Best Places to Buy Kitchen Cabinets: Part 4/8

What You Need to Know about Members-Only Retailers

Perhaps motivated by the precarious financial position of the American consumer today, kitchen cabinet buyers are trying to find ways to bypass the multi-layered distribution channels to get closer to a manufacturer’s price for what they want. Members-Only programs claim to be the solution and that they are selling to the consumer, factory direct kitchen cabinets or at least close to factory direct.

Members-Only retailers catering to home furnishings such as DirectBuy are springing up as the search for affordability intensifies for consumers. Many times for kitchen cabinets, these club groups offer the consumer the ability to choose from a selection of several brand name cabinet choices and a limited selection of decorative features like crown moldings and architectural accents.  For each line carried, respective manufacturers’ warranties are included.  Pricing is moderate and some membership clubs also have many conveniently located showrooms where you can go touch and feel the product.

Where’s the Logic?

Simple logic tells us that in order for retailers to stay in business, they have to charge enough markups to pay for their overhead and make a profit. This same logic applies to members only programs; these firms, are in fact, not the manufacturer, so they must create a way to support their existence and make a profit. They indeed reduce the average 43% retail markup for home furnishings by a significant amount, but then charge it right back in a different form—a membership fee. The costs and profits associated with running their business is merely charged to you differently.


The prospect of a special “members-only” price that’s advertised to be close to the factory-direct, manufacturer’s price is very appealing.

We all want to save wherever we can – especially when it comes to big-ticket kitchen and bath projects.  While members only companies do offer discounted merchandise, the several thousand dollars it can cost to become a member may outweigh the savings you realize from just a cabinet purchase. You should take this important total cost of ownership factor into consideration if you plan to purchase from a members-only retailer.

Stay tuned in the next few weeks as we examine online cabinet sites and custom cabinet shops to name a few. In the end, you will be able to download a complete comparison guide with a side-by-side comparison chart to help you determine the best place for you to buy your kitchen cabinets.  


What experiences have you had with Members-Only Retailers?

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