On March 27, my wife and I attended a DirectBuy (DB) introduction meeting at the Woodbridge Center to learn if our long-term improvement plans could be met and if it could produce a substantial savings to us by becoming a member. During this initial meeting and other meetings with various DB representatives that day, we laid out our plans for installing hardwood or laminate flooring. We were assured that we could save the membership fee on our flooring purchase, that DB could purchase the correct flooring and trim peices from any flooring manufacturer, that DB could arrange for installation at a substantial savings, and arrange for installation. We were told not to make no deals with the non-|DB suppliers; rather Also during this meeting I asked if DB could provide a cordless electric shaver. We were told that often these small items were available in the store or could be ordered and mailed to the house.
Based on DB's representatives statements. I agreed to sign up for a one-year trial membership at a cost of $1,800 and would extend it to a 3-year term if all that DB representations proved true.
After signing DB's agreement, my wife and I began following DB representatives' directions for obtaining the "free" estimates for installation and materials. The first snag was a demand from the installer for $150 to provide the free estimate. The second problem was that DB, without an outside dealer, could obtain the flooring that my wife had told DB she wanted - We learned that DB had no arrangement to directly purchase Formica Brand flooring. Using DB's outside contractor, DB was able to procure the flooring but at a greater price than I later found that I could. During our contact with DB and its representatives we identified several more misrepresentations. Tour representative's made untrue claims as to what DB can purchase directly from any manufacturer at a substantial saving. Next, I learned that free estimates aren't always free. Then I learned that DB does not sell cordless, electric razors as represented at the initial membership meeting.
All-in-all, DB made several misrepresentations as to the benefits of membership Since DB was not forthright in its representations, and since I have been unable to get DB representatives to fulfill their claims as to the advantages of DB membship, I am asking that Direct Buy refund my Membership Fee of $1,800. Since this operaion appears to be a sham, I will bne surprised to see any money returned.
CharlesLocust Grove, Virginia
U.S.A.
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