In September of 2012 my wife and I attended a sales presentation for DirectBuy, at 6918 High Tech Dr, Midvale, UT 84047 (801) 748-1700 and were sold a membership to a wholesale buyers club, that promised up to 70% savings on items. We put $300 down, and signed up for their in store credit for the balance of the membership. We were shown pictures of lawn tractors, furniture, and other things.
In the next few weeks we attempted to purchase a lawn tractor, and found that none were available, but they would work with a supplier to try and get one but it may not be at the savings presented at the sales pitch. We looked to buy other things and found that had greatly overstated the savings we were to receive. On October 13, 2012 we asked for a full refund in writing of the membership fees, due to the misrepresentation of the product availability and savings.
On Nov 28 2012, we sent another letter to DirectBuy, Beta Finance, and the SLC BBB, stating that they had misrepresented their ability to deliver the products and savings, and demanded a full refund. We also stated that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act we considered this a disputed account.
After that we heard nothing from either department of DirectBuy until we discovered a delinquent account report on our credit report a few days ago. Keep in mind that DirectBuy to this date has not delivered anything of value to us. DirectBuy/Beta Finance has been informed in writing ot at least two occasions that we disputed the debt and has failed to report that it is disputed to the credit reporting agencies. They also made no attempt to resolve the situation for about 18 months.
They have even violated their own Membership agreement of submitting disputes they cannot resolve to Arbitration at the local Better Business Bureau.
It should be noted that in a class action case Swift v. DirectBuy, United States District Court, Hammond, IN 46320, and the New York AG, have both found that DirectBuy used deceptive practices, and ordered refunds of membership fees.
The local store states that are bound by the policies of corporate headquarters, so all complaints have to be directed at them.
I received a letter informing me that I have been selected to receive a free tablet. When I called the number on the letter they said I must go to DirectBuy on 100 Fallon Road, in Stoneham, MA and listen to a minimum 90 minute presentation. When I arrived they took my letter, and we (my husband and me) waited with two other couples. We then suffered through a boring 90 minute presentation, once the 90 minutes were up I informed them I was not interested in paying $7000 for membership and monthly fees. They immediately became rude and mean, and directed me back to the front desk where the woman told me they are out of tablets they have been reordered. I called a week later and the women (Sabrina DeCosta, Assistant Director) still said they are on order. It is now almost a month and now I can't even get a hold of anyone via phone, and no one has returned my voice mail. I have Ms. DeCosta's typed and signed letter stating I visted and attended a DirecBuy presentation on October 11, 2014 and that she ows me a free Android tablet.
Mistakenly I joined Direct Buy in 2007. Having bought a house that needed a total rebuild I thought it was a good idea to be able to buy just about everything for the house at a substantial discount. How wrong I was. The "buy in" price to join was $4600 and a $159 yearly fee after that inital year. After belonging there for a while I did buy a couple of items through them that were good deals but not "killer" or outstanding prices. If you are a savy shopper and willing to bargin at stores you can do just as well or better pricewise without the outragous fees. The final factor in not renewing my membership was the fact that the store that was closest to me (6 miles) CLOSED!! The next closest store was over 50 miles and in a highly developed (re:congested) area. No way was I going to drive over an hour just to price items that I know could be beat.
Keep in mind there are no guarantees that the store you start with will be open down the road. Shop smart, save money and don't waste your time and money joining this rip off.
