joanneb1253 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Don't know where to post this - thought this would probably be the best place to start.Does anyone know of any good sources about how to dispute the hidden fees we all are getting charged for just about anything? Cell phones, banks, CCs, car rentals, etc.I read an article on MSN yesterday talking about the average amount a family pays each year here in the states is several hundred dollars in hidden fees alone. The example was how one car rental company not only charged fees for not having the tank full, now they are charging a top off fee if you are returning with a totally full tank. Look like it's a no win and we pay no matter what. Posters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHK Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Don't know where to post this - thought this would probably be the best place to start.Does anyone know of any good sources about how to dispute the hidden fees we all are getting charged for just about anything? Cell phones, banks, CCs, car rentals, etc.I read an article on MSN yesterday talking about the average amount a family pays each year here in the states is several hundred dollars in hidden fees alone. The example was how one car rental company not only charged fees for not having the tank full, now they are charging a top off fee if you are returning with a totally full tank. Look like it's a no win and we pay no matter what. Posters Can you post the link to the article so we can all read it?I don't know about you (or that MSN article), but I review EVERYTHING before I accept it. I ask about fees, surcharges, etc.For car rentals, I know that Enterprise makes me initial all the different things and I acknowledge that I agree and understand. As far as a "top-off" fee, I've never heard of that. I'd dispute with the CREDIT CARD you used to pay for the car rental. Whenever I returned a car with MORE gas than when I got it, I got a "gas credit" towards my next car rental.Cell Phones - gotta read the fine print and review your statements.Banks - gotta read those disclosures. Better yet, go to a credit union where it's more consumer-friendly.Credit Cards - gotta read the Federal Disclosure box for the real facts. Then read your statements to see if anything new changes.You can always dispute with the business directly.You can always shoot a letter out via planetfeedback.com.There are always ways to deal with things when you feel that you're not being treated unfairly.Keep in mind that every business has the right to charge for their services. That's capitalism. I just don't like any SURPRISES about what I will be charged for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I understand the OP's annoyance by hidden fees. But when you say "fight them", do you mean dispute them and not pay them? Or do you mean, "let the company know of your displeasure"? I agree with DHK 100%. They have the right to charge them. That's how our wonderful system works. But you have a right to complain about it or change companies. If enough people complain, then maybe they'll change the way they tack on these charges. As long as there is disclosure. Let me give you an example of a recent charge that I think was UNFAIR and crossed the line. My gas bill on my rental was $400 (I pay for my tenant's heat). The city decided that they would tack on $25 all of sudden to recover the cost of gas for people that don't pay their bills. No disclosure, no options (they obviously have a monopoly on gas distribution). And non-payment of that fee will just be met with colection efforts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred333 Posted January 17, 2008 Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 I always try to read all of my paperwork to try to avoid the fees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanneb1253 Posted January 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2008 Sorry I did not put this on when I first asked. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22342090/In answer to jq26, both. Most of us just accept them as a fact of life in our world. Many folks don't even look for them and pay and pay.I have contested depending on the bill. I disputed a doc's bill. They charged me and the insurance company $582.96 for a "treatment" fee when there was no treatment. It was taken off after I wrote to my local clinic directors office. I have another charge from the dentist the insurance did not pay and have asked what it was for. Luckily the dentist knows me well so is holding off because I'm prompt about paying what I do owe.I hate the fees phone and utility companies charge us. Some of them are so frivelous. As you mentioned if we don't pay part of our bill, they pull the plug. Car rentals now are a quagmire of fees and stipulations. I pay their extra liability insurance because folks don't know that their persoanl car insurance won't cover what is called "down time", broken windshields, etc. If I ever had an accident, I'll pay more than what they charge for the extra insurance.Guess it's frustrating and I'm venting. It would be nice if all this stuff was upfront. If they were honest about the fees I would not be as miffed about paying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 The fee are irritating, but most are upfront. Just not in the top line. A few years ago, I bought a used car and negotiated the price down from $14,000 to $12,500. When the agreement was drawn up, the total price came to $13,500. 6% tax and about $300 in document prep fees, EVEN a $50 "online marketing fee". I got up from my chair and began to walk out and then mysteriously the fees disappeared. Still had tp pay the tax though! The worst offender has to be the cellphone. About 30% of my bill is fees, taxes, and surcharges. Much of this is gov't imposed, but some of it is not. Cable srvices are the same way. My Comcast internet/cable bill was $154. I called and b*tched about the fees and told them that I was going to Fios. Within 5 minutes, my monthly bill was lowered to $108/month for the next 12 months, PLUS they added all of the Showtime, Starz, and HBO channels for free. I didn't even ask for the extra channels. Food for thought. I guess it pays to give them a piece of your mind. Keep up the fight!