I've heard the radio ads and seen the TV ads, so I thought I'd finally check this place out since I just bought a house.
The appointment was set over the phone. From the moment I walked into the place I felt a little uneasy. As you've probably learned from other postings, a small group of us is corralled into a room for the presentation. There's a little bit of one on one small talk before they get underway... Existing members are seen shopping around the floor, browsing catalogs. All's rosy and civil, for now...
I must say the sales guy was rather effective at first—not over-the-top, not cheesy, and definitely not a rookie. We were instructed to hold all questions until the end, which is fine... Unless of course, the sales rep neglects to even invite us to ask any! Luckily a few of us spoke up. The presentation lasted about an hour with 2-3 brief videos featuring testimonials.
You'd think DirectBuy was a nobrainer option for any variety of consumer, no matter the income-level, owner/renter, in the market/not in the market, savvy/hapless, etc. They portray retailers out to be hopeless, overpriced operations (irony?) then throw out some canned disclaimer: "It's not our job to disparage John Doe Retail Co., but..."
In an effort to keep this report brief, I'll highlight my 2 biggest complaints with this sorry excuse for a legit business:
#1 — gt; They think they're letting you in on some highly classified consumer secret, which is the main reason for the Now Or Never sign-up requirement. The secret they for some reason think nobody knows is this: retailers mark up prices to make a profit. Hello?!! Is this not obvious to anyone who's ever paid a nickel for anything? I learned this at age 4 when I bought a gumball at the gumball-machine! Their reasoning is that you'll take your newly-acquired insider knowledge and use it as leverage the next time you shop retail (i.E. You'll see a TV you like and remark to the retailer that you know they paid far less for it from the manufacturer and are turning around and selling it for a profit). So instead, you pay a membership fee for the 'privilege' to bypass the retail middleman and save money. Seems like a simple concept, but it's executed in a truly shameful manner by DirectBuy.
#2 — gt; Following the presentation, the group is broken up and you are assigned to an idividual salesman to complete the membership contract. At this point, we already know the price ($5,350 for 3 yrs., $200 per yr after that). It is at this stage of the tour where things get scary. If you for any reason object to the membership price, the process, the service, or just 'need a minute to think it over', they make you out to be some kind of idiot for not realizing the immediate benefits of their ridiculous program. I was pressed for time and didn't feel like dropping 5 grand just to shut this guy up. There's also a finance option where you put of minimum of $535 down and pay the balance over 36 months @ 17.75%. What a joke. Anyway, i'm not letting this place waste any more of my time buy writing more about how you should STAY AWAY.
I am now prouder than ever to shop retail. So what if the retailer makes a little bit of money. DirectBuy isn't exclusive, practical, or even tactful in their pursuit of business. Yes, they may work for some people, but those who have even a minimal amount of judgement will think twice when faced with the chance to join these clowns.
Over and out, glad I walked away (laughing).
Gerry xxxxxxxxxPhoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
0 comments