We are members. I won't reveal the cost of membership since that is part of the agreement. I will say this. We joined 8 years ago. The first payment which is pretty steep (don't think Sam's or Costco) covers the first two years. After two years, the cost to renew is 10% of the original membership cost. We have furnished the house plus. The previous name was United Consumer Club. Now it is Direct Buy. You really do save a ton of money on furniture and jewelry. Those things tend to be marked up a lot. Look at your possible purchases over the next ten years before you decide. Every room in our house, with one exception, has been furnished through them. Advantages are price. You get really great deals. Each season you get a catalogue with some specials. There is quite a selection of items, not just furniture. Clothing, sporting goods, building supplies. Disadvantages. There is no showroom. You shop from catalogues. Sometimes the shipping and handling costs add a pretty good chunk, and I had to get the items from their warehouse to my home. If you have a truck or access to a truck, it's a big help. There were years I paid the fee and didn't use the membership at all. Other years I spend lots so it worked out.
If you think that you will be spending many thousands of dollars over the next ten years and want to save some money, go to the presentation. It's like a timeshare presentation. We knew we were joining, my brother already was a member, so I interrupted the presenter and told her just to sign us up. She didn't know how to react. They work from a script. I watched some people storm out in disgust, and I watched others really be subjected to the hard sell. I was in one day when someone was pleading their case trying to get their money back, lost job, etc. Sort of sad.
I don't regret joining. With two years left, I don't know what the renewal situation will be.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your decision.
