Yes, it's a scam. Here's an interesting article. They have shady practices, for sure, but you can google "Is Direct Buy a scam" and get a ton of comments.

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/17/business/la-fi-lazarus-20131217

It takes advantage of unsuspecting people who think they’re gonna save oodles but are not told they’ll have to engage in very intense research to get truly good deals.

i furnished an entire house, plus electrical, appliances, some plumbing, flooring and the savings paid for the membership and then some. But I would never do it again or encourage anybody to commit to a $5000 (or whatever) membership to save $100 on a washing machine.

there are easier ways to shop and Directbuy is not it.

Hubby and I went to a presentation years ago. It was something like a $4,000 membership fee and the products that you could buy with a "discount" were VERY high priced. Scam, indeed.

My wife and I got conned into it twenty five years ago after we bought our first house. I'll echo the comments above. I'd never do it again.

Big scam IMO.

Thanks everyone!

How is this not spam? As far as I know, companies and pros are still not permitted to do their advertising in these forums.

It's not spam, IdaClaire, IMO, because the original poster has been around a while and has a lot of posts about other things.

The company mentioned is, however a scam. Scam vs spam.

Sushipup, the post I reference has been deleted. It was some long-winded thing from someone purporting to be an executive at DirectBuy, offering Houzz users a discount to join. It was definitely spam, and now it's gone. I would have deleted my comment above, but haven't been back to this thread since the DirectBuy response was pulled.

That SPAM post was just as scummy scammy sleazy as DB.

OK, thanks.

I’m surprised that everyone has had such bad experiences with DB. I bought a house last year and was told by my neighbors to join. I was worried it could be a scam but it’s kinda like Costco. Having a membership fee sucks but I’ve definitely saved a lot more than I spent on the $1k membership. It doesn’t sound like it’s the same business you guys had experience with in the past imo.

Anyone who buys a membership for $4-5k for discojnts aren't very smart to begin with. Just save your money or get a loan from a trustworthy bank or other financial source and buy what you need.

THANKS ALL GUYS!

I have a family member with a membership to directbuy. A few years after they joined I started getting intensive promotions for directbuy in my email, snail mail, and by phone. As did other relatives. Our close relative had "shared" (read: sold) our contact info to directbuy in exchange for increased discounts.

That was all I ever needed to know to realize the business model is not for me.

Interesting that the two posters claiming satisfaction with membership each have one comment total—the one in this thread.

I did a TON of research before I bit the bullet and paid their VERY high membership fee.

After spending close to $20,000, I ended up receiving several e-mails from different people letting me know that this item or that item was no longer available and to make a different selection. I did, and 2 weeks later found out that item wasn’t available either. For other items, I was given a replacement option that was not even close to the same item. Several items that actually were available, were not in stock, so their estimated delivery was 3-4 months out.

I placed my full order on May 21st-(bedroom sets, dining table and chairs, sofas and chairs, tables, washer and dryer, dressers, bunk beds, mattresses, etc) today, June 19th the only item I have received is the Washer and Dryer and no one has even contacted me to schedule delivery for any other item.

I spoke with Drew from the escalations department; I wanted to cancel my remaining items that haven’t shipped, and get my membership refunded. She was completely unwilling to help or understand. She just kept saying "you're past your 30 days to cancel, and there is no one else you can talk to about it." Even though, I was not even notified until after 30 days that the items weren't available or they were delayed.

She even said they couldn’t tell which items had shipped, and every manufacturer would have to be contacted separately.

The worst part, I even asked the sales rep before I purchased my membership, if it would be possible to coordinate the delivery for all the items, and he said "he was sure they could, just use the concierge service". This was a LIE! I can't even get furniture items before 3 months, or items fulfilled that aren't discontinued. At this point, coordinated delivery was the least of my concerns, but that was flat out a lie. The sales guys will tell you anything to get you to buy.