My husband and purchased a DIRECT BUY membership this past January from the Greenville SC location. We listened to the sales presentation closely. Most things sounded too good to be true but we have previously had a Uniway membership so we knew the wonderful possibilities a club like this could deliver. Our next purchase was going to be a computer. The salesman told us in our presentation we could save ONLY 20-30% on these items. Even APPLE computers. We were shocked. We also clarified with him during this one on one meeting about things he had brought up during his presentation such as tempurpedic mattresses and keurig coffee makers. YES! Substantial savings on those so we purchased a membership. My husband went there to get a computer and we were told we can't get those items and no one discounts APPLE! So I then pick out my tempurpedic mattress and go to DB to order it. Guess what! Can't get those either. Nor can you get Keurigs. I was furious. I specifically cornered the sales rep on these products because I wanted to make sure I didn't misunderstand him in his presentation. He was actually here from Charleston SC to TRAIN other reps. While I was at the store I spoke with the owners mom. She helps out there sometimes. She said her son would make it right for us. Most likely give us DB dollars. No one ever followed up with us. They did say they would give us 20% off a computer if we brought in a receipt. Whenever we go back to the location, everyone is always GOING to talk to the owner and get back with us. It never happens. Then I filled out a DB survey and received a phone call from Amy. This was the first she has heard of anything and she was going to get with the owner and call me back the next Tuesday. Promised she would. Well about another month goes by and no word from Amy despite me leaving voicemails for her. She finally calls back this week and explains she has had issues with her voicemail and didn't know I was calling and what could she help me with! Seriously !!!! So I bring her back on board and guess what? She is going to get with the owner and call me right back, in twenty minutes. She didn't call that day but did the next and said there was nothing they could do since I had purchased my membership in January. WHAT!!!! We have been after them since the first business day after we purchased the membership.
Needless to say I am furious and have absolutely ZERO plans of dropping this. I want a full refund for my membership. We were lied to about products offered by DB and it doesn't make a difference to me if the sales rep was from Charleston or Mars. He represented this location and on top of that he was there to train other salesmen. The customer service here has been anything but service. I can only imagine what would be going on if I ever had an issue with something I ordered.
I do not appreciate they way this location has taken my hard earned money based on lies. It is as if he had to lie to get us to purchase. The way this situation has been ignored despite repeated attempts by us to get this resolved by this store has made me never want to deal with DB. It is 2014 and I didn't know businesses still operated this way. It has been like a time share operation for the 80's.
Make no mistake, I am done with DB. I want a full refund and I will NOT drop this matter. The only reason it has taken soooooo long is because I have finally gotten a response from the owner.
Thank you for taking the time to listen and I would appreciate a prompt response
Unlike most, I signed the contract with DirectBuy trusting that the information we were told during the "open house" was honest and true. After signing I was told my membership card would arrive in about a week. Since Christmas was just a little more than a week away I wanted to use the membership immediately to buy some jewelry for my wife. I couldn't find the items that matched the ones I liked elsewhere and the items they had were more expensive than those I found elsewhere. Then there was an unreasonably high shipping and handling. When I realized it wasn't going to be as they told me it would, I cancelled the contract in writing delivered by registered mail within the legal three day window. The manager called me and told me that I didn't understand how to shop the Direct way and asked if I could come in for an orientation. He asked if I would send him an email canceling the cancellation. I didn't send an email as I wanted it proved that I would save the money he said I would. He never showed the next day when I arrived. My own perusal of the showroom reinforced my decision to cancel. When I told him (the manager) that I was staying with my decision he told me it was too late. He said he sent my paperwork in since I decided to keep the membership. It is yet to be determined who will win this battle but if it was all they say it is, why do they resort to deception and trickery to keep their members? BEWARE...BEWARE....BEWARE.
On the afternoon of Friday, Jan 17th My husband and I spoke with Mr. Richard Hillard with the Direct Buy sales team. He lead us to believe that we would get a 10year offer for $3900. We both were skeptical from the beginning, but with much pressure Mr. Hillard claimed to go into a back office and get approval from a manager for us to get the initial $4990 3 year deal for $3900 for 10 years. Neither of us were interested until he claimed to offer $11,000 off vehicle purchases with this program. He then said my husband must bring photo id with in next 72 hrs so that he can complete contract. The very next day I called several car dealerships to ask abt " DB" discounts but all said they thought it sounds fishy because they dont make up used cars 11K.
