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CMP 5.56, from what you're saying, it's almost tempting to go back. But I refuse to shop somewhere that is going to charge 3% because I use a credit card. That's just pure BS!
I'm going to chime in here on the 3% surcharge. I don't like it, but with the advent of the internet it's difficult to keep a decent profit margin in the firearms business. Every time, a customer charges something on a credit card the vendor is charged that 3%. Now they could factor that into the cost of doing business and increase their prices across the board, or they can give you a discount if you pay cash/check.
Now, I don't want to have to pay for someone else using a credit card when I buy something, if I'm paying cash. If you choose to use the convenience of a CC, then you should pay for that.
WRT local gun dealers in general, I've seen a few go out of business in the past few years and it's nice to have someplace within driving distance to shop, fondle, window shop. In addition, WRT 5280 in particular, there's not a lot of gunstores (to my knowledge) that not only have such a large inventory on hand, but are also a Class 3 with SBR's and Suppressors. The only other class 3 stocking dealer I've been to is Jensens. And while 5280's prices aren't rock bottom, I'm willing to pay a small premium to have a place within driving distance that I can pick up accessories, ammo, a gun, or some odd part I need. There is some value in being able to hold the gun you're interested in your hand and see if it suits you.
Regards,
Storm
Loyalty Above All Else, Except Honor
try machine gun tours off 6th in lakewood or beararms in windsor.Originally Posted by Storm
in Colorado it is illegal to have a CC surcharge.
maybe let them know that. you can give a discount for using cash but not a surcharge for using a CC .
I know that seems silly but that is how the law is written.
COLORADO POSSESSES A "NO SURCHARGE RULE" FOR CONSUMER PURCHASES
"[N]o seller...may impose a surcharge on a holder who elects to use a credit or charge card in lieu of payment by cash check or similar means..."
Statute: Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 5-2-212(1) (West)
Discounts for Cash Payments are allowed in Colorado
"Discounts offered to induce payment by cash, check or other means not involving credit card are not finance charges if offered to all prospective buyers and disclosed clearly and conspicuously in accordance with regulations."
Statute: Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 5-2-212(2) (West)
Statute: (See Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 5-1-301(16), (16.5), (24), (43) (West)).1
If I recall correctly, there are signs posted throughout the store along the lines of:
All prices reflect a 3% cash discount. Anyone not paying by cash will pay the standard price.
That would legally fall into what you are saying.
As far a Green Mountain goes, the only time they charge 3% more for CC use is on consignment firearms.
Personally, I don't mind the "cash discount" as (as previously posted) you are not paying a 3% CC transaction fee that is already added into the sales price. I will almost always try to make sure I have enough cash to cover what I want to buy when I visit a local gun shop, as I know they have fees they have to pay for accepting credit cards and it is hard enough these days to make a decent profit as a small business without adding that cost of doing business.
The credit card companies themselves have similar rules . . . but try enforcing them.
EVEN THE STATE charges you a couple of points (2.7%?) at the DMV if you elect to pay be credit card!! And that is a surcharge added. They don't offer a discount paying cash (that's the same thing anyway).
In the past I called the CC company to report a business that was doing this (it was a gas station I didn't like, not a gun store) and they told me to call the bank (???). I knew that would go nowhere but I called the bank and they told me they have no such rule at the bank and if it's a credit card company rule I should call the credit card company.
Nice, huh?
The gun business is like most these days, low mark up to stay competitive. Credit card companies charge between 3.5% and 5% for companies to process their cards. To a small business owner that is a lot. And the other places that say they don't charge that extra 3%, they just tack it on the end of the price. I'm sorry some people have had negative experiences with them, but personally they have treated me well.
In this economy I don't begrudge a small business owner the right to feed their family.
How about if their prices were slightly higher and they gave you a 3% discount for cash?
I never fault a retailer whose fed up with paying CC charges and fees to these megabanks. I do fault them for shitty customer service. I've never been to 5280 and from reading this thread, I doubt I'll ever go there.
Why buy from a brick and mortar if they aren't going to offer any customer service???
5280 could of explained that an exchange wasn't possible and why, but offered to take the firearm back, do the leg work with S&W and then given the pistol back when it was mailed from S&W. Wouldn't of costed anything but a little bit of time and they would have a customer right now talking about how great 5280 is.
Instead they offer no CS, single word answer and piss off their customer.
Way to go 5280!!!!!
To top it off, you probably paid a higher price for the firearm at 5280 compared to other local shops. From what I have seen, most items there are priced higher. Pay a premium, get less customer service.
I don't know why people bother shopping there.
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