Directbuy's sales approach is very clever, and very, very structured. Directbuy grabs total control over the sales presentation. Oh, before I get too far down the road, you need to know that when you visit them, you are going to get a sales pitch. I have nothing against selling especially since it's what I do for a living. But the closest thing I can think of to describe their approach is that it's like being invited on a 2 day weekend to a Florida resort all expenses paid, only to become a captive for a sales promotion. You are only allowed to come by appointment, if married both husband and wife must come, and if you have children, LEAVE THEM AT HOME! As you might have begun to figure out, Directbuy wants you and your spouse to be under their control, without any distractions, for at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I am still ok with that. There were many times when greeting my sales prospects I wished they had left their kids home, and that I had BOTH spouses present (to avoid getting the ""I have to talk it over with my spouse"" sales objection). What happened today however came as a complete surprise and prompted me to write this review. The issue I have is that the sales rep (Jim Morgan) was not properly trained to deal with questions that did not have a pat, scripted answer. He became increasingly frustrated that some of my questions (and his answers) made Directbuy membership appear to be less of a value than being represented. Since the presentation was given to three couples in a group, he became concerned that the questions I asked and the answers he had to give, could ruin his chance of selling either of the other two couples on their $4,790 membership plan.
Near the end of Jimbo's presentation, he asked me about the price I paid for a front loading LG washer, steam dryer, and matching pedestal stands at my local big box store. I was supposed to say ""$3,000 plus tax and delivery"", to which he was supposed to flip over his little sales pitch card showing that Directbuy members only pay $2,182 for the same set. Only problem for Jim Morgan was that I answered before the group that I only paid $2,200 including tax, delivery, and set up! He then tried to attack me personally by suggesting that ""Directbuy isn't for everybody...If you want to spend time hunting for deals then go ahead"". To this I answered, ""everybody is looking for a deal, that's why I am here in the first place""! This was all he could take! He called me and my wife away from the group, and ordered us to leave. I asked what the problem was and all he could say is some gibberish about the way I was conducting myself, and that he did not have to state why I was being ordered to leave. He even said he'd call the police if I refused to go immediately. The ""fake"" Mr.Friendly veneer came off, and he turned on me and my wife like a scene from Invasion of the Body Snatchers!
Upon reflection, I think his military back ground as a sniper, and field commander did not allow him to risk giving up his paycheck, total control of a situation, or being made to look inferior. The irony of the whole thing is that my wife and I were the only ones in the group that he had ANY chance of selling! I am wondering if Bill and his wife Pat from DeRidder,La got throw out too?
Pat was also asking legitimate questions to which Mr.Morgan could not always give a ""good"" answer to.
The take away here is that if you go to Directbuy, don't ask any questions that challenge the sales person and might diminish the value of their membership. They tell you once you are there, ""you will only get one chance to join and it's now"". ""You either sign up today, or you'll never be able to join again"". Since I was thrown out because Jim Morgan didn't like me, I guess I will never know whether or not it's worth it to join Directbuy. I do plan to take this up with his boss, and Directbuy corporate offices. Remember...""Dont ask the wrong questions!!!""
Pros: Good at marketing their service
Cons: Frustrated sales staffer throws customers out!
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