Zannee’s Blog at BargainsLA.com

I make mental wish lists on a regular basis. Lately I’ve been pining for some Nanette Lepore clothing and Kooba Handbags. I keep these wants in mind when I pop into discount boutiques and sample sales. Though I keep an open mind when shopping, I am always on the look out for these “want to haves”.

Last week when I popped into Dressed Up in Tarzana. The owner, Michael Weintraub had just started a new discount pricing system. Everything in the store is now always 25%-50% off of the original retail price. These are brand new, in season current dressy goods and accessories by Sue Wong, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Alberto Makali and more. Plus right now he’s having 50% off 50% off sale …. Or 75% off.

His new pricing system had scores of women shopping and buying. But since I don’t hits clubs much anymore, I admired but passed on the sexy dresses. I was about to leave when Michael mentioned he still had some handbags left over from Ruthie’s closing sale. I asked if by chance any of them were Kooba. He said he had one left.… I went ballistic.

If you haven’t seen these bags up close, you may not understand why they are such a great line. They are beautifully crafted, high quality leather, uniquely designed bags. But at $540-$700 a piece at retail, I was well out of my spending comfort zone.

Michael had 5 handbags locked away in a glass cabinet by the dressing rooms. One was the Kooba bags I had been pining so badly for. It was a black Annie bag from Winter 2006.

And it was on sale… not at 25% off, not at 50% off,
but the 50% off of the 50% off price….It was now $157 instead of the original $625. What a steal!

This very hip bohemian shoulder bag is super roomy with laced-up leather gussets on the flap and body, bronze studs on the straps and exterior of bag. Two pockets in the front, perfect for cell phones and PDA’s. The interior is finely finished in suede with 3 separate pockets great for sunglasses and makeup. It took all of three seconds for me to make the decision to buy it….I knew it was the best price I was ever going to find for one.

Because this bag is from two seasons ago it’s currently selling at Saks for $436 and $375 at BlueFly.com. I still got the absolute best price. Wish I could tell you Dressed Up had more Kooba bags, but I got the last one. It pays to pop into your favorite discounters

Dressed Up, 6000 Reseda Blvd., (in back) Tarzana 818.708.7238

I have been asked my opinion on Direct Buy more than a few times now. I called them several months back to try to get the scoop. I got the brochure and a follow up call to set an appointment which was a total pushy sales ploy. I ended up declining.

I have since spoken to actual Direct Buy clients and read reviews and opinions on the web.

Direct Buy is a deceptive business. They won’t tell you about the contract or costs until after you’ve signed up for an in person presentation/ sales pitch meeting. They do seriously pressure you to join. There is no thinking it over, which you have the legal right to do. You have sign up while you’re there. They will not let the wife attend the meeting without the husband or visa versa. It costs $5900 to join and $200 a year for 10 years.

All of the above issues should make you think twice about Direct Buy. But the more info you have the better so here’s more:

Every Direct Buy location is a Franchise. At Direct Buy you are limited to their choices of vendors/ manufacturers. Though they have reasonable selection of vendors, if you have eclectic / artistic / designer tastes, you probably won’t find much through them and get your money’s worth from the membership.

The retail markup in home improvement and home furnishings varies widely from 15%-300%. The term “wholesale/ manufacturer direct” can be deceptive when you’re comparing pricing if you don’t know the companies actual cost. Direct Buy does some minimal marking up by charges additional handling fees and they also don’t guarantee the price quoted on a product, so you may end up paying more than the initial quote…and you’ll still have labor costs, delivery and taxes bringing the costs up so any actual savings disappear.

Southern California is home to 1000’s of importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, jobbers and discounters where you can buy directly and save a lot of money without joining a club.

But, because of their deceptive tactics, I don’t recommend them. Remember they are in business to make money and are running very expensive radio ad campaigns to generate income. If you Google Direct Buy you’ll find plenty of links to complaints.

Yes, smart shoppers can buy manufacturer direct without the middleman and without Direct Buy.