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DirectBuy offers guidelines for selecting your home improvement projects.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

Perhaps it’s the innate pioneer spirit in all of us to build and mend our own home. Or maybe it’s watching one too many “Extreme Makeover” shows and thinking, “that seemed simple enough.”  DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, offers some helpful suggestions for deciding when to take on a home improvement project…or just leave it to the pros.

“To steal a line from Shakespeare, to thine own self be true,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “What that means is you have to be able to honestly assess your abilities, your temperament, your schedule and your standards. Are you able to do a job nearly as well as a professional? Can you accept that fact, from an aesthetic point of view? If you’re satisfied with your answers, then you have to get the tools and materials you need to do the job.”

Perhaps the most challenging part of deciding whether or not to take on home improvement project is determining your skill level. If you’re painting a room, it doesn’t require a lot of skill and for materials you essentially need a brush or roller, bucket and some rags. Installing hardwood flooring is another story. You’ll probably need to have a power saw, sanders and nailers on hand and know how to competently use them.

Here are some basic guidelines or questions you need to ask before trying a home improvement project:

 

●        Do you have the skill set needed to take on the project? BE HONEST!

●        Do you have the tools needed for the project? If the project requires an expensive tool that you may never use again, you may want to rethink doing it yourself.

●        Do you have the installation instructions and, most importantly, do you understand them?

If you answered ‘yes’ to those questions, you then need to make a further personal assessment on how the project will affect your life, both while undertaking the project and afterwards. For example:

 

●        Do you have the time and patience to undertake this project? Guesstimate the time you think the project should take and then double it. If you can live with that, go forward.

●        How will the project affect your family? Will you be done in a matter of hours, or will your family have to move around your project?

●        Finally, what are your aesthetic standards? Can you live with “good enough,” or do you want perfection? The last thing you want to do is take on a home improvement project and then have to call in a professional because you didn’t like the results.

If you answered affirmatively to the above questions, DirectBuy can help you get the materials and tools you need for any do-it-yourself project—e.g. nailers, sanders, painting supplies, flooring, tiling, and more—all at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if a project is a bit out of your skill level or you don’t have the time, you have professionals at your service who can get the job done.

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.

DirectBuy offers guidelines for selecting your home improvement projects.Read More

DirectBuy of NYC provides tips to designing the “perfect kid’s room.”

BROOKLYN, QUEENS, WOODSIDE, NEW YORK CITY, NY…

While in the past, a parent yelling, “Go to your room!” may have been some sort of punishment, nowadays it could pass as a reward, depending on the design and furniture selection your child’s room. DirectBuy of Brooklyn and Queens and DirectBuy of Manhattan, the leading members-only showroom and home design centers, not only offer consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also offers some helpful tips on designing the perfect kid’s room.

“A child’s bedroom serves as much more than a place for you kids to play. It’s a study, computer room, play room, game room, video/entertainment center and even a guest room,” said Marti Brandt, owner of DirectBuy of Brooklyn and Queens. “By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a room that’s comfortable for them to sleep and play in, but also maximizes the space.”

Some guidelines to follow include:

 

●        Involve your children in the buying of the furniture and decorating process; it’s their room, after all, and it stands to reason they will be more comfortable with items they helped select.

●        Take into account your child’s age, gender and how long the furniture will be used (e.g. bunk beds might be fun at 12, but at 16 your teenager might want some more space)

●        Only consider bedroom furniture that has quality construction and age-appropriate design. It is also a good idea to bring children along while shopping to make sure the bedding is comfortable.

●        Plan for growth – not just your child getting bigger but acquiring more things and clothing that will need to be stored.

Both DirectBuy of Brooklyn and Queens and DirectBuy of Manhattan carry a large selection of brand-name kids’ furniture at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy employs product specialists and designers who can help parents and children select furniture and accessories to create the look you want for your child’s room.

“Sure, parents might lose a little leverage by sending a child to their room not being seen as a form of punishment,” laughs Brandt. “The upside is that by creating a room that’s a haven for your child, they’ll be happier, which in turn makes parents happier. So everybody wins.”

