Credit card charges

[Rye Miles #13621]

I bought a gun this week. I didn’t have cash so I put it on a credit card. I get that they get charged but I wish he would have told me. When he gave me the receipt to sign I saw an extra charge. I would have gone home and got the cash. I told him also. I should have canceled the sale but I didn’t! Most places will tell you about the CC charge if they tack it on! I think there should be a sign or at least tell you! 😡

[Pat Riot]

Pretty sure there is supposed to be a sign and they should tell you. 
 

The usual fee is 3%

 

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

10 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

Pretty sure there is supposed to be a sign and they should tell you. 
 

The usual fee is 3%

 

 

Yep, $650 + tax brought it to $701.00 credit card charge was $21.00 I should have cancelled the sale but they did the background check and I wanted the gun so I sucked it up!🙄 I told him I wasn’t happy though and I probably will avoid that shop in the future!

[Cypress Sun]

As long as they let you know BEFORE the transaction was finalized, it was legal...not saying it was good business practice or good for customer retention, but it was legal.

IMO, a business should provide ample notification of any 'hidden' charges like this. I detest hidden charges and will not do business with any business that hides them until the end of the transaction. If they have a website with a customer satisfaction selection, you may want to visit it with a detailed opinion and rating.

 

In Ohio, merchants can legally impose surcharges on credit card transactions, but they must comply with specific federal and card network regulations.

Key Points on Credit Card Surcharges in Ohio

1. Legality: Credit card surcharging is legal in Ohio, allowing businesses to add a fee to credit card transactions to offset processing costs. However, this practice must adhere to federal guidelines and card network rules. 

    

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2. Maximum Surcharge: While Ohio law permits surcharges up to 4% of the transaction amount, card networks like Visa limit surcharges to 3%. Therefore, businesses effectively should not exceed a 3% surcharge to remain compliant with card brand rules. 

    

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3. Disclosure Requirements: Ohio does not mandate specific signage or written notice for surcharges at the state level. However, card networks require clear disclosure to customers about any surcharges applied. It is advisable for businesses to inform customers about the surcharge either at the point of sale or through visible signage. 

    

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4. Consistency Across Card Brands: Merchants must apply surcharges consistently across all credit card brands. For example, if a business charges a 3% surcharge on Visa cards, it cannot charge a different percentage on MasterCard or American Express. 

    

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5. Consumer Protection: While Ohio has minimal state-specific penalties for non-compliance, businesses can face consequences from card networks, including fines and the potential loss of the ability to accept certain cards if they violate surcharge rules. 

    

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6. 

   

    

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[Cholla]

It would be hard for me to avoid all the shops that charge 3% for using a credit card. I can't think of a place within 100 miles that doesn't add that on. It's happened enough that I mentally add it in when I am deciding on the purchase. Supposedly, it is to counter the fees the bank charges them. I prefer they add it on if that's what it takes to stay profitable. We also have two shops where the price on the gun is the price, no haggling. One has enough traffic of buyers with deep pockets that they don't see the need, and the other shop doesn't have enough markup to haggle.

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 minute ago, Cholla said:

It would be hard for me to avoid all the shops that charge 3% for using a credit card. I can't think of a place within 100 miles that doesn't add that on. It's happened enough that I mentally add it in when I am deciding on the purchase. Supposedly, it is to counter the fees the bank charges them. I prefer they add it on if that's what it takes to stay profitable. We also have two shops where the price on the gun is the price, no haggling. One has enough traffic of buyers with deep pockets that they don't see the need, and the other shop doesn't have enough markup to haggle.

I have no problem with the card fees but I do think they should tell you about it first! This guy didn’t! I could have gone home and got cash if he told me. This shop is about 15 minutes from me. 

[Rip Snorter]

You might ask your bank.  Earlier this year I was able to upgrade to a card which pays me 3%.  I almost never carry a balance, so a break even at worst.

