Is Westminster Mint A Scam Company?

I purchased from Westminster...it took awhile, but I did pay with check, and they say it can take up to 2 weeks for a check to clear, so all in all it was reasonable shipping time. Next time if I'm in a hurry I will pay with credit card though...

A check to another state could and usually does take weeks to clear. The nice thing about a check is they are easy to cancel. Not easy for companies to send you stuff and try to add to a check like they do with a credit card number. Credit card numbers are sometimes passed from company to company and it does happen. Checks can only be once.
Regardless, I never, ever order anything on line due to the reasons posted here now.

All of these so called mints seem to be rip offs in my opinion. I try to give my business to the local b and m shops. You get the same product without the shipping fee

WELL..

if we are talking about the dealer from the USA, I would make sure they specify their costs by how you are paying.

I responded to one of their Ads in the paper and it has no notice that there was to be an extra surcharge for using a credit card.

I am OK with that BUT if you run almost a large 3/4 size Ad in the paper with a price and it only says shipping and handling extra, I dont think that's ethical. They should have a disclaimer that says something to the effect that prices based on check payment.

I don't feel comfortable with a business that runs an Ad and then doesn't even offer any sort of fine print and by the time you call, they tell you. oh well there's a credit card charge btw. Again, everyone has their costs but how about some "truth in advertising".

Oh I have their Ad still and I am referring to their Ads they place, I am not talking about their web site

Again, when you place an Ad in print, a honorable business would put fine print with some sort of line that informs you that there will be a surcharge for using a credit card.

I am not talking about their web site, thats irrelevant to what I said.

Again, my issue isn't about free markets.

My issue is that any honorable, reputable business honors the prices in their Ads. Any great business also makes room for the fine print and full disclosure about additional charges apart from their offer.

I have all their Ads and theres nothing to tell you that if you call and respond and decide to use a credit card that there is a surcharge.

Again, Westminster Mint lacks in this department. They have an obligation to be transparent. In that regard that public should be aware that if you use a credit card for a few coins, they are going to charge you a fee, something they do not disclose in their Ads.

Unfortunately that's no longer true. As an example, from http://www.mastercard.us/merchants/...e-rules.html