Consumers interested in becoming DirectBuy members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Brooklyn and Queens at 718-247-2320, or contacting the showroom co-owners Michael Wiseltier or Marti Brandt at info@directbuybq.com.  For DirectBuy of Manhattan, please contact Co-Owner Mark Brandt at 212-290-3020 or info@directbuynyc.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 enables 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 New York City area since 2003. 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 DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater New York City area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

DirectBuy franchise locations servicing the greater New York City area are:  DirectBuy of Brooklyn and Queens, 72-25 Queens Boulevard, Woodside, NY, 718-247-2320 and DirectBuy of Manhattan, 469 Seventh Avenue 6th Floor, New York, NY, 212-290-3020.

For more information on DirectBuy, you can visit http://www.directbuynewyork.com.

 

 

DirectBuy of NYC provides tips to designing the “perfect kid’s room.”Read More

600 pounds to fight hunger…DirectBuy of Suffolk County holds second annual food drive and fall festival

HAUPPAUGE, NY…

In today’s economy, most families have to focus on feeding, clothing, and taking care of their own. So when those same families go out of their way to help others in need, the donations are that much more meaningful. On October 25, DirectBuy of Suffolk County held it’s second annual food drive and fall festival, collecting more than 600 lbs of food and supplies for Long Island Cares, the only food bank on Long Island.

In addition to the food drive, members of the Hauppauge-based showroom were treated to a day of fun and festivities.  DirectBuy of Suffolk County is the local branch of DirectBuy, Inc., a home furnishings and remodeling company that allows its members to purchase directly from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers with no hidden retail mark-up.

“We have run a successful business in Suffolk County for over 18 years” said DirectBuy of Suffolk County president and franchise owner Rob Bengston. “We wanted to celebrate with our loyal members, and do some good at the same time.” 

The DirectBuy Suffolk staff chose to support Long Island Cares because currently food banks are desperate for help. Long Island Cares was founded in 1980 by the late singer/activist Harry Chapin in response to the needs of hungry Long Islanders. The leading anti-hunger organization works with other charities to fight hunger in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“Long Island Cares is a wonderful program and very necessary especially in today’s economical conditions,” said DirectBuy member Purnima Shah, who attended the festival.

DirectBuy’s Suffolk showroom was brightly decorated with ribbons, balloons and more than 40 baskets of gifts that were raffled off to those who brought in non-perishable food or other supplies. The baskets included gifts of cookware, artwork, toys, camping and sporting equipment, movie tickets, theater tickets and giftware.  Children were entertained with balloon art and face painting, and all guests enjoyed trying a variety of dishes throughout the festival. 

“This festival is our way of saying thank you to our members,” said DirectBuy of Suffolk County Showroom Manager Myriam Lebron. “We wanted to show we care for our members and also for this great community where we all live.”

“My wife and I have been members of DirectBuy since 1997,” said Robert Meehan. “We came to the showroom today to help celebrate DirectBuy’s association with the charity Long Island Cares. Our membership has been 11 years of profitable and enjoyable experiences for us. The money we have saved is incredible. Thanks to DirectBuy, we have much more money for ourselves. The customer service is second to none.”

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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.

DirectBuy enables members to purchase most every product offering from several hundred manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at more than 160 showrooms across North America. 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 DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

About Long Island Cares

The Mission of Long Island Cares is to bring together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry on Long Island.  Long Island Cares provides emergency food where and when it is needed, sponsors programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educates the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island.

Long Island Cares relies on the generosity and strong support of the individuals, corporations, and foundations that make up the community. For more information, visit www.licares.org.

600 pounds to fight hunger…DirectBuy of Suffolk County holds second annual food drive and fall festivalRead More

DirectBuy’s very own Jordonna Levin donates to Locks of Love

WEST PALM BEACH, FL…

Those who know four-year-old Jordonna Levin recognize her by the beautiful locks that adorn her big brown eyes. Her long brown hair was her trademark and a big topic of conversation amongst her family and friends. So, it was truly a milestone when she decided to donate 10 inches to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing hairpieces to children suffering from long-term medical hair loss.

