Problem with DirectBuy

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Has anyone done this? You've probably seen one of their infomercials on TV by now.

I have learned this is one strange cult-like company. And I was so stupid as to go to one of their open houses BEFORE reading all the warnings on the web about them, which is something I don't often forget to do. I did however check the BC Better Business Bureau and this particular franchise is not only in good standing, but accredited, so I didn't suspect anything.

The first indication something was wrong was when they wouldn't tell me on the phone how much the membership fee was, only that I could have savings of 30% to 50% on unspecified brands. This prompted me to decline their initial open house invitation but I after a few days of thinking about it, and their good standing with the BBB, I decided to go in anyway and see what all the hype was about.

At first a sales guy sat me down for some small talk. At that point they still wouldn't tell me how much the membership fee is. Then he sits me down in a room to watch a 40 minute infomercial about how great DirectBuy is and how I can save a "fortune" bypassing retailers.

Then, after all that, comes two surprising revelations. 1) The fee for the first three years is $5330 then $300 for every year after, and 2) I must decide and sign the contract that night or never come back again.

I was shocked, to say the least. However, thinking that if I could save more than $5330 over the next three years on partial renovations on my current place and refurnishing my next place, I thought it could actually still be viable, so I let them take me on a tour. It then became clear that everything must be purchased through catalogs, items can take up to two months to receive, there's often an 8% handling fee, and once you take the item, you're on your own for the warranty as they don't accept returns.

Then the reality that I had only that night to sign up kicked. Next thing I know I have two sales guys in my face trying to get me to sign up or miss an opportunity of a lifetime.

So I told them, if I have to decide tonight without doing more researching and planning, then the answer is no! It wasn't easy. They talked to me like I was crazy, and even acted like they were shocked someone was actually turning it down, like it had never happened before.

But I'm glad I did so. I found out that unless you're exceptionally patient, willing to accept risks, and you're intending on doing something major with your house over $25,000, it probably won't be worth it. (Plus, they don't sell any saltwater aquarium equipment or supplies, hehe.)

Buyer Beware!