[Cholla]

Another fee we get hit with here in Arizona is the transfer fee. The cheapest within 50 miles is $20 per gun. Most places are $35-$50, so I have to decide whether to drive an hour to save $15 or save the gas and time and pay $35. Back in Indiana, transfer fees ranged from $5 to $20. I have heard that some in California pay up to $100.

[Rye Miles #13621]

Just now, Rip Snorter said:

You might ask your bank.  Earlier this year I was able to upgrade to a card which pays me 3%.  I almost never carry a balance, so a break even at worst.

Yea I used Discover so I will get some back. I forgot about that. I think I’m getting 2% cash back but they give you 5% on certain places at different times.

[Cholla]

I have another story for you. I purchased a WWII Enfield from a local shop over a month ago. I handed him all my ID, and he returned my Arizona driver's license, saying he couldn't use it for the ATF forms. I asked why, and he pointed out the bold lettering at the top that said, "Not for use as federal identification." I explained that I had purchased or transferred a dozen firearms at other shops using the same driver's license. He didn't budge and said he could sell me the rifle, but he needed a passport or some other valid federal ID (No, my VA identification card wasn't good enough). I wanted the rifle, so I agreed to return the next day with my passport. (I did return.)

 

A week later, I bought a Swiss straight-pull rifle from another shop, and they accepted my DL without comment.

 

I have since obtained my "Real ID" driver's license, so it should never be an issue again.

[Tell Sackett SASS 18436]

It isn’t the credit card companies, it’s the processing companies. 
I HATE that extra when I’m vending, but what am I gonna do-turn away a sale who wants to use a cc?? A LOT of people use them at big matches!

If y’all would bring plenty of cash or checks I’d PREFER it!!!

Of course lots of sales in cash has its own drawbacks! My banks have acted like Im a drug dealer!

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I used to have a favorite gun shop. He did not mind CC charges because he used a clearing house in Vermont that only charged him 1.25% on his transactions.

[Pat Riot]

The only shops I have found that do not charge the CC Service Fee are chain stores like Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro, Academy Sports. All smaller shops charge a fee except with Debit. 

[Stump Water]

1 hour ago, Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 said:

I used to have a favorite gun shop. He did not mind CC charges because he used a clearing house in Vermont that only charged him 1.25% on his transactions.

 

I bet that was a long time ago.

 

38 minutes ago, Pat Riot said:

The only shops I have found that do not charge the CC Service Fee are chain stores like Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro, Academy Sports. All smaller shops charge a fee except with Debit. 

 

Big box stores - or anyone with high volume - only get charged a 2% "discount rate" and they can afford to suck it up.

 

Debit cards are a flat 25¢.  Please do not use your debit card for purchases.

 

And, on top of the "discount rate", the gateways* charge a per transaction fee of 25 or 30¢. 

 

*Clover, Authorize.net, Stripe, PayPal to name a few.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

6 minutes ago, Stump Water said:

 

I bet that was a long time ago.

 

2011

[Eyesa Horg]

I wonder how much business they get due to credit cards from folks that don't have cash on hand.

[Cypress Sun]

I stopped at a satellite USPS post office about a month ago to buy a roll of stamps (100). Yes, I still use stamps and USPS. There was a sign on the door that they charged 4% for credit card AND debit card purchases due to the CC and DC processing companies as Tell stated.

 

No way in hell am I going to pay 4% extra on a credit card purchase.

 

I'm not so sure that extra charges are legal in Florida for debit card purchases anyway but since I have no debit card, it didn't matter. This satellite post office used to be as busy as a one legged man but every time I drive buy there now, there's no one there. They won't last long.

[Rye Miles #13621]

7 minutes ago, Cypress Sun said:

I stopped at a satellite USPS post office about a month ago to buy a roll of stamps (100). Yes, I still use stamps and USPS. There was a sign on the door that they charged 4% for credit card AND debit card purchases due to the CC and DC processing companies as Tell stated.

 

No way in hell am I going to pay 4% extra on a credit card purchase.

