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Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) will host its annual Franchisee Leadership Summit at Crowne Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio, April 29 to May 2. While each of the previous 16 conferences have held their own special place in the history of AAFD, this year’s summit finds franchisees in the midst of the most challenging economic times in the U.S. since the great Depression.

That fact has not been lost on AAFD and they have set up an agenda of seminars that either incorporate the thriving in a difficult economy theme or address it within the content.

“While the current economy is troubling, it actually makes a great case for owning a franchise. As a franchisee you have the support of a network of fellow franchisees, not to mention franchisee associations like AAFD,” said Robert Purvin, AAFD chairman. “The seminars at this year’s Franchisee Leadership Summit illustrate not only how you can utilize the support elements of being a franchisee but be successful in a bad economy.”

This year’s seminars include:

  • The 5 Top Reasons Associations Succeed or Fail
  • The Power of the Network in Financially Difficult Times
  • Mastering Cooperation and Unity
  • How to Really Negotiate a Fair Franchise Agreement
  • Learning How to Utilize the Blogosphere in Association Communications
  • The Buying Group Strategy:  Harnessing Purchase Power:

“These seminars will be a great help to longtime franchisees and the new crop of franchise owners who are a byproduct of this current economy–senior citizens who realized their nest egg might not last, corporate refugees and recent college graduates who decided not to enter a shrinking job market,” adds Purvin.

In addition to these powerful seminars, this year’s conference will also feature annual Total Quality Franchising Awards Banquets and Gala, Franchisee Leadership Council Session, The AAFD Market Power Trade Show and AAFD Annual conference luncheon.

For complete conference information, please visit www.aafd.org or call 800-733-9858. You can also e-mail benefits@aafd.org.

About the AAFD
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, the AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark

Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.
For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

 

Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.Read More

DirectBuy of Woodbridge awards $50,000 home makeover to area resident

Woodbridge, VA, March 19, 2009 – DirectBuy of Woodbridge, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is set to award $50,000 to a local family at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of an oversized check to George and Virginia Kirk of Catlett, Virginia.

“We are completely overjoyed,” explained Virginia Kirk. “At first we thought it was a hoax, we couldn’t believe this could happen to us. We are extremely excited and ready to get started on our home improvement projects.”

With their newfound fortune, Virginia and George “Red” Kirk will begin several home improvement projects they’ve been planning, such as installing new carpeting throughout their stairway, hallways and bedrooms, along with upgrading the foundation and updating the flooring in their garage. While deciding what additional improvements to undertake to create their dream home, the Kirks plan to use any additional prize money as a nest egg to protect their investments against today’s struggling economy.

“Over the past 12 years, we have loved having the opportunity to help families save money by utilizing DirectBuy to afford the items they normally would not be able to purchase. In this case, it is especially rewarding to help out a local Virginia family through our latest $50,000 Home Makeover Contest,” said Bruce Harvey, who owns and operates DirectBuy of Woodbridge with his wife Barb.

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, which is designed to help consumers create the homes of their dreams.

The DirectBuy of Woodbridge club, located at 3320 Noble Pond Way Suite 104 in Woodbridge, offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design club where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Woodbridge employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

DirectBuy of Woodbridge members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed 12 room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Woodbridge are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of Woodbridge awards $50,000 home makeover to area residentRead More

A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Whether you’re looking for new kitchen cabinets, flooring or any other materials for a home improvement project, the search for the right products and the right look is a large enough project all by itself. When you add finding a capable, trusted and, most importantly, available contractor to do the work, it’s an even bigger chore. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, not only offers consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

The list of contractor services available through DirectBuy includes: carpet and hardwood installation; cabinet installation; general contractors; counter tops/stone slabs and tile; delivery services; blind installers; electricians; fireplace installation; plumbers and plumbing installation; and much more.

“We want our members to be happy with their purchases. For home improvement purchases, that ultimately comes down to how good things look once they are installed in your home. That’s why we’re extremely selective about the contractors we work with and refer to our members,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates.

