hard pull by DIRECT lowered my score...WHY?

[rosa29617]

I ordered new service with DirectTV but I was not aware the inquiry would affect my credit score; obviously it was a hard pull because my score decreased three points. I am curious: I have applied for credit with several other companies( two loan companies and jc penney) which supposedly pulled my CR. I was denied by these companies, so why didn't my score decrease after these inquiries: will they show up as inquiries on my CR? Incidentally, I was approved by Direct. 

[marty56]

Based on the number of INQs you have and possibly your credit profile, the first 1 or 2 INQs may not cost any points but the next one would.  That happend to me on TU.  No worry since after 1 year, you will get the points back.

These days, a new cell phone or cable will 100% get you a new INQ as well.

[rosa29617]

Thanks! I've stacked up quite a few inquiries these past several months, but now I will be more careful, knowing the damage it can cause.