Months prior to the donation, mom Jenny Levin, co-owner of DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches, had been trying to get Jordonna to cut her hair. “It was getting so long and unmanageable,” said Jenny.

It was the day before Pre-Kindergarten and only months away from turning five when she decided to make the donation. The decision wasn’t easy for Jordonna when she realized a minimum donation of 10 inches would have to be made. Not only was this a big change for her, but she wasn’t sure how her teacher and friends would react to the new Jordonna.

Knowing that this was an incredibly special event in her daughter’s life, Jenny was filled with emotions the morning of the donation. “Not only did I feel so lucky and blessed to have a healthy, beautiful child, but I really felt the emotions of what the receiving parent would be feeling one day,” said Jenny. “I will now have a strong connection with someone out there that I will never meet.”

DirectBuy of the Palm Beaches Customer Service Specialist Aimee Falvey donated to Locks of Love a year prior to Jordonna’s donation. Both of them have inspired many others to donate in the coming year.

“I am so happy that I cut my hair and donated it to someone who really needs it,” said Jordonna. “I love my new hair, because I look just like Snow White.”

When Jordonna started school the next day, everyone was so amazed by what she had done. After her teacher learned of the donation, she asked Jordonna to speak to the class in hope of encouraging others to donate as well.

Jordonna’s father, Stephen Levin, co-owner of DirectBuy of The Palm Beaches, hopes his daughter’s brave actions will inspire others. “I am very proud of my little lady. Not only does she look like one, but her new haircut makes her feel like one inside.”

Locks of Love

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Locks of Love meets a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. To find out how you can help support this special effort, contact Locks of Love through their website www.locksoflove.com or email at info@locksoflove.org. 

About DirectBuy

For 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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.  DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 showrooms across North America.  To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy’s very own Jordonna Levin donates to Locks of LoveRead More

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver hires Expert Kitchen Designer Pamela Capitulo

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, recently hired Pamela Capitulo as Kitchen Designer.

Capitulo is a certified interior designer from British Columbia Institute of Technology. She started with DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver in July.

“Pamela is an absolutely wonderful addition to our staff. She’s a very talented designer and has a great way with the customers,” said Peter Ruetz, owner of DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver. “Having an additional full-time designer on staff on-site gives members a resource to get answers to their questions and has dramatically improved the turnaround in getting a design to our members.” 

The types of kitchen designs requested by members can range from traditional to modern. Said Capitulo, “The members I’ve worked with aren’t afraid to be a little adventurous with their kitchen designs, creatively utilizing the space with things like warming drawers, multiple dishwashers, a regular fridge and a wine fridge, etc. As a designer, that gives you a chance to let your hair down and that’s when you can really do your best work.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises 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 four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), 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 call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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 Vancouver area since 1997. 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 four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

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

 

 

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver hires Expert Kitchen Designer Pamela CapituloRead More

Singles Station-The Right One dating services find each other compatible; ink affiliate agreement.

TULSA, OKLAHOMA AND NORWELL, MASSACHUSETTS…

Whether it’s in business or your love life, finding the right match is critical As a brick-and-mortar dating service for more than a quarter of a century, Oklahoma-based Singles Station has helped thousands of couples get together. By signing an affiliate agreement with The Right One/Together Dating, Singles Station Dating Service has figuratively found “the right one” to take their business to the next level.

Under the agreement, Singles Station will fly under The Right One’s banner while remaining The Singles Stations in its nine current markets—Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas; Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee; Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri; and two future ones in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas. Singles Station will in turn, utilize The Right One’s systems and technologies, while The Right One works with them in a consulting capacity.

“It may sound like a cliché, but this really is a win-win for both sides,” said Charlee Brotherton, owner of Singles Station Dating Co. “With The Right One’s technologies and systems, we’re better able to serve our existing client base and attract new members. By being an affiliate of The Right One, we give them coverage in markets where they do not have offices. Like I said, a win-win.”

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating noted, “I’ve known Charlee for quite some time through our work with the Matchmaker Institute. She’s a pro’s pro whose company uses the same kind of personalized, one-to-one approach with their members as we do with ours. And while we both are happily married in our personal lives, business-wise, this really is a match made in heaven.”