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmuse00 Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 I agree with DHK that we must try to read everything. I have been doing that more often now since joining CIC. With my last pregnancy the doctors office tried charging me a co-pay for every visit after the initial visit. I let them know that I knew based on my insurance that I am charged a co-pay for the initial visit and then only for special tests not done in primary doctors office. They were stunned that I knew that. I bet they would have loved to have charged me the co-pay every visit considering after 7 months I was going every two weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravenous Wolf Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 I let them know that I knew based on my insurance that I am charged a co-pay for the initial visit and then only for special tests not done in primary doctors office. They were stunned that I knew that. I bet they would have loved to have charged me the co-pay every visit considering after 7 months I was going every two weeks. In a free market, the best way to "fight" hidden fees or anything else for that matter, is to exercise your choice in where to spend your money.I don't want to harp on this but a lot of people seem to enjoy bending over and getting the big chorizo which gives them the opportunity to complain about stuff. Instead of complaining, go find a place that isn't going to bend you over.And still worse, people don't want to exert any effort to avoid bending over. Good for Muse to read stuff over and get informed!As for me, I was tired that many banks and credit card outfits are filled with these fees and hidden costs. I have switched over to credit unions and saved a fortune and avoided the hassles. I have done the same for so many other products and services. Screw loyalty. If something is cheaper and better somewhere else, then that place has my business. I also take the effort to find out what my alternatives are and surprisingly, there happen to be lots of outfits who are more than willing to offer better deals. The only times that I have to bend over is when I must deal with monopolies or limited monopolies, like the cable company or a government service (electricity, water, etc.). In that situation, I have to smile and get the big chorizo. That's what happens when you don't have economic choices.But the bottom line is that you have a choice. Do you want to be a victim or do you want to be an empowered consumer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 1000% agree with everything you just said. It can be a tough pill for some to swallow, but people are their own worse enemies. BE EMPOWERED! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalen77 Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 JQ:I bet you're not looking forward to the electricity deregulation increases we have upcoming. I know I'm not and I only have a one bedroom apartment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 Not too concerned. I think LT it will be a good thing. My electric bill for my entire house is usually about $45-$55/month. Could be worse! I am a freak about turning lights off and not wasting energy. Computers get turned off after use, the TV is only on when someone is watching it, etc. Its not an environmental thing or a money thing really. Just hate to think there are some people in this world who have nothing and here we are just wasting energy. Drives me nuts, I guess. When does that kick in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalen77 Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Not too concerned. I think LT it will be a good thing. My electric bill for my entire house is usually about $45-$55/month. Could be worse! I am a freak about turning lights off and not wasting energy. Computers get turned off after use, the TV is only on when someone is watching it, etc. Its not an environmental thing or a money thing really. Just hate to think there are some people in this world who have nothing and here we are just wasting energy. Drives me nuts, I guess. When does that kick in?I looked it up after I posted it and it looks like the rate caps won't be removed for about two more years. My daddy frets about this often, so I thought it was coming a lot sooner.I'm impressed with your bill, right now my electric bill is about the same as yours. During the regular times of the year (spring and fall) it's usually more like $30-35. It bewilders the heck out of me because I don't use anymore electricity in the winter (no extra heaters or anything). My theory is that PECO charges me more because I "ought to" be paying more. I understand when my bill is high in the summer because of the AC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 The fan on your heater (for forced air heat) or the motor on your boiler (for radiator heat) is running constantly to disburse the hot air/water. It adds $20 to my electric bill in the winter and I have gas heat. Could that be it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalen77 Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 The fan on your heater (for forced air heat) or the motor on your boiler (for radiator heat) is running constantly to disburse the hot air/water. It adds $20 to my electric bill in the winter and I have gas heat. Could that be it? Nope, I don't pay for heat. Could my landlord be adding it somehow? I live in a small apartment building of perhaps 32 apartments (8 on each floor). I think that the boiler downstairs runs on natural gas.I know he pays the electric for the hallways and vestibule. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Hmmm. Well, it gets dark much earlier, so more lights? Plus, you are likely indoors with the cold weather? If not that, then we have a conspiracy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalen77 Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Hmmm. Well, it gets dark much earlier, so more lights? Plus, you are likely indoors with the cold weather? If not that, then we have a conspiracy...I thought about the whole thing of darker earlier and I am in more, so maybe more TV watching. Still a 30% increase seems excessive. I'm always up for a good conspiracy theory. Where are those black helicopters when you need 'em?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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