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I've compared prices of big named retailers and online shops with those of Direct Buy and still came out saving more with purchasing my products with my membership. I've been a customer for 2 years now and have already made up for the 3 year membership plus much more

I've compared prices of big named retailers and online shops with those of Direct Buy and still came out saving more with purchasing my products with my membership. I've been a customer for 2 years now and have already made up for the 3 year membership plus much more

I've compared prices of big named retailers and online shops with those of Direct Buy and still came out saving more with purchasing my products with my membership. I've been a customer for 2 years now and have already made up for the 3 year membership plus much more

To all those put off by UCC's "sales" pitch, I highly agree. When I first walked in, the pitch was so offputting that I almost walked away. My rep was awful, but I decided to join because I saw the savings on some items I needed.

My experience as a "member" has been generally positive. I think the main problem with this company is that each "showroom" is an individually owned franchise run by people who have never had a business before. Some owners may be unscrupulous. Unless the corporate office hears a complaint directly from you, the company cannot address complaints. People might be able to change their sales tactics by calling the corporate office and complaining. I think the sales program comes from them, since everyone has about the same experience.

Membership to this company is only worth it if you are doing some MAJOR purchases for your home. Not a new TV or sofa, but MAJOR purchases. My family has purchased an entire kitchen - cabinets, sink, faucet, countertop, major appliances, the works. We saved more than our membership fee on just the cabinets. We compared apples to apples at Home Depot, Expo and Lowes. Our high end countertop was 3/4 the price of anywhere else we shopped. We got better quality for less money. Period. My showroom rep told me up front that we wouldn't save much on electronics. The major savings are in kitchens, furniture and window coverings. The window coverings we purchased were one-third of the sale price of Home Depot Expo.

This membership has allowed my family to buy higher-end things than we could have afforded otherwise for less than the average quality we could normally afford. Doing this requires an enormous amount of research, patience and the willngness to check out brands you aren't familiar with. Homework is essential, but if money is tight, you do what you have to do.

We have had an issue with our showroom that we couldn't get resolved and after calling the "mother ship", the franchise changed the way they handle calls and my problem was solved within a week.

My advice to people having problems with their local showroom is to call or write the corporate office. You have nothing to lose by doing so.
Good Luck.

Despite claims to the contrary, DirectBuy's only income are not their membership fee's. Similar to a time share's 'maintenance fee', DirectBuy has an 8% surcharge on nearly all items that they offer. They call it a 'handling fee' (yes, just like the elusive fee that accompanies most 'exclusive TV offers'). This handling fee is what pays the same overhead that all other retailers have to cover. The difference is that other retailers call it a markup, while DirectBuy prefers to deny that they would do such a thing.

While it is generally true that the consumer takes certain risks when buying, DirectBuy's predatory and dishonest practices should not be tolerated.

I believed unknown posters here...

This says it all:
"Their income is totally dependant on your membership fee. That is it. They make not one cent off of your purchase."

So once they have your money, given that they "make not one cent off of your purchase", what are their incentives to actually perform their services?? There ARE no incentives for them to perform their services. So if they disappoint you, too bad!

As a Member for 12 years I would like to say that Direct Buy was never a part of Unimart or whatever other company the person above referenced. They were previously known as UCC which was completely different. Also the theory of the other individual adding on the $5000 to the cabinet cost...thats the idea, the $5000 is subtracted from your savings until you're in the black. However the concept of every years renewal being $1k is fantastic, I'll tell you, mine aren't even 1/5 of that.

I have done several homes and countless gifts. They were pretty upfront with me on whether or not the investment would pay off for me. In the end, I've been able to do so much more and get such a great quality, I recommend them to people I feel can use them but there are many who can't. Everyone can find closeouts and stumble on great deals in retail is the bottom line, but this place, the store isn't dictating, your style is. So join don't join but everyone slamming the place thus far is not a member and I am so take that into consideration.