Adds Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of Dupage County, “It’s important to note that many of the highly skilled professionals who do contract work for DirectBuy are also DirectBuy members. Therefore, they have a vested interest in providing good service and customer satisfaction for future referrals and to remain in good standing as a member. It’s also why often times they work at a discounted rate for fellow members.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.Read More

Rolling a 7…DirectBuy of BostonSouth, Rockland, ranks 7th in U.S. in merchandise sales for January 2009

ROCKLAND, MA…

DirectBuy of Boston South, located at 10A Commerce Road in Rockland, ranked seventh among all U.S DirectBuy clubs in merchandise sales for the month of January 2009.

“Being ranked seventh in the country is pretty amazing. In today’s economy, people are finding buying direct is a smart choice. The last three months are the best we’ve had in our 22-year history while servicing the South Shore of Boston. We haven’t down-sized our staff, as a matter of fact – we just hired four new people, and are looking for one more to join our staff,” said John Massaria, owner of DirectBuy of Boston South.

With more than 165 locations in North American and Canada, DirectBuy is the leading home improvement and furnishings designer showroom, offering direct insider prices. DirectBuy members have the ability of buying directly from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 

Looking at the trends in the market, stores like Amazon.com, warehouse clubs, and DirectBuy are all experiencing similar growth at this time. According to news and stock reports, Costco and BJ’s, along with Amazon.com, reported an average increase in merchandise growth of 16-18% over last year’s numbers. DirectBuy of Boston South is experiencing the same growth; 17% over last year’s volume.  The main difference is that DirectBuy offers these items direct from the manufacturer with no traditional mark-ups.

So what can you buy at DirectBuy? DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects, usually at a discounted price for members.

“People are staying in their homes longer now and dollars that may have gone towards the purchase of a new home are now going to improving their current ones,” said Massaria. “Perhaps more than that, people have less to spend and it’s absolutely a must to get the most value for those precious dollars. That’s why DirectBuy makes more sense in today’s economy than when times are good, and is part of why we’re off to a good start in 2009.”

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Boston South are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuybostonsouth.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Rolling a 7…DirectBuy of BostonSouth, Rockland, ranks 7th in U.S. in merchandise sales for January 2009Read More

Giving blood is no laughing matter…Blood drive set for April 1 at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

When it comes to giving blood, there’s no fooling around…even on April 1. That’s when DirectBuy of Buffalo, located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, will host a blood drive with the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross Traveling Donor Center will be at DirectBuy of Buffalo’s 4950 Genesee Street location—less than a mile from the Buffalo-Niagra International Airport—from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donors from the general public are welcome to attend. Walk-ins are welcome. Though due to limited space in the Donor Center, the Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment by calling DirectBuy of Buffalo at 716-684-1400.

“The people of greater Buffalo have a pretty good track record of donating blood. With the winter we’ve had this year, it’s been tough for people who ordinarily give to get out and donate. By holding this drive, we’re hoping to draw enough people to make up for some of that,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “We urge all able bodied Buffalo residents to come out and donate. Donating blood can literally save lives.”

Donated blood plays a critical role in surgery and emergency care. A unit of blood can save as many as three lives.

Charitable endeavors are nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy locations across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic, a current sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo and will be holding a groomathon on March 21 to benefit Buffalo Humane.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Giving blood is no laughing matter…Blood drive set for April 1 at DirectBuy of Buffalo in CheektowagaRead More

Designing your home office…DirectBuy clubs of Chicago provide tips on setting up your home office.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Not too long ago, the home office used to mean the corporate headquarters of a company. With more and more people running businesses out of their home or telecommuting to their “day job” a day or more a week, the home office has had to become every bit as functional and comfortable as the cube or office at work. Even more so. To that end, the DirectBuy clubs of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, have some helpful tips on setting up your home office.

For starters, DirectBuy recommends drawing a floor plan of the room or area where your home office will be. Your floor plan should include markings of where the electrical outlets are and accurate measurements of the heights of the windows, doorways and any closet space to give you additional design options.

