What is the catch with DirectBuy stores?

Question

I noticed that a DirectBuy store is opening in our area, and went to the website to check it out. There are lots of pictures, but NO PRICES anywhere! Also, you cannot make an appt to go in without your spouse being present. Come on, this is 2008!

So I am wondering about their prices, merchandise, etc. If they aren't what they pretend to be, how can they continue to do business with the economy as it is now?

Answer 1

I once took an interior design class (and learned nothing from the teacher)...however another student in class said that she had paid $5,000 or more for the membership (yipes!) for DirectBuy.  They had done some extensive remodeling.  

I once got a postcard from them (and I sent it backing saying my husband and I would go to DirectBuy--you have to make an appointment).  It turned out that my husband was traveling that week that I made the appointment and they wouldn't let me in without him.  So, I said forget.  They're very persistent with calling so I would suggest you skip it.  What a waste of time that was and I never even saw the showroom!  Two thumbs down...way down!  

Answer 2

Yeah, exactly, this is 2008. I think they want couples to come so they have more people to use their high-pressure sales tactics on, because couples have more disposable income than single people, and because they're more likely to be doing construction or serious renovating. As a single person, I am deeply insulted by a company which only wants to do business with couples and wouldn't deal with them even if I were married. My money's as good as anyone's.

They won't even tell you prices when you go for the sales pitch, nor will they tell you what your discount will be, or which lines they carry. They want your membership fee first so you're locked in. Having paid thousands for the membership, you will feel as if you'd better buy from them so you can recover some of the money. My advice: don't touch them with a ten-foot pole. Do a little web research and I don't think you'll like what you see. Unless you enjoy being pitched for a few hours, don't even make an appointment.

Answer 3

The catch is that by selling you a membership they actually lock you into buying all your home renovation/decorating goods from them.  They then sell most merchandise at comparable pricing to any other major chain, and end up with all your business while providing very few discounts.

They also have very high pressure sales tactics, so watch out.

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Answer 4

That is a great question.  I have no idea how they stay in business.  I've heard nothing but horror stories about them.