I even asked Drew in the escalations department; “would you really prefer I leave my negative experience on the review websites as opposed to just refunding the membership fee?”

She said “I hope you wouldn’t do that, but you are past the 30 days so we will not be refunding your fee”.

Don't fall victim like me. If you are looking to furnish a house, go to a local furniture store, pay a little extra, make a deal with them and get your house furnished in a timely manner; you will save yourself SOOOOOO much hassle, disappointment, stress, etc. Direct Buy savings is not worth your mental health through the process!

@HU-126572827 that first image has A LOT of personal info that I wouldn't recommend having on a PUBLIC forum

Thanks for pointing that out!

I joined Direct Buy seven or eight years ago. I don’t think it’s a scam at all, you just have to be a reasonably intelligent user, they do not spoon feed you. I’ve purchased faucets, lighting fixtures, appliances, and smaller things for gifts, such as Le Creuset pans. Also carpet (huge discount over local retail shops) and some furniture, as well as an area rug that was greatly discounted over any web site or store. They now have a very comprehensive web site which makes it easier to compare prices. They are ALWAYS the lowest price, and most items are shipped directly to your home. We are about to renovate our kitchen and I’m starting with Direct Buy cabinets and appliances. It is surprising what they carry - I had huge savings on door knobs, for example, and door pulls. If you plan ahead and do a bit of research it is well worth the annual renewal fee, I earned the membership fee back years ago.

Interesting that the two posters claiming satisfaction with membership each have one comment total—the one in this thread.

And another one-commenter...

I’m a real person. I seldom look at Houz, I just did a search for DirectBuy cabinets to look for tips and this popped up. so that’s why one comment from me, I don’t overshare. I have never bought an entire house at once from DirectBuy, just one or two items for a specific need after comparing costs. Furniture lines change frequently, plumbing and lights don’t change for years.

I’ve used Direct Buy for over 10 years, stared when they had a showroom in Chesterfield MO. I’ve saved a good bit and made my membership fee back after our first Kitchen Renovation. They are less easy to deal with without the show rooms and you need to understand the process and how to use the system but you can save money... That said there are things like electronics TV’s and Stereo equipment where you can often get better buys in BestBuy if you are patience or consider open box items... I’ve found that renovation items, window treatments , fixtures, flooring and furniture are where you really save. They’ve lost contracts with several brands like Sonos, Bassett Furniture that I’ve not been too happy about so they’ve certainly changed. Nevertheless I continue to renew as that fee is reasonable to retain access to the program and discounts... Good luck...

Another rave post from someone who just signed up.....

We've made Direct Buy work for us. We have been members since 2007. We saved back our membership plus thousands! It is NOT for those who are not tech savvy. All is done online now. We have purchased furniture, rugs, appliances. lighting, plumbing, flooring, bedding, mattress, tile. granite, decor, exercise equipment, window coverings. We also use their discount at Sherwin William's.

And another one....

Omg, Houzz. What does it take to clean up the forums and get rid of this junk???

We were members of DirectBuy for over 20 years and saved 10s of thousands of dollars using them to build and furnish 4 homes. For the most part, with a few hiccups, it was worth it until 2017-2018 when we built our most recent home. We encountered problems with almost every order but the one that made us decide to cancel was the purchase of a dining table with a flawed finish, they would not replace or take any action toward resolution of the issue. I would categorize the changes in their organization as follows 1. Customer Service Reps are no longer empowered to make decisions, and often don’t seem motivated to try. In the past we have worked with CSRs who acted as advocates and left no stone unturned to resolve issues that were clearly DirectBuy’s fault or the Manufacturer’s. That is definitely no longer the case. 2. They appear to have very little leverage with manufacturers and suppliers. It seems they are viewed dimly and WAY down the priority food chain, behind retailers, Amazon, Overstock, Joss and Main etc. I have email responses from the Manufacturers with DirectBuy copied with statements such as “this is our policy” and “our arrangement with DirectBuy is as follows..” I have (to date) never received such an email from any other manufacturer. The CSR forwarded these emails with a “Sorry I have done what I can, here is your answer” In light of DirectBuys significant handling and shipping charges, and the fact that you have to pay extra to have products delivered into the room you plan to use them, the savings Gap has narrowed, for me at least, to make working with companies who are willing to advocate for me, well worth it. 3. Their list of high end Manufacturers has continued to shrink in literally every category. Often the inventory from remaining manufacturers is not stated accurately. You spend hours searching for items and placing your order, only to get an email the item/items you want have been discontinued. To me, these changes point clearly to poor leadership. When I am investing in my home, or anything really, I want to know I am doing business with an ethical well run company. DirectBuy is no longer a company that fits those descriptors!

