Be aware of Hidden Charges: It’s important to value your money

In recent years online shopping has gained immense popularity, leading to the rise of various e-commerce platforms. With just a few taps on our smartphones we can have our needy thing delivered right to our doorstep. However, beneath the convenience lies a hidden world of additional charges that customers often overlook. This type of deceptive pricing practices undermines consumer trust and harm the reputation of e-commerce platforms. By implementing transparent pricing strategies and adhering to consumer protection regulations, platforms can foster a trustworthy and reliable environment for online shopping. Consumers, on the other hand, must remain vigilant and report any misleading practices. In this post, we will shed light on how various platforms add different fees such as platform fees, surge fees, packing fees, handling fees and more often discreetly and without customers’ awareness.

1. Platform Fees: Many delivery platforms charge a certain percentage as a platform fee to merchants for utilising their services. While this fee may be reasonable it often gets indirectly passed on to customers through higher prices or additional charges. Be aware that this fee is typically not prominently displayed during the ordering process.

2. Surge Fees: During peak hours or high-demand periods, delivery platforms may impose surge fees to manage increased orders effectively. While this practice can help balance supply and demand customers may be caught off guard when they realise the substantial increase in their billings. It is essential to check for any surge-related charges before placing your order especially during busy times.

3. Packing and Handling Fees: Some delivery platforms add packing and handling fees to the total bill which is usually meant to cover extra expenses associated with packaging materials and handling logistics. These charges might seem insignificant, but they can add up quickly especially for multiple orders or larger groups. Always review the detailed breakdown of charges to ensure transparency.

4. Promotional Pricing vs. Final Billing: Many platforms entice customers with promotional pricing such as discounts free delivery or buy-one-get-one offers. However, make sure to check the final billing before confirming your order. Some platforms may revert to the regular higher prices without explicitly mentioning this during the ordering process. Pay close attention to any discrepancies between the advertised price and the final bill.

Sellers are becoming increasingly creative when it comes to squeezing a few more bucks out of you on the sly. To lure customers, sellers advertise only the base price. Then, at the time of payment, a host of charges are tacked on as mandatory fees and the customer usually discovers this too late. Even to attract customers, various platforms often implement promotional strategies and use enticing tactics including displaying lower prices during the browsing phase.

However, an alarming trend has emerged where some platforms showcase discounted prices to lure customers but charge the full price during the final billing process. This type of deceptive practice not only erodes trust but also raises serious concerns regarding consumer rights. Ultimately, the onus is on the consumers themselves. Take the time to carefully go through the terms and conditions document, no matter how bulky it is. Even always ask for a printed confirmation of the final rate quoted, so that you have proof to fight a legal battle if any mishaps happen. By staying informed and attentive, we can make more informed decisions and ensure that we are getting the best value for our money. However, ask for a written or printed or digital  confirmation of the final rate quoted, so that you have proof to fight a legal battle.

Source:(economictimes.com)