I walked into DB facility, Monday Jan 20th on 3780 River chase Village, Suite 800 Bham Al 35244 to cancel in person and was told Richard was not available to speak with me because he was with clients. I left my name, email Hm #, cell number as well as all my husband contact info with the receptionist Dean- no one called. I then called the DB office and spoke with office manger Jennifer, who claims cancellation may take up to two weeks. I informed her of all that transpired and she said , yes Mrs. Thomas you were given the wrong information, we can not offer a 10year plan for 3900. I did advised her that I have already placed a dispute with my cc company 108719872.
I disputed this matter with CC company Chase in January 2014. I received a letter(April 30th)stating Direct buy will not accept dispute because contract signed even though false information given.
Mr. Richard Hillard should be reprimanded for falsely selling a service when there was no intent on delivering in the truthful manner sold. His commission should be taken away and he should also apologize to my husband and me for the frustration and aggravation caused.
I was then contacted on Friday, Chris Schulte(Membership Concern Manager in Tx.) 1-210-877-2828 called today, Friday, May 23rd @ 1:08pm stating that my DB membership was deactivated Feb 11th and he reactivated it yesterday, May 22nd. I informed Chris that I do not wish to have a direct buy account and explained the deceitfulness. He apologize and said there is nothing he can do but speak with the sales rep. The only resolution I will accept is 11K off 2014 Honda Odyssey & 10 year contract for 3,999 /OR a cancelation. Mr. Schulte then stated that he cant offer 10 yr for $3990 amount but will offer 5yr. I asked for his boss name and contact because I was not stratified with the outcome, if he offers 5 years he can also offer 10.
Mr. Schulte states contract must be canceled in 3 business days in writing. The contract does not state 3 business days to cancel, furthermore, why would I not believe the manager Jennifer canceled as promised, stating it takes up to 2 weeks to cancel. Why would you want to keep a customer who doesn't want to be kept when you offer a 30 day free membership?
Dan Miller called from 214-395-6800 on 5/23 @ 3:48pm with Direct Buy vehicle dept., stating. I don't know why you were told an 11K discount. We don't markup in cars a difference of 11 thousand.
I have asked DB to please have a knowledgeable representative from Direct Buy, who will has a genuine concern for fairness to contact me with a resolution.
DirectBuy, Inc. Reviews
In September of 2012 my wife and I attended a sales presentation for DirectBuy, at 6918 High Tech Dr, Midvale, UT 84047 (801) 748-1700 and were sold a membership to a wholesale buyers club, that promised up to 70% savings on items. We put $300 down, and signed up for their in store credit for the balance of the membership. We were shown pictures of lawn tractors, furniture, and other things.
In the next few weeks we attempted to purchase a lawn tractor, and found that none were available, but they would work with a supplier to try and get one but it may not be at the savings presented at the sales pitch. We looked to buy other things and found that had greatly overstated the savings we were to receive. On October 13, 2012 we asked for a full refund in writing of the membership fees, due to the misrepresentation of the product availability and savings.
On Nov 28 2012, we sent another letter to DirectBuy, Beta Finance, and the SLC BBB, stating that they had misrepresented their ability to deliver the products and savings, and demanded a full refund. We also stated that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act we considered this a disputed account.
After that we heard nothing from either department of DirectBuy until we discovered a delinquent account report on our credit report a few days ago. Keep in mind that DirectBuy to this date has not delivered anything of value to us. DirectBuy/Beta Finance has been informed in writing ot at least two occasions that we disputed the debt and has failed to report that it is disputed to the credit reporting agencies. They also made no attempt to resolve the situation for about 18 months.
They have even violated their own Membership agreement of submitting disputes they cannot resolve to Arbitration at the local Better Business Bureau.
It should be noted that in a class action case Swift v. DirectBuy, United States District Court, Hammond, IN 46320, and the New York AG, have both found that DirectBuy used deceptive practices, and ordered refunds of membership fees.
The local store states that are bound by the policies of corporate headquarters, so all complaints have to be directed at them.