I fully agree with the review written by NJ Nesmith with the exception that I joined 10 years ago. Never had a problem until last year when it took hours to correct an improper shipment of an incompatible part on a very expensive appliance ( the order was correct but a different item was shipped ). I was uncertain as to whom was to blame and gave DirectBuy the benefit of the doubt.... But when attempting to place a cabinet order for a small bar area, the confusion and frustration was off the charts. I will not bore you with details but after numerous ambiguous emails and failure to return my phone calls from the "designer" I opted to not renew my membership.

We have had DB since 2004 - I think it was $3K to join then and we did an extensive renovation which covered the membership fee. We let the membership lapse and then rejoined in 2014 for like $100. We have built 2 houses since and saved money - mostly on flooring, furniture, and plumbing/lighting fixtures. I haven’t purchased cabinets as we have had all custom cabinets in these houses. However I would say we have saved in excess of $10K over these two projects. It takes a lot of work and research in order to get the best prices and they will beat pricing you can buy online or through a local retailer. I would never buy electronics or appliances through them though - best to use a local company for that.

We have been members for 15 years. Directbuy is no longer the company it once was. We have saved thousands over this time. We recouped the cost of membership in our first purchase of hardwoods BUT now it seems the vendors are dropping off, deliveries are delayed for months. We ordered 6 pieces in January for a kitchen Reno and nothing has arrived. Items keep getting delayed 2 weeks after delivery date has passed. We tried working with a designer at Direct but but couldn’t even get a design or quote after 40 days (and we gave them 3D renderings to work with). Their search engine is ridiculous and people promise to call you back and never do. What was once our favourite find is now a huge frustration and disappointment. We will not renew. Like my daughter said... “sounds like Directbuy is firing you guys as customers” you are not their demographic any more. Bye bye Directbye.

Cathy Lund--the delays are probably not the fault of Directbuy. Purchases of any kind of material related to a home reno/build, appliances and furniture are seeing big delays due to Covid. Try going to your local big box store and you'll find the same kind of delays.

Because we got nervous about getting things in time for Reno we started to purchase elsewhere and local box stores, Wayfair and Amazon are keeping their delivery promises. As a matter of fact we are not finding these delays anywhere else. I bought a fridge and it was delivered before DirectBuy even returned my call to let me know if it was available. Direct Buy still hasn’t called me back a month later. 2 years ago (long before COVID)we waited 4.5 months for a Samsung range to be delivered and had to cook outside till it came and although no fault of direct buy the range mother board blew.

Direct buy invited my girlfriend and I to hear the sales pitch. They said we needed to make a decision right then and there, that day, to join or not. And if we don’t, we won’t be able to join ever again. Right then and there, I knew it was a scam. We said we needed to sleep on it for a day, and they told us thats not an option. Let me tell you something, as a business owner myself, I would never tell someone that if they don’t buy now, right this minute, that I will never do business with them in the future. If someone, no matter what situation, tells you that you need to decide now, walk away. They do it so you can’t look em up at the BBB, or compare prices real quick, or read reviews. They offered us a membership for 3k initially. We said, he’ll nah, we can’t afford that. After a few. I thanks, the last offer was only $500. Hearing how they just went from 3k to $500 made me realize that they are scum

For those that read this before purchasing direct buy membership, record their sales pitch with a hidden body cam, post it on the internet, and direct buy will go away

Ps. Our Samsung Microwave has been delayed for a 3rd time and not expected to arrive till end of June along with the GE bar fridge. Both ordered at the beginning of January.

