Last night before the storm, we had an appointment to check out a trial membership at Direct buy. Have u ever heard of them? They're an organization that formed to allow members to buy directly from many manufacturers, cutting out the middle man and ridiculous retail prices.
After 4 phone calls, two emails and a letter reminding us of our appointment time at 7 pm and advising we come at 6:55 for refreshments first. We arrive there at 6:50 only to be told the presentation doesn't begin until 7:15. Already, I got annoyed. I am a very punctual, respectful person. I am in an appointment driven profession so I respect 'the appointment'. But because so many others are NOT punctual, I have to be punished by these games to get everyone there at the same time! Okay, i felt that way but I am reasonable.. I remained patient and pleasant. At 7:25 they informed us that the other couple was running late, so they gave us a private presentation (basically a movie that tells you what their deal is all about). Well, it was an interesting operation. Much more expensive than we had imagined it would be, however, we were still being open minded...
ThEN... the Sales pitch! HOLY COW did they put the pressure on Mr. petals and I... Well, Mr. Petals does NOT react well to some one trying to bamboozle him. (one of the many qualities I admire in him.) We basically told the owner and salesgirl, we would never want to join without first trying it out for the month. You see, They were offering money off the membership fee, if your forfeited the trial and just signed up on the spot. The owner with a nasty tone asked.. "who wouldn't do this and save money?" Then the owner, who up until this attack, had been all smiley and Mr. Nice guy phony, Became down right rude and turned his back and walked away from us and our salesgirl. Mr. Petals stood up and said.. This is a Direct LIE! Your 'free trial is bullshit" and if this is the kind of tactics you use to deal with people, my wife and I want NoTHING to do with your club. We got up and walked out. I was so proud of how my husband handled it, and I told him how admirable his self-respect is. I'm embarrassed to admit as I admitted to him, that I don't think I would have handled it as righteous and confident, if I had been alone.
Alas, There goes the giant discount we were hoping to have on a new recliner chair! Back to looking at retail stores and being snowed in a different way.
Today I was happy to see an email from their district office asking about our experience.. Boy did we enjoy salvaging our principles by composing a VEry strong letter! I also plan on spreading the word to my clients, and blogging buddies.. hey... Face Book may be a great place too! Not to deal with Direct buy! Anyone who is smiling and offering you coffee one moment, then insults and treats you disrespectfully the next.. can't be trusted to be an honest business person. Whew.. I am getting hot again..
No, not over this waste of my tuesday night, when I was wishing I was watching american idol..
I am hot as in HOT flash HOt! I've heard about these flashes for years and years from my ladies ( I like to affectionately call my clients- my ladies) But I can't believe HOW hot you get!
It comes upon you in a ..(yes)FLASH. I strip off my sweater, step outside and in another flash, it has passed and I am back in my clothes...
Hey...I may have a lucid solution to my snow storm worries... A few snow angels... I will melt that blizzard off my driveway!
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9 comments:
OMG this is a fabulous post!! So well written and thank you so much for alleviating my guilt for not using them to buy my hardwood, and a few pieces of furniture I bought else where!!!My brother has used them but he was furnishing a new home and needed lots of items. You
should have called the post Direct Lie...it might come up when direct buy was googled. For sure this was a snow job....I found a glitch in our sameness.....I always run late....probably cuz I'm rude and hate waiting...lol Except when it comes to picking up my kid or getting her to work or a job....NEVER late for that!!!
Big hugs....glad to see you back!!
Yes I have seen Temple Grandin, so inspiring, you're right I loved it, we ALL loved it!!
Oh yeah another thing....get the Chillow..... Check out Rachel Rays
website....she had a human experiment for women with flushes, and the woman loved it....I want one too!!!I'm going to root one down!
Hugs Sherrie
you guys did the right thing. Good for you.
good for the two of you for putting them in their place! Don't they know that word of mouth is the most successful advertisement, both positive and negative.
The pen is mightier than the sword. and lets not forget word of mouth and make or break a business.
Phew, you did right, I wouldn't trust these people as far as I could throw 'em... sounds like the unlucky salesman who tried to sell me a new kitchen.
Glad to read this post! I see DB ads on TV but have never bothered to check with them - (mostly 'cause I never buy anything) and now when I see the ads, I'll just think 'Lucy says no'.
An entertaining read and a good consumer advocacy report. Cheers.
Your Mr. Petals and you are a couple of smart cookies to see through them so fast. We had one of our consumer advocacy TV shows up here in Canada do a program on them and their scheme. They posed as consumers and showed the bamboozling first hand. Pretty shocking really. So glad you did not fall for it as so many have.
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