Rip-off Report Investigation:EDitor’s UPDATE: Positive Rating and Recognition has been given to
DirectBuy for its Commitment to Excellence in customer service.
Rip-off Report’s investigation of DirectBuy uncovers an ongoing commitment to total client satisfaction. This means that clients can expect the company will always work towards finding a mutually satisfactory resolution to any complaints or concerns in the past, present or future. DirectBuy pledges to help members and guests realize their dreams through exceptional customer experiences and unparalleled savings, service, and selection.
The Rip-Off Report Investigation revealed a demonstrated commitment by DirectBuy to providing excellent customer service and resolving customer issues. They achieve this through several means, including a recent partnership with customer service experts to actively survey their members and guests and make changes that improve their processes and ensure a uniform exceptional experience for every customer. To address the most common concerns, DirectBuy recently started offering free trial memberships at participating club locations, as well as additional tiers and terms of membership to meet a broader range of household budgets.
The Investigation also showed that DirectBuy members are renewing their memberships at record rates, indicating members are still very satisfied with the value they receive through DirectBuy’s home furnishings and home improvement products and services. DirectBuy is one of the largest consumer buying clubs of its kind, and we are convinced they are dedicated to using feedback from customers to continually improve their policies and procedures.
One DirectBuy executive explained about their many changes stating, “We have a team of service support specialists available specifically to address concerns from members and guests who visit Rip-Off Report. We want to ensure that their experiences with DirectBuy are positive, whether they join or not." Should you require this assistance, please contact them at
DirectBuyHELP@directbuy.com Provide your name, the date of your issue, and the name of the location you visited. If you are a member, please include your member number if available.
Given DirectBuy’s commitment to excellent customer service, they were alarmed by some of the complaints lodged with Rip-off Report. Rip-off Report found that most complaints about DirectBuy were made by non-members who were critical of the cost of membership and the policy that a decision about membership must be made the same day of the open house visit. The policy is there to protect the manufacturers. It ensures their confidential pricing cannot be used by non-members to negotiate better deals with retail stores, thereby protecting the best possible pricing to members. The policy has not changed, but as stated above, new tiers and terms of membership are being offered at participating club locations
DIRECT BUY recognizes that complaints posted on Rip-off Report (true or not) are issues that need to be addressed and if handled correctly can be valuable learning opportunities. With the feedback generated by Rip-off Report’s Investigation DirectBuy has made the necessary organizational changes to allow their members a more streamlined approach to problem resolution and a total overall commitment to customer experience. As one senior executive stated, “We have learned that even the most committed companies can make mistakes, but if you really pay attention, you can learn from them. We’ve adjusted policies to please both members and manufacturers, and we hope that anyone who has further suggestions on how we can improve our services will contact us with their ideas.”
In summary, after our investigation, which included discussions with DirectBuy Senior Management, Rip-off Report is convinced that the company has been and is committed to quality delivery of services resulting in total client satisfaction.
Read about DirectBuy .. see their websites and the services they have to offer. Read more about DirectBuy’s Commitment to Excellence and Total Consumer Satisfaction and why consumers should feel safe, confident and secure when doing business with a member of Rip-off Report's Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program. ..yes, a long name for a program that does a lot for both consumers and businesses alike. Read about Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Business Remediation & Customer Satisfaction Program,..A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. this program works.=====================
NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED =====================
Direct Buy Kent, WashingtonDirect Buy Of South Seattle Kent, Washington Do NOT purchase a membership!!!! Ripoff Kent Washington
We support all the people who state that purchasing a membership through Direct Buy is a rip off. The information that is presented to you in the sales pitch is stated improperly. Yes, they may have lower prices, but that is in FEW instances. That is the part that they do not tell you.
Many times if the item is lower priced, the shipping and handling that is added on does make the item(s) more expensive after they arrive at the warehouse. The ship time is usually 6-8 weeks which is not explained at the sales meeting.
Customer service is EXTREMELY poor in this warehouse. The reps in this warehouse are always frustrated and upset when you ask a question. They get angry if you come to their desks more than once. They appear to expect you to know all they answers when you come to them. If that is the case, why are they there?
We placed one order for a plasma television and the order sat out there for several months. When we inquired, we were told to wait. We were being impatient. After many phone calls, we found out that the company was not selling that television any longer. Direct Buy wanted us to take the money and put it toward another television. No.....we wanted that one. Again, it took a lot of effort to convince them to refund our money for a product that was never received. They acted like they were doing us a favor!!!
Please be aware that Direction Magazine is a joke. You can NOT shop online most of the time as was explained in the initial meeting. Everything that we want, states that you have to come into the showroom for pricing. We do not live near the warehouse and that is why we purchased our membership for the ease of ordering online. In addition, the magazine is shipped late or not at all and they will not mail a replacement to you if it is not received.
We are extremely sorry that we ever spent out $3,700 for this membership. Nothing is as promised. I can not believe that this company can stay in business with false advertisement and misrepresentation of their company. Aren't these things against the law?
Barbara
Snoqualmie, Washington
U.S.A.