I designed the local showroom here, and was their kitchen designer for 3 years.

Yes, you have access to good brands. They can sometimes be less expensive than other dealerships, especially with the Dynasty and Omega. The mid and builder lines are not going to be priced much differently no matter where you go. They are too commonly found, and comp shopped for that.

Yes, you have access to a dedicated kitchen designer as opposed to an architect's input. Those kitchen designers are every bit of hit and miss as at any other place, so due diligence is in order. As a rule, the designers are a bit more of the miss because of the low compensation package offered, which is why I left. They are franchises, and each one has different ways of doing things, even though they operate under the umbrella of the franchise agreement.

The other reason that I left was that I was uncomfortable with their compensating their contractor and designer members for 10% of the sale without the customer's knowledge. Yes, many companies do give a contractor discount to members, but there, if you the customer paid 30K for cabinets, your designer or contractor who brought your business to them would get a 3K check. Contractors don't have a duty to disclose that to their customers, but designers and architects have a Code of Ethics that compel them to be clear with their customers about all sources of income on their jobs. In all the time I was there, I had only one designer who complied with that Code of Ethics. The temptation was just too great, I guess.

Now, members can pass along that 10% discount to their customers if they want, and get their compensation outside of that, and if I were dealing with a member, thst is what I would want. But, I personally would wait to see if he offers it. Or mentions the discount at all. Because that will tell you a lot.