet, it is almost easier to shop that way. It is easy to compare price and get exact specifications. Some have free shipping (which i am sured is factored into the price).
Yeah, we belong. Yeah, it's a hard sell and expensive to join and you have to make your decision right then and there. If you're doing anything less than a pretty major remodel, it's not worth it. If you just want a couch and a fridge, it's not worth it.
We've done two major remodels and we've saved tens of thousands of dollars. Tens. Of. Thousands. Of. Dollars. Yeah, it's been worth it *for us*.
Others have asked this question on Mamapedia. Do a search on Direct Buy and you'll see a number of questions to read through.
I know I was stalked by them for about 1 year after we bought our new construction house. They contacted us by phone and mail...so annoying!
Google "direct buy consumer reports". Not too many people say good things about them but there are a ton of complaints.
We had to decide instantly that day. We could not really compare so we said no.
On cabinets, local contractors will build solid wood ones cheaper than Kraftmaid and others from the big stores. They install and stain on site so no dents, etc...
My friend belongs to Direct Buy, and she has money! Direct Buy is great for people who have plenty of money, & who plan on spending a lot of money on furniture. It is only worth it if you plan on buying a ton of new stuff. With Direct Buy, you pay thousands of dollars up front,
and then get good deals on everything you buy. It is worth it if you plan on buying a lot, & if you have the money to spend. Otherwise, forget it!
