RICHMOND, Va. — Whether buying concert tickets, booking a hotel stay or renting a car, it is likely something many people have experienced.
Service fees mean that the final price when you get to checkout is higher than what was initially advertised.
“You already made the decision that you’re going to go, so you just end up paying the price,” Rachel Ruth said. “But it’s definitely more expensive than what you initially anticipate.”
What brings up that cost -are what are known as hidden or junk fees.
“Research has shown us that for the average family, they pay about $3,200 in junk fees a year.” Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D – Fairfax) said. “That is a considerable amount of money.”
And it’s an issue the Virginia state senator wants to fix.
Her bill would require industries that fall under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to advertise the final cost of their product, including mandatory fees, but excluding shipping and taxes.
WTVR“Anything where if I did not pay you, I could not attain that service or good,” Pekarsky explained.