R.
St. Petersburg, Florida

Consumer Reports (or CR Money Advisor) took a look at DirectBuy, and said most items were available at other retailers for similar prices. Sure, DirectBuy prices are below list price, but so are most stores.

They also reported that shipping and handling ate away any savings on the few items that were actually priced lower.

This company used to go by the name Unimart, and I remember my friends purchasing a membership in the late '80s for $1200, and then buying furniture at a different store anyway.

Do not fall for this rip-off.

My wife and I actually considered joining Direct Buy. What turned me off originally was:

1. It's marketed at 3:30AM eastern like your usual 'get-rich-quick-scheme' or should I say, 'too-good-to-be-true' methods.

2. They never discussed how much the membership fee was, only how much money you'd be allegedly saving. But I'm guessing when you add back the cost of membership, you really don't save much.

Like I said, I'm thankful for both comments. Fortunately for me and my money, I won't be utilizing Direct Buy for anything but a good laugh and something to watch when I can't sleep.

I think the lady speaking for Direct Buy contradicted herself and may merely be a representative from Direct Buy attempting to 'save face' for the company.

If you are remodeling your home and the quote is 21K for cabinets. You get those cabinets from Direct Buy for 9K. Well now lets add back the 5K you spend for membership your already back to 14K. You never mentioned taxes which you have to add to this equation so now it's 15.12K. If the membership cost 1K/year for the 6 remaining years you are under contract (Note: you'll only probably remodel your home once in that time span) you're up to $21,120 for your cabinets and I didn't even include the cost of labor, shipping, & shipping insurance.

So, to people who can do basic arithmetic IT'S NOT A GOOD DEAL! Coupled with the fact that you can't find out if you're getting a deal until you've already entered into a contract, you're getting played. Maybe if you were filthy rich, this would work for you. However, even rich people don't remodel that often.

Well that's my two cents, thanks for the penny for your thoughts...

My husband and I have been direct buy members (Long Island, NY) for about four years now, with no problems. My mother (Long Island, NY) is a member and so is my step-sister (Peru, MA).

All three of us had joined because we were either building or buying new homes. My mother and step-sister were building new, and I was purchasing an older home.

If you are not looking to completely remodel your home, Direct Buy may not be economical. But if you are looking to remodel or build, its a good choice.

Yes, I agree, they have a harsh sales approach. You come in, you see the video, you work with a sales person, see some examples and are then expected to join up or never come back.

Now, I have read several of these blogs of people complaining or insisting that they can get a better deal. If you are getting a better deal then Direct Buy then its either stolen or discontinued.

Here is how the place works. Their income is totally dependant on your membership fee. Thats it. They make not one cent off of your purchase. The purchases are pooled together from across the nation at the same time and sent directly to the manufacturer. It is pretty impossible for you to get a better deal at a retail store then an order directly with the manufacturer for 1,000 plus units.

We had purchased one of those home weather stations that tells you outside temperature, humidity, etc. A week after we received it we received a check back for $25. Thats because from the time we ordered it until the manufacturer shipped it from their location, they had lowered their prices. Like I said, they dont make a penny off of any product sales.

Now, some items have more retail markup then others. For example, jewelry is marked up somewhere in the neighborhood of 300% when you buy it at Macys or other stores. But, electronics are marked up only about 10%. So what you might save in flat price you make up for in delivery costs.

My mothers biggest purchase were her cabinets for her log home. She went to Consumer kitchens first, had them draw it out, selected her cabinets, the whole nine yards. Price: $21,000 before installation. She purchased the same make and model, same configuration from Direct Buy for about $9,000. I too made a cabinet purchase for an accessory kitchen in my home, $7,000 retail price $3,600 Direct Buy.

My husband and I have also purchased outdoor lighting, indoor lighting, small electronics, washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, stove, range hood, and a chandelier. The chandelier is $600 and I paid $200 for it.

What I like most is being able to spend Home Depot prices but get top quality with Brand names that I wouldnt usually wouldnt spend the money on.