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact The Right One toll-free at 800-818-DATE (3283).

             

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at 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:  California (Encino, Irvine, Los Angeles, Upland); Florida (Palm Beach, Vero Beach); Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Minneapolis); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); New Jersey (Bridgewater, Colts Neck and Lawrenceville); Ohio (Cincinnati); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); South Carolina (Greenville); South Dakota (Sioux Falls); Texas (San Antonio, Beaumont and Houston) and Virginia (Falls Church).

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

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).

Singles Station Dating Company 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 continues its commitment to be the most successful dating service of its kind. The Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri and will be opening soon in Wichita and Kansas City, Kansas. For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

(Editor note:  For interviews with the colorful and articulate Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove, The Right One and Together Dating and the author of a book on the history of dating, please contact Steve Dubin, Courtland Brooks, at (781) 582-1061 or, by e-mail, at steve@courtlandbrooks.com.)

Singles Station-The Right One dating services find each other compatible; ink affiliate agreement.Read More

Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of Vancouver

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

As a bookkeeper, Joan Miller knows the numbers don’t lie. Yet as she celebrates her fifth anniversary with DirectBuy of Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, even she’s in disbelief.

“The five years has really gone by fast, but that’s what happens when you enjoy what you do and the people you do it with,” said Miller, a Delta resident. “The best part about this job is you’re always learning something.”

A Delta resident and mother of three grown children, Miller worked for CDI Corporate Education and holds a bookkeeping certificate from CompuCollege.

“We took over ownership of DirectBuy of Vancouver about a year ago. Trust me, in that scenario, you want as many experienced folks on board as you can have. Joan is a pro’s pro and we hope to have her as part of our DirectBuy family for years to come,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises 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 four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), 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, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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 Vancouver area since 1997. 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. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

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

Joan Miller celebrates five years with DirectBuy of VancouverRead More

DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick seeks non-profit organizations in need of furniture and fixtures

WARWICK, RHODE ISLAND…

There is nothing second-hand when it comes to helping someone in need and DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and design center, has the reputation in its communities for doing just that. To that end, DirectBuy of Providence, located in Warwick, is launching a “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program” and seeking non-profit, 501(c)3 status, organizations in need of items such as furniture, appliances, fixtures and other household items. 

DirectBuy helps its members save enormous amounts of money by enabling them to buy direct from the manufacturer. Occasionally, those items have slight imperfections and the manufacturer prefers not to do an exchange, leaving those items with DirectBuy. DirectBuy of Providence started the “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program” so these items can be donated to non-profit organizations with qualified needs and a 501(c)3 status. These items may include headboards, china cabinets, sofas and any number of products or furniture. 

That type of generosity is fairly standard for DirectBuy. Showroom owners nationwide donate to any number of organizations, and have shown a particular affinity for making contributions to children/family-oriented organizations like Boys & Girls Club, YMCA and children’s hospitals.

“There is something special about giving a very useful item that has been returned because of a little scratch or other slight defect to an organization that is helping others,” says Ngan Le, co-owner of DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick. “We’re looking forward to partnering with one or several non-profits in our community so we can make the ‘Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Program’ a win for everybody.”

Any non-profit organization in need of household items can simply visit DirectBuy of Providence Web site at http://www.directbuyprovidence.com/forms_documents.htm and click on the “Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Program” link.  Groups will be asked to fill out a form and provide a wish list of what is needed and whether or not they will be able to pick the items up or need to have them delivered.  In addition, the groups must provide proof of non-profit 501(c)3 status.  Submissions must be mailed to DirectBuy of Providence, 222 Metro Center Blvd Suite 2, Warwick, RI 02886, Attn: Non Profit Program

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have 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. DirectBuy of Providence, conveniently located at 222 Metro Center Boulevard in Warwick, offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in learning more about the Nearly Perfect Non-Profit Donation Program or about becoming DirectBuy members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuyprovidence.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 enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy of Providence, located in Warwick, Rhode Island, opened in 2006 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Providence is one of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Providence at 401-921-4988 ext. 304 or by visiting http://www.directbuyprovidence.com.

