We signed-up for our direct buy membership about 4 months ago after recieving an exclusive invitation from our local store. We were advised to come together as this was an important business meeting.
We arrived only to be escorted to a private room with curtains and a television and watched about 2 hours worth of videos.in between the video sections, a young man did brief presentations about direct buy's prices compared to that of local competitors as well as other retailers. He was very convincing.
After his presentations and video we were briskly escorted to a "private" table to speak with a sales associate. He immediately brought out a contract as well as a laminated "price chart" to evaluate how much we could afford to pay. We were a little overwhelmed but remained open-minded.
After reviewing the charts, we realized that we really couldn't afford any of the options and told the gentelman that very thing. He then escorted a younger man to our table who proceded to "lay things out" to us. We told him our situation and he tried to relate. He tried to be "average" and tried to understand not being able to afford more bills. We were so embarrassed.
He ran away again and came back with a new "deal". He asked us to write one check now and to post-date another check for when we could "afford" it. After being humiliated, we humbly obliged thinking that maybe this might be worth it. After all, we had just purchased a new home and needed furnishings. We were so wrong.
After realizing that we could not afford the monthly payments, we contacted our local direct buy and asked if our contract could be canceled. We were told that we were responsible for the contract and that it could not be negotiated. Not be negotiated??? We further explained that if it could not be canceled, we would simply stop paying and they would have to send collectors after us in order to get our money. We were then reminded that the contract we were held to would negatively impact our credit should we decide "not to pay" and that it would be in our best interest to "just pay it".
We have never been treated so poorly by any business. Even our credit card company is more polite and flexible. I am so angry about having to pay this monthly bill for services we clearly won't use. I understand why companies have contracts, but if there are financial issues preventing people from paying, you would think they would let you "quit" for a minimum fee. Not with direct buy. You have to buy out your $5,000.00 contract. Nice.
If anyone is having the same problem or is interested in filing a suit against the company who won't give us our money back, please contact me! I want to keep my money... Not give it away!
Thanks-
LacieOlathe, Kansas
U.S.A.
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