They are like a pacific sales. They do competitive pricing (they will match any low price you find). You can browse without seeing a consultant. I did both. I browsed through the whole store and then I met a consultant about 40 mins later and he worked up a bid for me. I haven't purchased yet so can't add anything else. I'm not familiar with Direct Buy.

I have a few Ferguson's near me (Triangle area of North Carolina). I think it is helpful if you have a specific person to speak with when you go to Ferguson's. My experience has been that some people there are much more knowledgeable than others (as I have found at other appliance stores as well). As Antss noted, some have a broader range of offerings and some are more limited.

I browsed through their showroom when we redid our bathroom and my contractor placed the order and passed his savings along to me.

I worked with the Fergusons in Charlottesville, VA when I lived there. Not at all like Direct Buy. There are no "up-front" fees. You can comparative shop. I had knowledgeable sales personnel help me. And they carried the brands I was interested in looking at.

You should not feel hesitant about checking them out.

I've been to the Fergurson's in Houston and they have a very nice showroom. They also have appliances that are actually installed (some I should say) and can be operated. Wow there is a concept... actually operate an appliance before you are asked to pay for it. But one thing that put me off because I did not understand, if you don't sign in at their reception desk and ask to talk to a consultant, no one will come offer you help. Especially if they are busy. I stood waiting to talk to a consultant about a sink and started to get annoyed because I thought I was being ignored. But then I signed in and waited my turn and the consultant was very helpful. I just didn't know the process and didn't see any signs. Maybe your local store is different.

Good point about signing in. I didn't realize that either and it took me a while to figure it out!

Otherwise, not at all like direct buy. Reputable mid to higher end plumbing supply company. Not a huge selection (at least at the one in Atlanta on Miami Circle) but a place to get started.

DH and I had visited the Ferguson showroom in Raleigh area as well. We were visiting family (we live in NY), and had gone to browse with my mom. They were very nice there, and if I recall, knowledgeable about their products as well.

Thanks so much, everyone. I appreciate knowing that I need to sign in first. Hope to get there within the next few days.