 

DirectBuy of Providence in Warwick seeks non-profit organizations in need of furniture and fixturesRead More

Spending to save…DirectBuy of Boston South members buying even more in bad economic times.

ROCKLAND, MA…

Turn on the news today or glance over the headlines and all you see is doom and gloom: bailouts, down markets, home foreclosures, etc. On top of that, you hear of retailers going out of business and national companies reporting huge losses. Interestingly, even in these times of financial hardship, a locally owned company in Rockland is going against this trend. Serving the South Shore and the Islands since 1986, DirectBuy of Boston South has seen many turns of the economy, and more than ever people are buying more with less money.

“Believe it or not, the increase in member production and purchases, both in dollar volume and quantity, is largely because of these troubling economic times,” said owner John Massaria. “Consumers need to make every dollar count. By enabling our members to buy directly from more than 700 national manufacturers, suppliers and local vendors, DirectBuy saves consumers an average of up to 45 percent or more by eliminating markups. People are telling others and the proof is in our numbers.”

Those numbers include some pretty impressive increases, particularly in today’s economic climate, such as:

  • In 2007, Members averaged $450,936.39 in orders per month; in 2008, the average was $540,568.21 per month (16% increase in dollar amount of purchases)
  •  In 2007, Members placed an average of 326 orders per month; in 2008, the average was 366 orders per month (11% increase in monthly purchase orders)
  •  DirectBuy of Boston South has shown a 23% percent increase in kitchen and granite sales in 2008, as compared to last year. 
  • DirectBuy of Boston South posted a 19% increase in new memberships over the last five months (April through September 2008) compared to the same time period last year

And during Massachusetts sales tax-free weekend in August, in which DirectBuy of Boston South is only open on Saturday, the numbers are even more telling:

  • Tax Free Day 2007: 369 orders in one day, totaling $430,544.49 (average of $1,166.78 per order)
  •  Tax Free Day 2008: 470 orders in one day, totaling $679,210.72 (average of $1,445.13 per order)
  • 23% increase in orders, 34% increase in dollar amount ordered
  •  DirectBuy of Boston South saved its members approximately $305,644.82 in retail markup in just one day

DirectBuy franchises offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. 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. DirectBuy’s local contractors such as Mike Tarpey (617-828-5075), Rinaldi Builders (617-759-1313) and Green Star Builders (617-872-8388) have all seen increases in home-improvement renovations and installations as well. 

Local stores also work with DirectBuy to afford huge savings to members, and that keeps the stores busy as well. According to the owner of Hancock TV & Appliances, Joe Palumbo (617-472-1710), “the relationship with DirectBuy has helped us realize our best year yet in more than 63 years.”

Another store showing increases with the help of DirectBuy members is Snow & Jones Plumbing, located in Norwell and South Yarmouth. Owner Barney Jones (781-878-3312) said that purchases from DirectBuy members have helped him see a huge increase over last year. Barney said, “the buying power of DirectBuy members is a powerful one and helps us stay busy. Members save money and we keep our stores humming.”

Although each DirectBuy location is individually owned, DirectBuy Inc. is an international company. In the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2008, members purchased 1.1 billion dollars in merchandise network-wide. That’s a 20.6 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. In the same fiscal year, DirectBuy Inc. grew from 143 locations to 165, a 15.4 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. In the area of membership sales, the company had the second best year in its 37-year history.

So is it all doom and gloom for businesses and consumers? Absolutely not. Consumers are realizing, now more than ever, that they must change the way they buy goods in order to make their budgets work. Members on the South Shore are increasingly looking towards DirectBuy of Boston South to shield themselves from inflation and recession.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House in the Rockland location by contacting DirectBuy of Boston South at 781-878-8846 or by visiting www.directbuybostonsouth.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 name-brand manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having selection and choices not available at any retail store. DirectBuy of Boston South opened in 1986 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local supplier services and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Boston South is one of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in learning more can call DirectBuy of Boston South at 781-878-8846 or visit www.directbuybostonsouth.com

 

Spending to save…DirectBuy of Boston South members buying even more in bad economic times.Read More