On Gunbroker many vendors charge 3% extra for using a credit card. Which is to offset the service charge the seller pays the CC carrier. Some buyers may want to save that 3% by using a cash-like payment instrument. My advice, don't do it.
Using CC for payment gives you leverage for recourse if a transaction goes bad. A check or money order doesn't convey this protection. I know there are other payment methods available through GB, I haven't used them. Some of those may offer some protection, I don't know. What I do know is by sending a check or money order, you have a lot less control.
Recently, I had a GB transaction go minorly bad. I was patient and tried to work it out with the seller. I bought a firearm that was described as including accessories. When it arrived, it was short the accessories. I had issues with this seller from the start. Zero communication, slow shipping, no tracking number provided. When the item arrived short, I sent two emails, waiting patiently for replies that never came. I had called previously and left a message. After the emails, I called again and to my surprise, the seller answered. He denied getting the emails and promised to send the short items next day by Priority Mail, which never arrived. After 40 days, finally I turned the matter over to my CC company and lodged a partial dispute for the amount I calculated the short items were worth, plus tax, plus shipping.
There is one point that I was negligent about. That is, checking the seller's GB feedback. I always do it on ebay, I don't know why I didn't in this case on GB. If I had, I would've seen a pattern of buyer complaints about no communication, no tracking numbers, and short shipments. I didn't see the word "liar" in there but it should be.
Look upon the added 3% fee as payment for insurance.
Typically, you have 60 days to file a CC dispute. Don't let the seller time you out with lies and balderdash. Also know that you have 80-something days to leave feedback on GB.
One last thought. This is becoming customary in the gun retail trade, in person or online. Most other businesses just consider it a cost of doing business. When I use the CC at Fred Meyer, they don't add on 3%. I think it has to do with the nature of the merchandise. Gun people want what they want, and when they find it, they won't let 3% stand in their way, and gun dealers know it.
Using CC for payment gives you leverage for recourse if a transaction goes bad. A check or money order doesn't convey this protection. I know there are other payment methods available through GB, I haven't used them. Some of those may offer some protection, I don't know. What I do know is by sending a check or money order, you have a lot less control.
Recently, I had a GB transaction go minorly bad. I was patient and tried to work it out with the seller. I bought a firearm that was described as including accessories. When it arrived, it was short the accessories. I had issues with this seller from the start. Zero communication, slow shipping, no tracking number provided. When the item arrived short, I sent two emails, waiting patiently for replies that never came. I had called previously and left a message. After the emails, I called again and to my surprise, the seller answered. He denied getting the emails and promised to send the short items next day by Priority Mail, which never arrived. After 40 days, finally I turned the matter over to my CC company and lodged a partial dispute for the amount I calculated the short items were worth, plus tax, plus shipping.
There is one point that I was negligent about. That is, checking the seller's GB feedback. I always do it on ebay, I don't know why I didn't in this case on GB. If I had, I would've seen a pattern of buyer complaints about no communication, no tracking numbers, and short shipments. I didn't see the word "liar" in there but it should be.
Look upon the added 3% fee as payment for insurance.
Typically, you have 60 days to file a CC dispute. Don't let the seller time you out with lies and balderdash. Also know that you have 80-something days to leave feedback on GB.
One last thought. This is becoming customary in the gun retail trade, in person or online. Most other businesses just consider it a cost of doing business. When I use the CC at Fred Meyer, they don't add on 3%. I think it has to do with the nature of the merchandise. Gun people want what they want, and when they find it, they won't let 3% stand in their way, and gun dealers know it.
