• Report: #352547

Complaint Review: Direct Buy

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  • Submitted: Thursday, July 17, 2008
  • Last Posting: Saturday, August 01, 2009
  • Reported By:Chehalis Washington
Direct Buy
8719 Commerce Place Dr NE Lacey Washington 98516 U.S.A.

INVESTIGATION: DirectBuy commitment 100% member satisfaction. DirectBuy recognizes that complaints posted on Ripoff Report (true or not) are issues that need to be addressed and if handled correctly can be valuable learning opportunities. Merrillville Indiana
*UPDATE: DirectBuy recognized by Rip-off Report as a safe business service. DirectBuy pledges their commitment to Rip-off Report Corporate Advocacy Program. A program that benefits the consumer, assures them of complete satisfaction and confidence when doing business with a member business. Direct Buy found to be the largest consumer buying club of its kind. Rip-off Report Verified Safe


1Author 2Consumer 0Employee/Owner

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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.

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NOW TO THE ORIGINAL REPORT THAT WAS FILED

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Direct Buy entrapped, deceived, tricked Lacey Washington

I learned about Direct Buy from a commercial on Television. It got my interest so I attended an open house at there showroom in Lacy, Wa. I was told I could save money on many numerous items buying at manufactors cost.

The catch was at the end of the seminar I was told I had to decide to join or not join immediatly. If I didn,t join I would not be allowed to join again.

I was given the cost of the program and had to pay substancial amount down, and the rest financed. I signed the contract. With remodeling my home I,ve compared prices, and there was not a lot of difference with the stores I went to and Direct Buys prices, and some of Direct Buys prices were higher.

The contract states I will not get my down payment back, and I am responsible for paying off the rest of the amount financed. I feel I have been misled, entrapped, and am tired of getting ripped off.

Nolen
Chehalis, Washington
U.S.A.

This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 7/17/2008 6:07:11 PM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/franchises/direct-buy/investigation-directbuy-commi-yf83d.htm.

Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report.

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REBUTTALS & REPLIES:
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Updates & Rebuttals

#1 Consumer Comment

I am a member of DirectBuy in Lacey

AUTHOR: <1000.00 A Month - Puyallup (U.S.A.)

I am a young male in my mid twenties, and I too saw the ads. I saw them on tv, in the paper, heard them on the radio; they were all over the internet. I eventually attended an open house and found that the process seemed very personalized and they were very curious about my particular needs, and where my initial interest came from. During the Open House, I was informed at the end that my decision was required that day. Based on the information given to me during the Open House, I understand that this is because of the way DirectBuy operates, and is to PROTECT the relationship with manufacturers and the confidential pricing. As a member, I would be severely disappointed to know that this process isn't consistent, and that accomodations were made that could jeopardize my personal experience with DirectBuy and the manufacturers available. I understand that this is a bit of a hoop, but I was willing to jump through it to gain membership PRIVILEDGES. I have already purchased an item from a very reputable manufacturer for outdoor use, and find that it is the exact same item I could have bought at the store...but much much closer to my price range. (I even got to pick the color!) RUGGED! The savings may be small for someone who makes a larger income than I, but those add up! (I have seen large savings too!!) I regret that your experience left you feeling tricked, and decieved; no person deserves that feeling after such an investment. However, I didn't encounter any such feelings when I personally went through an open house. Ultimately, the decision was left up to me, the tour giver was able to find a way to make it affordable for me, so I made what has proven to be a sound investment. Based on just the browsing I've done, I can realize how one could benefit and save from a membership. I'm confident I can. Which is why I CHOSE to get a membership, otherwise I would have walked right out the front door...which by the way was never locked while I was there. :) Since signing up for a membership, the staff has continued to be just as pleasant, and even eager to help. For the extra options offered when ordering factory direct, instead of relying on what a store's purchasing agent picked out, I feel that it is a sound investment. Once again, Nolen, in Chehalis, this isn't to disrespect or even belittle your opinion. I simply feel that as a member, I should point out that the experience was pleasant, there wasn't any deception that I could perceive, and no lies were told to me. All my questions regarding why I had to decide that day were answered to my satisfaction based on the business model of DirectBuy. It was all there in black and white when I read my contract. In regards to not getting your down payment back, I imagine any contractor would have a similar response if you asked for a refund after he remodeled your house. I sincerely hope, as another member (I signed up in Lacey too and that's where I shop) that your experience changes for the better, and that the savings will be realized. I also would make the suggestion of calling ahead if you have a big project planned. Let them know you may want assistance, they have always been willing to help me find what I am looking for.
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#2 Consumer Comment

I have had nothing but positive experiences

AUTHOR: Rocko - Ft Lauderdale (U.S.A.)

Customer service is great - selection is extensive - and I have saved thousands for my house
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