Did I just get taken

[bpesch]

OP, I would still contact the parent corporation with your story & also post the facts of your experience on any internet business review sites you can find, just to let future attenders know they should ask them to 'show me the Kindle" before they spend 90 minutes on the presentation.

I would go one step further and contact the BBB. What they did is a common "bait and switch" technique and it needs to be reported.

 

[Bob NC]

Read your whole post. Hopefully the hypocrisy will stand out to you.

Well, I guess I kind of hijacked the thread a bit, but only after the OP came back and stated her entire situation was solved.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Hey, we fit into that category of people who spent $1200 on a Kirby vacuum that we had no intention of buying, but we did have a dog stain on the stairs that we needed some "suckers" to come in and clean for free for us...

There is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a "free gift" in exchange for listening to a sales pitch. There are obviously enough of us who will fall for the pitch to make the free gift worthwhile, or else the company wouldn't be doing it.

What DirectBuy did to the OP with the Kindle, however, is sneaky and totally wrong. I would definitely report it.... but it sounds like lots of people report that sort of thing with DB and get nowhere.

 

[SnowWhite2]

I've been a member of Direct Buy (referred to as "club") or its past several business names for over 20 years. I've even gone to their headquarters and started the process to own a franchise (20 years ago).

Things were different in past. The membership fee was not as much and they had many different types of products to purchase. I got dishes, tools, luggage, etc that were good deals. Several years later I purchased wallpaper and an entire set of Waverly custom bedding/drapes. The wallpaper was defective and my club fought to get me new paper. At that time, it came out publicly that the buyers were purchasing "seconds" when we were told we were buying first quality items. Obviously that was the problem with my wallpaper but the problem was resolved and I received perfect paper. Right after that, my club closed down and sued the franchiser (at that time United Buying Club) along with about a 1/2 dozen other franchisees. Not sure what happened with the lawsuit. I was without a club and had my membership on hold.

Now they push cabinets, remodeling, furniture, etc. They have to in order to recoup the money they want for joining. The markup is now 8% and they take credit cards (before they did not). Most things I've purchased in the past 5 years has come in broken. Breakfront, patio furniture, etc. At a regular store, they would take care of the issue before they call you to pick it up. God help you if you don't see the problems before you sign for it.

Many things lately I"ve priced in the open market and might only cost me 5% more. For that markup, I'm willing to shop locally.

One time I was at the club, there was a couple that was almost ready to purchase. When I went to the ladies room the women came and and we talked. Problem was the bathroom wall was shared with the reception area and I guess the receptionist heard what I told her. They were about to purchase and they then decided not to.

Fast forward to a month or so later....the owner asked me to not talk to the prospective members and I cost him having those people join. I was also sutly threatened that my membership could be revoked. We contined to review the catalogs since I was not going to have him run me out. Another couple asked me later on what I thought of my membership. I told them that the mgmt told me not to relay my experience to prospective members. I don't think they bought either.

I did get something in the mail about a class action lawsuit and said I could have extra years added to my membership. Not interested. I was able to recoup my money several times over. I purchased a patio set about 3 years ago for $7K from Direct Buy and it was priced at $10K at several local stores. That $3K was double my membership amount.

When our renewal comes up this summer, we are passing. We have made our money back several times over and we have nothing new to purchase. If you are interested in high end items, I would say look into it. Otherwise, I say pass.

 

[North of Mouse]

The OP had every right to the exact thing she was promised. How many of us would stand for Disney to say after promising us a $40 GC for having DVC information sent to us decide instead, "Oh, by the way, we 're going to just give you a $25 GC instead". Isn't that the same principle? We and the OP fulfilled our end of the deal!

 

[kaytieeldr]

After reading a few dozen complaints about Direct Buy, it appears they're notorious for - among other things - fine print.

If anybody reads Consumer Reports, this month's Selling It page includes a picture of and their commentary about box of pest (mouse?) traps. The box looks like it holds twelve traps...from a distance. When you look closer, the "1" is actually the word 'contains' formatted to look like the digit.

It's possible - even likely - somewhere in the invitation or offer Direct Buy stated the Kindle would be worth up to $249. By the way, at $249 (or even $224: $249 minus the '$25' restaurant.com certificate), it's NOT the Kindle Fire.

 

[declansdad]

Good point. What can the OP tell us about her specific Direct Buy presentation?

I'm absolutely not judging morals or ethics - but while they didn't require anyone to join Direct Buy in order to get the gifts, they also didn't say, "We need warm bodies to fill seats; in exchange we'll give you X and Y just for being there, awake or not."

The offer is listen to our presentation, we'll give you a free gift. It is the same for all presenations such as this. The OP did exactly what she was suppose to.

 

[North of Mouse]

The offer is listen to our presentation, we'll give you a free gift. It is the same for all presenations such as this. The OP did exactly what she was suppose to.

agree completely.

 

[Judique]

I received an offer from direct buy if I attended a 90 min presentation I would get a free restaurant.com gift card and a free kindle. A $249 value, no obligation whatsoever no purchase necessary. So I went to this thing and at the end the guy tells me here's your gc but the kindle we are out of and presents me with a piece of paper saying the kindle will be mailed to me in 2-4 weeks. I questioned him further and asked for a manager. He got all huffy and said I was accusing him of lying. I told him I was told on the phone when I made the appt I would receive the kindle for free right at the presentation. He brought me to another person who said they're expecting a shipment in tonight and come back tomorrow after 2 pm. I'm worried this was a scam. The gc u basically spend money to get money. Anyone dealt with this. Thanks

I'm commented already, but the irony escaped me until after I read the whole thread - the title - Did I just get taken - lol!!!

OP - I actually think you escaped unscathed - whether you got the kindle or not!

Bob in NC - thanks for adding a little humor to my evening.