We have been members since 2007. We did a downstairs remodel (except cabinets)in 2008 and saved an ADDITIONAL 7k above the coast of our membership. We used to have a beautiful showroom near us, but that closed years ago. If you are not a researcher, or need products immediately this program won't be beneficial. If your refrigerator goes out, you can't wait several weeks for a replacement, although with Covid, every place is having trouble getting appliances. Beyond a total remodel we have purchased furniture, rugs, mattresses (find a model you like and they can check with the manufacturer since model names vary by store ), chandeliers, fans, watch. decor and more. We always compare to online as sometimes DC isn't the least expensive or fastest delivery time. It's not for everyone. but it has been beneficial for us.

i was looking at some countertops and cane across this post i have been a direct buy member and have purchased alot of furniture but for the past 1 year we have a major removation project redoing everything. i would say 80 percebt of the job is done with direct but itens and the balance through others. im really pleased with the purchases and money i saved but custoner service sucks lol. i really deal with it im just happy im saving money.

Just checking in again GE bar fridge further delayed from order date of June 16 to September 4th. Also wasn’t notified, had to call after it was late and not arriving in June.

Oops Jan 16

DON'T BUY MEMBERSHIP!! DirectBuy claims to have a "Savings Guarantee", but they always find some way to avoid honoring the "guarantee". If you're a diligent shopper, you can find better prices on the internet. DirectBuy adds so many fees to the price that their price is generally HIGHER than you can find elsewhere. Then you're forced to submit a request for a "Savings Guarantee" price reduction, which they frequently deny. For example, for furniture there are South Carolina direct providers easily found on the internet that give better prices than DirectBuy, and DirectBuy will NOT match those prices much less honor the "Savings Guarantee". We purchased a membership many years ago and it has taken us over 10 years and a lot of hassle to break even. In order to get the "Savings Guarantee", you have to shop diligently to find the best price, then submit that price to DirectBuy and wait to find out if they will give the "guaranteed" savings. We have found that generally they don't. They have given the "guarantee" only if it is an advertised price that is not a sale price. If you find the item somewhere on sale, by the time they respond that for whatever reason they won't honor the guaranteed savings, you may miss the sale. If you get a price quote from another source by email, they will not honor the savings guarantee claiming that you could have edited the email. They could easily call the vendor in the email and request a price, but they won't take that step to verify the price and just deny the guarantee. They also don't have a great selection. Some manufacturers they list, such as Bernhardt, they do carry, but only limited lines. We have, however, found that you can get good prices on high end area rugs. I got a DirectBuy quote for a Surya hand knotted 100% wool area rug that was over $1,000 less than the local retailer. But I still ended up finding that same rug for even less at HomeGoods ($249 vs $1,426.27 - same manufacturer, model, material, color and size) after a friend told me about their great rug prices. Over the years, we saved enough on area rugs that it covered the cost of our membership. But if you factor in the time value of money, we still didn't save. I would only recommend buying a membership if you're going to buy enough high end area rugs to justify the cost of the membership.

Don’t buy for deals on appliances. We just contacted Direct Buy again because our microwave and fridge still did not arrive only to be told we need to wait “another” month. Ordered Jan 16. This happened with our Samsung Range 2 years before Covid. It took over 4 months to be delivered and it was a dud. We thought that might be the exception to the rule but apparently not. Manufacturers like Samsung and GE benefit from getting supplies to the big box stores first. To be clear our order included a trim kit that doesn’t need the elusive “chip” and that hadn’t arrived yet either.