I received a letter informing me that I have been selected to receive a free tablet. When I called the number on the letter they said I must go to DirectBuy on 100 Fallon Road, in Stoneham, MA and listen to a minimum 90 minute presentation. When I arrived they took my letter, and we (my husband and me) waited with two other couples. We then suffered through a boring 90 minute presentation, once the 90 minutes were up I informed them I was not interested in paying $7000 for membership and monthly fees. They immediately became rude and mean, and directed me back to the front desk where the woman told me they are out of tablets they have been reordered. I called a week later and the women (Sabrina DeCosta, Assistant Director) still said they are on order. It is now almost a month and now I can't even get a hold of anyone via phone, and no one has returned my voice mail. I have Ms. DeCosta's typed and signed letter stating I visted and attended a DirecBuy presentation on October 11, 2014 and that she ows me a free Android tablet.
Mistakenly I joined Direct Buy in 2007. Having bought a house that needed a total rebuild I thought it was a good idea to be able to buy just about everything for the house at a substantial discount. How wrong I was. The "buy in" price to join was $4600 and a $159 yearly fee after that inital year. After belonging there for a while I did buy a couple of items through them that were good deals but not "killer" or outstanding prices. If you are a savy shopper and willing to bargin at stores you can do just as well or better pricewise without the outragous fees. The final factor in not renewing my membership was the fact that the store that was closest to me (6 miles) CLOSED!! The next closest store was over 50 miles and in a highly developed (re:congested) area. No way was I going to drive over an hour just to price items that I know could be beat.
Keep in mind there are no guarantees that the store you start with will be open down the road. Shop smart, save money and don't waste your time and money joining this rip off.
My husband and purchased a DIRECT BUY membership this past January from the Greenville SC location. We listened to the sales presentation closely. Most things sounded too good to be true but we have previously had a Uniway membership so we knew the wonderful possibilities a club like this could deliver. Our next purchase was going to be a computer. The salesman told us in our presentation we could save ONLY 20-30% on these items. Even APPLE computers. We were shocked. We also clarified with him during this one on one meeting about things he had brought up during his presentation such as tempurpedic mattresses and keurig coffee makers. YES! Substantial savings on those so we purchased a membership. My husband went there to get a computer and we were told we can't get those items and no one discounts APPLE! So I then pick out my tempurpedic mattress and go to DB to order it. Guess what! Can't get those either. Nor can you get Keurigs. I was furious. I specifically cornered the sales rep on these products because I wanted to make sure I didn't misunderstand him in his presentation. He was actually here from Charleston SC to TRAIN other reps. While I was at the store I spoke with the owners mom. She helps out there sometimes. She said her son would make it right for us. Most likely give us DB dollars. No one ever followed up with us. They did say they would give us 20% off a computer if we brought in a receipt. Whenever we go back to the location, everyone is always GOING to talk to the owner and get back with us. It never happens. Then I filled out a DB survey and received a phone call from Amy. This was the first she has heard of anything and she was going to get with the owner and call me back the next Tuesday. Promised she would. Well about another month goes by and no word from Amy despite me leaving voicemails for her. She finally calls back this week and explains she has had issues with her voicemail and didn't know I was calling and what could she help me with! Seriously !!!! So I bring her back on board and guess what? She is going to get with the owner and call me right back, in twenty minutes. She didn't call that day but did the next and said there was nothing they could do since I had purchased my membership in January. WHAT!!!! We have been after them since the first business day after we purchased the membership.
Needless to say I am furious and have absolutely ZERO plans of dropping this. I want a full refund for my membership. We were lied to about products offered by DB and it doesn't make a difference to me if the sales rep was from Charleston or Mars. He represented this location and on top of that he was there to train other salesmen. The customer service here has been anything but service. I can only imagine what would be going on if I ever had an issue with something I ordered.
I do not appreciate they way this location has taken my hard earned money based on lies. It is as if he had to lie to get us to purchase. The way this situation has been ignored despite repeated attempts by us to get this resolved by this store has made me never want to deal with DB. It is 2014 and I didn't know businesses still operated this way. It has been like a time share operation for the 80's.
Make no mistake, I am done with DB. I want a full refund and I will NOT drop this matter. The only reason it has taken soooooo long is because I have finally gotten a response from the owner.
