Class Says DirectBuy Doesn't Play Fair

CLAYTON, Mo. (CN) – DirectBuy uses high-pressure sales tactics to sell memberships and conceals price markups, a class action claims in St. Louis County Court. DirectBuy is a franchisor of DirectBuy centers, which sell furniture, flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, window treatments, appliance, lighting, home improvement and décor products.     DirectBuy claims members can save 40 to 50 percent on its stuff. Named plaintiffs Tammy and Jerry Randall claim DirectBuy disguises retail mark-ups through handling fees and freight charges.      They claim DirectBuy uses high-pressure techniques to induce consumers into buying memberships: telling consumers they will not be allowed back into their facility if they do not buy a membership at the end of the presentation, and not allowing them to compare prices with other stores before buying a membership.      The class consists of all people who bought a membership at a DirectBuy center in Missouri, within an applicable statute of limitations. The class seeks damages and an injunction. It is represented by David Marcus of Kansas City.

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