L.G. asks from Harvey, LA on April 02, 2009
Direct Buy - Harvey,LA
Does anyone have any experience with Direct Buy? I have heard you need to be a member but you can buy for a lot less than at a regular store. Thank you for your help.
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A.J. answers from Baton Rouge on April 03, 2009
Do not fall for this gimmick - and gimmick is what it is.
They are rediculous as to what you can save. For some of the things they say you can save you can obtain quotes for named stores that ar lest than half of what they say you can save.
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A.J. answers from Baton Rouge on April 03, 2009
Do not fall for this gimmick - and gimmick is what it is.
They are rediculous as to what you can save. For some of the things they say you can save you can obtain quotes for named stores that ar lest than half of what they say you can save.
S.G. answers from Oklahoma City on April 03, 2009
We have been Direct Buy members for 3 years. It is great if you are building or remodeling a house. We saved lots on our appliances, electronics, and wood floor. We were able to get our kitchen appliances cheaper than our builder could! It does cost to become a member, but we broke even after we built our house. Now we are really saving and are able to buy nicer things for the same price as less expensive items or we can buy regular brands for less than stores. You just have to be careful and make sure you order exactly what you want. It's very difficult to return/exchange items and some can not be returned/exchanged. We ordered the wrong frame for our microwave (guy at the store gave us the wrong model #) and we were just stuck with it. Now I check & double check model numbers before I place an order. You also have to check the item to see if it has a shipping &/or handling fee. Sometimes that can make the item more expensive than buying it out right. They did say not to check around at stores, but we did. Even when we buy things from stores, we check prices. We just didn't tell the store we were with Direct Buy. Also, there really isn't much customer service after the sell, but the savings on many items are great. Feel free to contact me if you want more information. Good luck!
A.K. answers from Birmingham on April 03, 2009
Prices are good but customer service is not too good. DirectBuy sent me the wrong dresser and it took forever to get it corrected.
S.F. answers from Jackson on April 03, 2009
I live in Mississippi and tried to get a membership with Direct Buy but since the closest one was located in Alabama they wouldn't send me a pass, even though I was willing to travel especially since I have family in Alabama
S.B. answers from Monroe on April 03, 2009
My in-laws joined Direct Buy when building a new home. It cost them $1,000's to join. They didn't buy anything from Direct Buy. They tried. The bids that they got through local supply houses and other stores were much less than the prices at Direct Buy. They were discouraged by Direct Buy to "shop around" and compare prices, they were told it was against the agreement that they made with Direct Buy when signing up to join. (It didn't stop them) The Direct Buy stores in our area don't actually carry the items in the store. You have to meet with a consultant and them order your items. You are charged a shipping fee if you have it sent to your home. There is the option of picking it up in the store. The store in our area is still 1 1/2 hours away.
Hope this helps. Maybe my in-laws were the only ones with this type of experience. Also, keep in mind that members are the only ones allowed in the store unless the person you bring is a licensed designer, etc. I got to go in with her because my husband was the licensed contractor building her house and I was going to help her with building decisions.
J.H. answers from Little Rock on April 03, 2009
We checked into that as well. You have to pay this fee every month and unless you redo an entire room you're just really not getting a good deal. There are too many furniture stores and alternative ways that are better and easier on the wallet.
J.S. answers from Shreveport on April 03, 2009
Hi L.,
Yes, my husband and i have purchased several things through Direct Buy. My husband has a co-worker who is a member and were able to utilitze their membership. I am not sure how much it is do be a member, but it would be well worth it. we have saved a lot of money on our furniture that we purchased. it is well worth the investment!!! hope you can locate one in your area!!
L.M. answers from Texarkana on April 03, 2009
My parents were going to try Direct Buy. They shopped around checking prices first, which I would encourage. They were told that they would not be able to leave and then come back to join at a later time. You only get one chance to join. My parents found that almost everything was cheaper at Lowe's or other local stores. And nothing was carried at the store. You have to make your selection from a catalog and then have it shipped to you. It really didn't sound like much of a deal to me. They saved more money by not joining. Hope this helps.
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