“If you’re going to be spending significant time in your home office, from eight to 20 hours a week or more, you’re going to want a space that’s a little more comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing than the spare room or corner of a room that’s passed for a home office in years past,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville. “Many of our members work with our designers to create not just a comfortable workspace for one or members of the household, but also a room you’ll want to show off to guests.”

Some of the things you may want to consider in planning your office space:

●        Ergonomic chairs, desks, and other office pieces.

●        Lower shelves so you can reach for books, folders and other items without strain.

●        Lighting under workspace shelves to make it easier to read.

●        A mount or platform for your computer monitor so you can look at the screen without tilting your head up or down.

●        Neutral soothing colors for your walls like teal blues, soft cool grays and warm Tuscan colors to create the work atmosphere you’re looking for.

●        How much natural light does the room get and how much do you want? Do you prefer curtains to blinds? There are a wide range of innovative blinds, sheers, louvers and shutters to achieve the look you want.

●        The depth of the pieces you’re putting in your office. There’s nothing worse than trying to add a desk to spot that fits length- and width-wise but leaves no room for the chair.

●        Installing additional outlets to give you more layout and design options.

●        Avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting if possible; offices are high traffic areas and wear will show on your rugs the more time you work at home. Use carpet tiles for the areas you want carpeting, so that you can replace them if they fade or show stains, and use hardwood or ceramic tile for the rest of the space.

DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name office furniture at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the home office that works best for their individual needs and for family members if it’s a shared workspace.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Designing your home office…DirectBuy clubs of Chicago provide tips on setting up your home office.Read More

Will you get a second date?…How the follow-up call can open door wider or slam it shut.

NORWELL, MA…

So, you’ve gone out on your first date with somebody you just met. It went pretty well.  Perhaps even very well. So, now what? The follow-up call can be the determining factor on whether a second date or more occurs.

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating–one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide—has given follow up advice to hundreds of clients before and after first dates.

“A good first date—or even a great one—doesn’t always mean there will be a second one. That’s why it’s best after that first date has gone well to take a step back and evaluate before taking the next step, the follow up call,” said Falzone. “And when you do follow up with your date, you want to be clear in your own mind that: A. you want a second date and (b) they want a second date and conduct the conversation accordingly.”

Some follow-up call guidelines include:

●        Let it breathe – Wait a minimum of 24 hours before calling after the first date. If it truly was a great date, he or she won’t be with somebody else if you wait a day before calling.

●        Email and texting counts – A post-date e-mail or text might seem harmless, but it really does interfere with the evaluation process. The follow-up call should actually be a phone call.

●        Not at the office – Make sure you make your follow-up call at a time when your date is available to talk.

●        At the sound of the tone – Be prepared to leave a voice mail in case he or she is not available. Keep it simple, don’t try to make a second date via voice mail. Just ask them to call.

●        Two strikes rule – Call once and he/she doesn’t return the call, shame on them. Call more than twice without a return, shame on you.

●        Keep it light – The gist of the follow-up call should be that you had a great time and ask if he/she wants to it again. Even if you spent the nice tossing and turning over what a great time you had, do not share that. Those make for great stories down the road. Get the second date first.

“It’s great to be excited about somebody after a first date. What’s even better is to be even more excited after two. If’ your goal is for something lasting, there’s nothing wrong with taking it slow and making sure it really is, pun intended, the right one for you,” said Falzone.

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region. 
Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in:  Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio) and Virginia (Falls Church).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include:  California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford and Normal); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas and Austin); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

Will you get a second date?…How the follow-up call can open door wider or slam it shut.Read More

Start the waterworks…DirectBuy offers tips for setting up your irrigation system.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

April showers may bring May flowers, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a lush green lawn in time for spring. That requires the right fertilizer and consistent watering throughout the spring and summer. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some tips for do-it-yourselfers looking to install their own irrigation system.

“A lawn irrigation system is your best bet for keeping your lawn green, but even that’s not foolproof if you don’t have the right system set up to meets the needs of your particular lawn,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy.