I have been a member since 2000 and a lot is true of what being said. You have to research to benefit from DB. The higher end the item the greater the savings. I almost always shop by submitting a savings guarantee first and then ordering after I get the price match. I have recarpet my house, bought real wood blinds for my home, bought sectionals for my home and my parents, and a host of other items. Simple search on the internet will allow you to match and save a great deal. P.S. They will match Amazon.

The juice is definitely NOT worth the squeeze!!! You might save a few dollars here and there, mostly from furniture, but the customer service is atrocious and there is absolutely no accountability when things go wrong. I have been a member for 10 years and the company has gone from okay to horrible. It is not worth the headache dealing with DirectBuy.

What a #relief to see ALL this newer-feedback via Direct Buy...especially from the postings via last year perspective. You sometimes think to yourself that maybe it is just "you," but all this analysis and feedback about the Direct Buy of new is eerily correct and accurate. Namely : OKAY--> WAY WORSE - on ***all*** fronts. My wife and I were (also) part of those legacy members who paid the huge 'dues,' but as we were renovating two houses per year, so the recoup (re: of Fees) was instantaneous for us. It was never great in the original format either, but as you'll read...if you were willing to do all the due diligence and assemble a huge list of what you needed by Style / Color / SKU, it was incredible savings. Aside : And I am sure it is confusing (re: if you are NEW and now deciding on whether to join or not) when doing due diligence on them...as this newer version of Direct Buy is a TOTALLY different beast than what it was via sales presentations and brick and morter locations. We (also) had a lot of hope with more of it going online...giving you the full price visibility when doing those orders online, but whatever the new CEO / Owner(s) did to move it into the digital age, completely torpedo'd any sense...or sanity...of even 1/2-decent Customer Service. And unless you are a trillion-dollar FRUIT company or Discover Card...the world has clearly and slowly shifted away from US-based reps (all together), but now you have chats with (what seems) every Eastern European rep...and the indifference, slowness and near-impossible resolutions to issues IS the real deal and a 'thing.' We even went onto Glass Door to see (employee reviews) of the company, and no question, something is BROKEN there now. Sounds like little is done to support or grow their staff internally. Hey...all businesses change and have to make tough decisions or shifts, but this is one that seems to be making all the WRONG moves. We'd also concur...seems like great vendors are slowing leaving their vendor matrix with each passing month / year, and forbid something goes wrong (which is the ineveitable nature of renovations and this industry), but it's a collossal disaster and time suck to right the proverbial ship...thought it still tends to get done. But at what price? At least with credit card purchases with them, you always have this layer of dispute. Good news, is that entry cost is WAY LOWER and on annual basis. As others mentioned...if you stick to mattresses, rugs, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures...you will indeed still SAVE and save a lot (even with handling and shipping - which always existed with them, for the record).. And another huge benefit is that most of this stuff now comes (excuse pun) direct from the manufacturer and never enters Dbuy's warehouse or purview, but yes... Furniture is super tricky. Some great prices, but usually comes LTL...which is another layer of chaos...and as someone else mentioned...when Direct Buy C/S sucks, you are battlings multiple issues. Not fun! Finally, if you do not have a sense of humor and an equal and infinite amount of patience, this is NOT the rodeo you want to attend or participate in. Love - Hate is our new norm with them as well, and hope this can prepare you some if you are trying to decide to join or not. I hope this comes across a decision maker's desk there, but guessing not, and point of a review is to be candid, inform and prep the world in their own decision making.

They used to be a good company with interesting products and decent prices but not anymore. Since they no longer have brick and mortar locations and only minimal stock with average or higher prices than retail, they are not worth your time.

Agree with the comments; used to be great to work with years ago when they had the showroom and service people that really cared and would get to know you and your projects. The service got so terrible with the pricing only marginally better than what could be found online that I just stopped even looking and let my membership expire. Really sad. Really disappointing.