Has anyone tried "Direct Buy"?
I’ve heard some people rave about it but I hear the membership fee is through the roof. Anyone have experience with this service/store? Are the discounts worth the upfront fee?
I’ve heard some people rave about it but I hear the membership fee is through the roof. Anyone have experience with this service/store? Are the discounts worth the upfront fee?
Bobjohn,
You could conceivably do that, but they will catch on when they see you buying 8 dining tables, 20 Ottomans, etc. At that point you are essentially a furniture dealer and would be competing against other dealers on price anyway.
The point of the membership is you pay roughly what dealers and wholesalers pay. So if you want to become a furniture dealer, you dont need Direct Buy, you will just be getting dealer/volume prices directly from the manufacturers.
this business model absolutely escapes me. If they sell a product cheaper then anybody else, should I start a business buying stuff from direct buy and selling it on ebay?
maybe they just sell different models from anybody else.
Thanks to all that have replied.
cgbrownstoner: 4k isn’t too bad. how long is the membership for?
We joined two years ago — cost was 4K. We’re about to break even (i.e., recoup our membership costs), but we’ve spent alot of $$$ doing it (We’re redoing our brownstone top to bottom). Only worth it if your doing alot of work as you save about 20% over best prices you could obtain elsewhere (internet etc.) for furnature, bathroom fixture, etc. Not much in the way of savings on electronic items and appliances — got those cheaper through internet suppliers.
And what happens to your 10k when Direct Buy goes bust? Is the business then called Direct Bye Bye with your 10k?
My Parents use their direct buy account to “Funnel” purchases to us.
Basically, Yes it is a crazy discount on furniture – Typically 30-40% below the best prices on anything I can get from a dealer, sometimes more.
Yes, the Membership is also crazy expensive, 10K is about right based on what my parents told us, although I cant recall if it is a 5 or 10 year membership.
It makes great sense if you are planning on spending alot on furniture, remodeling, appliances, etc. over teh next 5 years. If not, dont bother – you just have to do the math and see what is better.
I had a friend at work who went to check it out after she and hers bought a house. In a nutshell she said the admittance fee which I don’t remember exactly but I believe was over 10K (?) was crazy. If you were buying all new floors, appliances, furniture etc for every single room in your home you’d come out with good deals.