FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices • Hacker News Board

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#11

Post by legitster » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:40 PM UTC

Seems like a no brainer. Can they tackle sales tax next?

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#12

Post by itake » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:41 PM UTC

legitster wrote: post #11

Seems like a no brainer. Can they tackle sales tax next?

and service fees at restaurants. The price on the menu in Seattle or SF is ~25% lower than what the product actually costs.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#13

Post by drdec » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:43 PM UTC

guidedlight wrote: post #10

They should ban hidden taxes too. The sticker price should be the final price.

Do you want to put in your shipping address to every website before you can shop?

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#14

Post by nirav72 » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:45 PM UTC

Wonder if this going to be permanent or will be reverted as soon as the new FTC head is in office.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#15

Post by spockz » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:46 PM UTC

Im all for this. I’m worried though that now the junk fees will just be added to the normal price without ultimately changing anything.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#16

Post by hamandcheese » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:46 PM UTC

itake wrote: post #12

legitster wrote: post #11

Seems like a no brainer. Can they tackle sales tax next?

and service fees at restaurants. The price on the menu in Seattle or SF is ~25% lower than what the product actually costs.

California was set to ban that, until Scott Weiner carved out an exception for restaurants.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#17

Post by hnburnsy » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:47 PM UTC

itake wrote: post #12

legitster wrote: post #11

Seems like a no brainer. Can they tackle sales tax next?

and service fees at restaurants. The price on the menu in Seattle or SF is ~25% lower than what the product actually costs.

Yeah, I love that healthcare surcharge at SFO restaurants.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#18

Post by munk-a » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:47 PM UTC

drdec wrote: post #13

guidedlight wrote: post #10

They should ban hidden taxes too. The sticker price should be the final price.

Do you want to put in your shipping address to every website before you can shop?

Yea, that'd be pretty swell. The only reason websites moved away from that was to "lower friction" - it's better for the consumers who end up buying the product if they know availability and pricing up front.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#19

Post by perfectstorm » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:47 PM UTC

drdec wrote: post #13

guidedlight wrote: post #10

They should ban hidden taxes too. The sticker price should be the final price.

Do you want to put in your shipping address to every website before you can shop?

a reverse IP lookup should give you a good estimate and you can always ask the user to enter their address for more accurate price.

Re: FTC bans hidden junk fees in hotel, event ticket prices

#20

Post by eterm » Tue, Dec 17, 2024, 9:47 PM UTC

spockz wrote: post #15

Im all for this. I’m worried though that now the junk fees will just be added to the normal price without ultimately changing anything.

That does change things though, it gives you a fair point of comparison.