 

I'm not so sure that extra charges are legal in Florida for debit card purchases anyway but since I have no debit card, it didn't matter. This satellite post office used to be as busy as a one legged man but every time I drive buy there now, there's no one there. They won't last long.

Debit cards are also subject to a fee depending on the store of course, at least that’s the case here in Ohio. 

[Injun Ryder, SASS #36201L]

My LGS doesn't charge CC fees. 

 

IT'S CASH ONLY! NO CC's.

[Cholla]

28 minutes ago, Injun Ryder, SASS #36201L said:

My LGS doesn't charge CC fees. 

 

IT'S CASH ONLY! NO CC's.

Which shop is that? Last I saw, Pronghorn Precision closed.

[Rye Miles #13621]

The LGS /Range that I used to work at doesn’t charge CC fees but does give a discount for cash. 

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

18 minutes ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

The LGS /Range that I used to work at doesn’t charge CC fees but does give a discount for cash. 

That’s because the fee is baked into the price. Instead of adding on a fee to a lower price, which enrages most customers, they give you a “discount” from a higher price. 

[Three Foot Johnson]

5 hours ago, Cholla said:

Another fee we get hit with here in Arizona is the transfer fee. The cheapest within 50 miles is $20 per gun. Most places are $35-$50, so I have to decide whether to drive an hour to save $15 or save the gas and time and pay $35. Back in Indiana, transfer fees ranged from $5 to $20. I have heard that some in California pay up to $100.

I had an acquaintance a few years ago who inherited a Ruger 9mm pistol from a deceased relative in California and arranged to have it shipped to a dealer here. The California FFL charged $55 to log it in, and ANOTHER $55 to log it out, then shipping/insurance, then whatever the FFL here charged him. I figure he was into that free gun at least $180.  

[Alpo]

3 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

I wonder how much business they get due to credit cards from folks that don't have cash on hand.

Thank you. Somebody gets it.

 

Credit cards companies used to refer to that as a convenience fee.

 

You go in the store. You see something and you think - damn, I would like to have that. But it's $100 and you've only got a 20 in your pocket. You don't buy it.

 

But hey, you got a credit card. And you buy it

 

The store made $100 sale that it would otherwise not have made. And they pay the credit card company a fee for that. Let's say it's 3%. Since they have to pay the credit card company 3% on that $100 sale they only made $97. But if the guy had not had the credit card they would have made $0.

 

And it used to be illegal to have an up-charge for cards. Stores got around that by giving a discount for cash. Then several years ago they changed the law and now they could charge more for the card.

[Dr. Zook]

A local mom-pop mechanic shop that I use for work that I am unable to do charges a 3% fee on top of the bill and they have it posted on the counter next to the card machine - quotes include the fee but also show a cash price (-3%) so it's up to the customer to decide.  Local dealership that I used to frequent also charges 3% fee to their service bills. Big or small, almost all seem to be passing along the processing charges to the customer.  Now seeing that in restaurants along with the tip line on the bill - I have yet to see the 'ancillary fee' for employee benefits on a bill in Az, sure its probably coming with the influx of transplants fleeing other states & bringing their "bright ideas"...

[Still hand Bill]

2 hours ago, Rye Miles #13621 said:

The LGS /Range that I used to work at doesn’t charge CC fees but does give a discount for cash. 

This used to be more common as I believe the law or the CC agreement prohibited charging more to use a cc.  A discount was ok, but charging more was not.  It has since changed.  I think it recently changed again to allow charging different rates by card type.  
 

what I hate is when you have to use a CC.  Went to an event at a stadium and they would not take cash.  

[Smokin Gator SASS #29736]

This isn't about CC fees. I inquired about getting a CZ75B SAO 9mm at a newer small store. They didn't have it but would look around for one. I wasn't in a hurry. Weeks go by and whenever I check with them I get the impression that they had made no effort to find one. I'd have to remind them what the gun was. Several months later I tracked down the gun myself. I went into the store and told them I had found the gun. Asked if they'd do the transfer. He said he would but on top of the regular fees he'd charge me $100 because I wasn't buying the gun from him. I'd given them months to find one, did the work myself. Another place I've bought many guns at did the transfer for me.