Some of the things to consider when purchasing an in-ground irrigation include:

●        Automatic or manual – If you want complete control of what gets watered and when, a manual system is a nice option. The more advanced automatic systems allow you to program what areas of the lawn get water and when. Some even have sensors that detect moisture so you’re not wasting water by running your sprinklers during a rainstorm or just afterward.

●        Rotary heads vs. other sprinkler types – There are many kinds of spray heads available for each type of system. Rotary heads deliver water to larger areas, so fewer are needed. Pop-up spray heads are another great option if you’re concerned about plants or the ground interfering with the flow of the water.

●        Overlap the spray  – To provide complete coverage avoid brown spots, you’ll want to overlap the area where each sprinkler waters. This should eliminate the possibility of brown spots.

●        Avoid trees and shrubs – If at all possible, do not place the sprinkler in an area where it will spray directly onto the trunks of trees. Not only does this damage the bark, but it can make it more susceptible to pests and diseases. A sprinkler can also do a number on the petals on flowers and leaves on shrubs so plan accordingly.

●        Test water depth periodically – The idea behind an irrigation system is even distribution of water. Every so often, place a can or container throughout your yard. After the sprinkler turns off, compare. If one container from a particular area is getting less than the others, you’ll need to adjust the spray.

“Installing a sprinkler system can be quite a challenge for even the most capable do-it-yourselfer. Especially with the amount of wiring and excavation involved. That’s why even though we’re still in winter, you should be planning your system now to avoid any costly errors once it’s time to put your system in,” said Shragal.

DirectBuy offers everything you need to install your new irrigation system at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can give you the necessary guidance. And if you want somebody else to do the heavy lifting, DirectBuy works with local vendors who provide installation services, usually at a discounted price for DirectBuy members.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Start the waterworks…DirectBuy offers tips for setting up your irrigation system.Read More

DirectBuy of Cool Springs member wins $50,000 home makeover

BRENTWOOD, TN…

DirectBuy of Cool Springs, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, awarded $50,000 to one of its members on Saturday, February 14, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration was highlighted by the presentation of an oversized check to Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia by the club’s owners, Steve Blume and John Langley.

 

Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia joined DirectBuy of Cool Springs in November of 2008, and was in the midst of remodeling his home when informed he was DirectBuy’s grand prize winner. “This is the first time I had won anything, and I was shocked,” he said excitedly. “I really couldn’t believe it. I am still speechless.”

Menchaca-Garcia’s plans to use his newfound fortune to improve his home with the help of DirectBuy, ultimately maximizing his return on investment when he decides to sell. To go along with new flooring and fixtures for his bathroom, he’s also added a new roof and plans a full kitchen remodel, complete with new windows and appliances.

 

Rogelio is active in the military and was formerly deployed in Bosnia. He now works as part of a special program called Wounded Warriors – a not-for-profit organization that provides tangible support for soldiers to help them on the road to healing.

 

“We work with soldiers who may have been wounded overseas while serving our country,” he explained. “Our objective is to help them rehabilitate with the goal of returning either to active duty and/or the community.”

 

Steve Blume and John Langley, who own and operate DirectBuy of Cool Springs, were excited to be able to help one of their members realize their dreams, and felt it was especially meaningful that it was a community member who had served our country overseas.

 

“We always have imagined how awesome it would be if someone won the Home Makeover Program from our club, but for it to actually happen is incredible,” co-owner Steve Blume explained. “I have come to know and respect Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia. He’s a wonderful person – exactly the caliber of person you want and hope will win. Everyone at our showroom was so excited and happy for him.”

 

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

 

DirectBuy of Cool Springs recently relocated to a brand new, 25,000 sq. foot showroom, conveniently located at 1005 Flagpole Court in Brentwood in the new Mallory Park development. The franchise was among the top ten United States franchises in annual merchandise volume purchased by members in 2008. Additionally, the club boasts an A+ rating from their local Better Business Bureau, attracting members who drive as long as four hours to shop there.

 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Cool Springs employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

 

DirectBuy of Cool Springs members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

 

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Cool Springs are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

 

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycoolsprings.com or www.directbuycares.com.

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