Rip-off Report REVIEW: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 - UCC Total Home, Next Level Marketing Owner Karuna Talwar Et Al Misrepresentation of Services.. No cheaper than retail, save your FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR MEMBERSHIP FEE. Gurnee Illinois
On 11/21/2007 my fiance' and I had the unfortunate "pleasure" of attending an open house at Direct Buy of Gurnee IL. High pressure sales tactic revealed at the end of a bogus video presentation stating that you had to join that day or never! Cost to join this club is 5600$ and the purported benefit is that you'll never pay retail again.
The following day being Thanksgiving, my fiance' and I could not shop at the wonderland that is Direct Buy until 11/23/. We shopped for some digital camera equipment and golf clubs/accessories. Direct Buy Gurnee was the same price if not higher ( due to handling / shipping fees & taxes ) than the retailers surrounding their showroom. THIS IS A TOTAL SCAM!!!! They lure you in telling you everything verbally, showing you advertisements from local retailers ( like a best buy ad. ) and what the price you would pay from Direct Buy vs. the ad would be. Horrible ethics and morals at play here folks.
I am attempting to get my $1400 refunded and contract terminated so that Im not paying a montly installment loan to them for the remainder. I stated my intentions in writing to the owners ( Karuna Talwar & Suku Talwar ) on Sunday 11/25 but have not seen or heard a response. I contacted the corporate offices in Merrilville IN but got little help. They hide behind the " well sir, these are independent franchises and we have nothing to do with them " song and dance.
Save yourselves, they have nothing to offer you. Retail big box stores are no longer operating on 40-60% margins, its a thing of the past. Don't believe me, check them out, most are public companies. You can probably beat the Direct Buy Price at any walmart, sams, home depot, circuit city, best buy, etc. without even haggling.
Bugsy
kenosha, Wisconsin
U.S.A.