[Eyesa Horg]

1 hour ago, Still hand Bill said:

Went to an event at a stadium and they would not take cash.  

Had that happen at a restaurant in Pennsylvania . It was our turn to pay for 13 dinners! They wouldn't take a card. Between all of us we had just enough cash for the check and about 50% of the topTIP. Great meal at a nice restaurant, but that part sucked, especially explaining the tip issue to the waiter. She did a great job too dealing with 13 bikers! But we continuing on our trip so it was oh well.

[Cypress Sun]

1 minute ago, Smokin Gator SASS #29736 said:

This isn't about CC fees. I inquired about getting a CZ75B SAO 9mm at a newer small store. They didn't have it but would look around for one. I wasn't in a hurry. Weeks go by and whenever I check with them I get the impression that they had made no effort to find one. I'd have to remind them what the gun was. Several months later I tracked down the gun myself. I went into the store and told them I had found the gun. Asked if they'd do the transfer. He said he would but on top of the regular fees he'd charge me $100 because I wasn't buying the gun from him. I'd given them months to find one, did the work myself. Another place I've bought many guns at did the transfer for me.

 

I would have told them, in no uncertain terms, what they could do with their extra charge and would also tell them that I would NEVER be back. 

 

One proven statement that these stores seem to have forgotten...A happy customer tells 3 or 4 others about their satisfaction with the store, an unhappy customer tells everyone that'll listen about their dissatisfaction.

[Eyesa Horg]

4 minutes ago, Cypress Sun said:

A happy customer tells 3 or 4 others about their satisfaction with the store, an unhappy customer tells everyone that'll listen about their dissatisfaction.

That's a fact! If you make me unhappy, I'll go out of my way MF them! And then some!

[WD Farren]

If there is no upcharge for credit, ask if they give a 3% discount for cash.

 

[Injun Ryder, SASS #36201L]

3 hours ago, Cholla said:

Which shop is that? Last I saw, Pronghorn Precision closed.

 

Bill's Trading Post

[Alpo]

Back in the 90s. I was buying a gun. $5,000. I told the man - discover card is going to give me 1%, so they will give me 50 bucks for making this five grand purchase on their card, so it's actually going to cost me $4950. But they're going to charge you 3%, so they're only going to give you $4,850. There's $100 difference. Let's split the difference. You charge me $4,900, and I will hand you $100 bills. I save 50 bucks and you make 50 bucks.

 

He wouldn't do it.

[Stump Water]

Let's get something out of the way.  Credit card companies have charged businesses a fee to accept cards forever.  They call it the "discount rate".  Way back when it wasn't a big deal because people didn't use credit cards that much, so businesses ate it.  Using Alpo's example, they'd rather have the $97 than nothing.  And way back when Mom-N-Pop places didn't take cards (and there still a lot of eateries around here that don't).   

 

Fast forward.  The tables have turned and people hardly ever pay with cash, so you better accept cards.  Mom-N-Pop places can't stay in business losing 3% off the top of 99.9% of their sales.  So now the consumer is paying the "convenience fee" - if that's what you want to call it.  

 

"Discount for cash"?  No such thing.  Just like there's no such thing as a "bonus target".  See what Abilene Slim said above.

 

Despite what I said above, big box stores aren't really "sucking it up".  Again, it's baked into the price.

[Pat Riot]

1 hour ago, Still hand Bill said:

Went to an event at a stadium and they would not take cash.  

I went to a restaurant in CA that wouldn’t take cash when I went to pay the bill. I told them “I offered you legal tender to pay my bill. If you won’t take it, I will leave and I will not pay you a BLEEPing cent!”.

The manager came over and told me they do not take cash.
I pointed at the camera and asked if it also recorded sound. He said “Yes”

I turned to leave. All of a sudden he changed his mind. They took cash after all.