Thank you for taking the time to listen and I would appreciate a prompt response
Unlike most, I signed the contract with DirectBuy trusting that the information we were told during the "open house" was honest and true. After signing I was told my membership card would arrive in about a week. Since Christmas was just a little more than a week away I wanted to use the membership immediately to buy some jewelry for my wife. I couldn't find the items that matched the ones I liked elsewhere and the items they had were more expensive than those I found elsewhere. Then there was an unreasonably high shipping and handling. When I realized it wasn't going to be as they told me it would, I cancelled the contract in writing delivered by registered mail within the legal three day window. The manager called me and told me that I didn't understand how to shop the Direct way and asked if I could come in for an orientation. He asked if I would send him an email canceling the cancellation. I didn't send an email as I wanted it proved that I would save the money he said I would. He never showed the next day when I arrived. My own perusal of the showroom reinforced my decision to cancel. When I told him (the manager) that I was staying with my decision he told me it was too late. He said he sent my paperwork in since I decided to keep the membership. It is yet to be determined who will win this battle but if it was all they say it is, why do they resort to deception and trickery to keep their members? BEWARE...BEWARE....BEWARE.
On the afternoon of Friday, Jan 17th My husband and I spoke with Mr. Richard Hillard with the Direct Buy sales team. He lead us to believe that we would get a 10year offer for $3900. We both were skeptical from the beginning, but with much pressure Mr. Hillard claimed to go into a back office and get approval from a manager for us to get the initial $4990 3 year deal for $3900 for 10 years. Neither of us were interested until he claimed to offer $11,000 off vehicle purchases with this program. He then said my husband must bring photo id with in next 72 hrs so that he can complete contract. The very next day I called several car dealerships to ask abt " DB" discounts but all said they thought it sounds fishy because they dont make up used cars 11K.
I walked into DB facility, Monday Jan 20th on 3780 River chase Village, Suite 800 Bham Al 35244 to cancel in person and was told Richard was not available to speak with me because he was with clients. I left my name, email Hm #, cell number as well as all my husband contact info with the receptionist Dean- no one called. I then called the DB office and spoke with office manger Jennifer, who claims cancellation may take up to two weeks. I informed her of all that transpired and she said , yes Mrs. Thomas you were given the wrong information, we can not offer a 10year plan for 3900. I did advised her that I have already placed a dispute with my cc company 108719872.
I disputed this matter with CC company Chase in January 2014. I received a letter(April 30th)stating Direct buy will not accept dispute because contract signed even though false information given.
Mr. Richard Hillard should be reprimanded for falsely selling a service when there was no intent on delivering in the truthful manner sold. His commission should be taken away and he should also apologize to my husband and me for the frustration and aggravation caused.
I was then contacted on Friday, Chris Schulte(Membership Concern Manager in Tx.) 1-210-877-2828 called today, Friday, May 23rd @ 1:08pm stating that my DB membership was deactivated Feb 11th and he reactivated it yesterday, May 22nd. I informed Chris that I do not wish to have a direct buy account and explained the deceitfulness. He apologize and said there is nothing he can do but speak with the sales rep. The only resolution I will accept is 11K off 2014 Honda Odyssey & 10 year contract for 3,999 /OR a cancelation. Mr. Schulte then stated that he cant offer 10 yr for $3990 amount but will offer 5yr. I asked for his boss name and contact because I was not stratified with the outcome, if he offers 5 years he can also offer 10.
Mr. Schulte states contract must be canceled in 3 business days in writing. The contract does not state 3 business days to cancel, furthermore, why would I not believe the manager Jennifer canceled as promised, stating it takes up to 2 weeks to cancel. Why would you want to keep a customer who doesn't want to be kept when you offer a 30 day free membership?
Dan Miller called from 214-395-6800 on 5/23 @ 3:48pm with Direct Buy vehicle dept., stating. I don't know why you were told an 11K discount. We don't markup in cars a difference of 11 thousand.
I have asked DB to please have a knowledgeable representative from Direct Buy, who will has a genuine concern for fairness to contact me with a resolution.