Thursday, July 31, 2008

Sir, What is this charge?

New Buzzword alert - Surcharge.

Everyone from cruiselines, airlines, and even my power company are adding a hefty "fuel surcharge" to my tickets or bills. It's crazy!

When I buy a travel ticket, I expect the cost includes all the costs to the company providing the service plus a profit. The costs include equipment, depreciation, labor and yes - even fuel. Since when has fuel been an added on charge?

Have businesses forgotten that they can simply raise the ticket price by the added fuel costs? Do they think we consumers are so stupid that we won't add in the fuel surcharge when comparing prices? Oh wait, they don't tell you about the added surcharge until after you buy the ticket. I get it now. Kinda like those "Resort Fees" that started showing up on my Priceline.com hotel rooms after I already booked the hotel.

Seems very dishonest to me.

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