Any members of Direct Buy/UCC?

[The Lonegunman]

Originally Posted by cricketfan

Good question. But I would rather be educated to save money than be pressured to save money. The problem with Direct Buy is they depend on the captive consumer. They are afraid that if you have too much time to think or do a little arithmetic you just might turn away. It's the same old modus operandi that time-share sales people use.

At the end of the day the Direct Buy offer could very well be a good deal. I just don't like the emotional cost that I have to pay with all the mind games that they play.

The best way for you to be educated is to go and check it out. Then you can see for your own eyes. This way you can judge for yourself.

[cricketfan]

Originally Posted by The Lonegunman

The best way for you to be educated is to go and check it out. Then you can see for your own eyes. This way you can judge for yourself.

I did. And I got an education - to stay away from Direct Buy and all their mind games and pressure tactics.

[FLPL75]

I read many of the links and articles one thing that wasn't mentioned is the charge a 6% fee along with shipping and handling.
Also the reason you may see the different opinions is most location are franchised
Here are the franchise fees I found

How much does it cost to open a DirectBuy franchise?

Total Investment: $147,000-$259,000
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000-$55,000
Royalty Fee: 22%
Advertising Fee:
Term of Agreement: 12 years

it also mentioned that "members" get discounts and incentives for signing up friends.

I also noticed that many times folks have said "you have to order from the catalogs because they are unable to stock samples of everything". I know I am the type of person that if I am going to be spending a decent amount of money on something I want to be ale to see it in person.

I guess I am to much of a "negotiator" I have rarely paid retail on high end purchases. So why would I pay someone else over $4k to have the fun.

As many of the articles state "do your research" make sure of the return & cancellation policies to see if this would be right for you.

[MB71]

During our sales presentation in Jacksonville, we were told that delivery and installation of appliances was a member benefit only to sign up and find out that they don't offer free installation. Now they will not honor their sales presentation or refund our money. I spoke with manager Todd Yarborough. The best they would offer, after my husband attempted to speak with them, was $100 total. To put that in perspective, their installation cost on a single appliance is $150, and we plan on ordering a house full.

I have contacted the BBB, the state attorney general, and division of consumer affairs. We would have been happy with DirectBuy because as new homeowners, we have a lot of projects to take on. We are now distrustful of their business practices, and would never recommend them to anyone.

[nancy thereader]

I am sorry that this happened to you. I have heard this so many times about them........................

[MB71]

Originally Posted by MB71

During our sales presentation in Jacksonville, we were told that delivery and installation of appliances was a member benefit only to sign up and find out that they don't offer free installation. Now they will not honor their sales presentation or refund our money. I spoke with manager Todd Yarborough. The best they would offer, after my husband attempted to speak with them, was $100 total. To put that in perspective, their installation cost on a single appliance is $150, and we plan on ordering a house full.

I have contacted the BBB, the state attorney general, and division of consumer affairs. We would have been happy with DirectBuy because as new homeowners, we have a lot of projects to take on. We are now distrustful of their business practices, and would never recommend them to anyone.

Since my last post, our issue has been resolved.

[MB71]

Originally Posted by MB71

Since my last post, our issue has been resolved.

We raised our concerns to the attention of the franchise management. They were responsive and worked with us to reach a mutually agreeable resolution that we were pleased with.

[cricketfan]

I often wonder why on earth people would get hooked on Direct Buy after all the negative stories.
I guess the sales pressure is too much for some people like buying a time share and then realizing later that you bought a time share.

[TylerJAX]

Direct Buy's business model is something of a ponzi scheme.

[madcapmagishion]

Anytime you hear this in a sales pitch "this offer is only good today"...RUN!...do not walk to the nearest exit.Do not pass go, do not collect $200, because you will no doubt save yourself thousands of $$$ and self recriminations later.