Independence Firearms

[Keith]

The family and I are taking a road trip(wifes idea!!!!!!) out there in a few days. Its in Brenham Texas. Store add says over 3000 guns in stk. Have heard some good info about the shop but have never been there.

Anyone have any info? Its a 4 hr drive so im hoping its worth it! My search isnt working so was unable to find any info.

[slowpoke]

Keith, its a eye opener when you walk in.They are usually very busy. the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.
Check prices on ammo,it may be cheaper next door at ammunition to go,which is the building to the left.

Have fun.

Bill

[Keith]

Oh we will and thanks!

[A-R]

the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.

They lost a $500-plus gun sale to me because of this policy, which was not disclosed to me until I removed the card from my wallet.

Wonder if VISA/Mastercard folks are aware of their store policy? Goes against the card companies user agreements, I believe.

[Lumberjack98]

Charging more for CC purchase is standard. Why do you think this goes against credit care user agreements? Businesses are charged more for running a credit card, why shouldn't they pass this on to the buyer?

[Rugerboy50]

the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.

They lost a $500-plus gun sale to me because of this policy, which was not disclosed to me until I removed the card from my wallet.

Wonder if VISA/Mastercard folks are aware of their store policy? Goes against the card companies user agreements, I believe.

Every major dealer at Houston area gun shows does the same thing.

[TexasAggie09]

Every gun dealer I've ever been to charges more for CC purchases. Seems standard and there are notes taped on every glass gun case that mentions this.

Independence is a sweet place. Their prices are competitive and they have some serious inventory. I have yet to buy ammo there as I find it cheaper online or at Academy if it's just range plinkers. Independence actually runs ammotogo.com so I'm not sure why it'd be cheaper there. They also have tons of AR accessories and a decent amount of others. I have bought one firearm from them and a friend of mine has bought 2. Will be going back for my 229 when I get the money.

[barres]

the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.

They lost a $500-plus gun sale to me because of this policy, which was not disclosed to me until I removed the card from my wallet.

Wonder if VISA/Mastercard folks are aware of their store policy? Goes against the card companies user agreements, I believe.

It does cost the dealer a small amount to process each CC transaction, so I understand them wanting to recoup that loss, but the CC companies will not allow you to charge more for the use of a CC per their licensing agreement with the vendor. Vendors are allowed to give a cash discount, though. It all depends on how the pricing is worded, in so far as whether it violates the agreement with the CC processing company.

[A-R]

the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.

They lost a $500-plus gun sale to me because of this policy, which was not disclosed to me until I removed the card from my wallet.

Wonder if VISA/Mastercard folks are aware of their store policy? Goes against the card companies user agreements, I believe.

It does cost the dealer a small amount to process each CC transaction, so I understand them wanting to recoup that loss, but the CC companies will not allow you to charge more for the use of a CC per their licensing agreement with the vendor. Vendors are allowed to give a cash discount, though. It all depends on how the pricing is worded, in so far as whether it violates the agreement with the CC processing company.

Exactly - this is how I've always understood this. And that's what upset me enough to nix the sale with them. I wont' be "reporting them" to VISA/MC or anything vindictive like that (tough enough for a quality gun-related business in this country).

But there was only one price listed on all their guns and I wasn't told I'd have to pay more until I took the credit card out of my wallet. Regardless of laws, rules etc., this is simply not an honest, up-front way to do business. It's not a huge amount of money either way, but it is enough to buy an extra 50 rounds of FMJ to try out the new gun. And their store is a ways off the beaten path, so it's very inconvenient to show up find what you want and only then be told you need cash to get bets price (closest ATM is probably a 10-15 minute drive back to Brenhem).

Had the price sticker said "cash price" or had it been priced 3% higher and said "3% discount for cash buyers" I'd have no problem with their store policy. Still wouldn't pay them 3% more for a gun that was already priced at the upper limit of what I was willing to pay, but it would have certainly saved some aggravation and left me with a better impression of their business.

Anyway, it is an amazingly well-stocked store. And the CC policy only applies to guns (not sure why) so I did buy some JHP ammo from them.

[Commander Cody]

I think it would make customers happy if all guns were priced for credit cards. Then they could heavily advertise the discount for cash/check. As well as being “legal”.

[RoyGBiv]

the firearms are priced for cash or check,credit card is 3% more.

They lost a $500-plus gun sale to me because of this policy, which was not disclosed to me until I removed the card from my wallet.

Wonder if VISA/Mastercard folks are aware of their store policy? Goes against the card companies user agreements, I believe.

It is usually ok to offer a discount for cash or check, but a no-no (according to the several CC Merchant agreements I've read) to mark UP the posted price for the "privilege" of using a credit card. I'm sure you've seen gas stations offering a X% discount for cash? This is usually not in violation of a CC Merchant agreement.

I would bet the merchant was in violation of his agreement with his CC processor/VISA/Amex/MC etc for his behavior.

His risk is having his ability to process credit cards revoked. Nothing "illegal" about the practice, just a contract breach.

[74novaman]

Since you'll be in Brenham anyway, make sure you stop by the Blue Bell creamery!!

[texasmusic]

Check out ammotogo.com first.

You can make an order online and just walk in to their warehouse and pick it up after you check out Independence. They have had the order ready for me the same day before when I called them and said I was on my way. They have some cool stuff in there!

[oilman]

There are plenty of signs around the store informing customers of that the prices are for cash and that CC purchases are 3% more.

[Keith]

Worked out great nice store in the middle of no where. Bought a Glock 20/29 had a 20 but traded it in for the SF frames. I know there not 1911s as I own 2 of them and love them but I shoot just as well with the Glock as I do with my 1911s.

That and with the prices being so much cheaper it was the obvious choice for me. I love the 10mm round. Hopefully there just as accurate and functional as my last one. My old 20 Never failed once to fire or feed. Blue Bell was also awesome darn good ice cream thanks for all the tips.