Pricing

Consumer Advocates Rally Against ‘Junk Fees’ as States Push for Clearer Pricing Standards

by

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Consumer advocates are intensifying their campaign against “junk fees,” compelling lawmakers to enforce regulations that require businesses to disclose upfront costs for goods and services. This ongoing push comes in response to growing frustration among consumers dealing with unexpected charges from various industries, including ticketing, car rentals, airlines, hotels, and food delivery services. Several states are also taking measures to limit or eliminate such fees, reflecting a broader consumer demand for transparency. In California, lawmakers took a bold step by prohibiting credit card surcharges entirely, although they later decided to exempt restaurants … Read more

Judge Denies Trump Officials’ Attempt to Halt NYC Congestion Pricing Initiative

by

A federal judge has denied a request from former Trump administration officials to halt New York City’s congestion pricing plan, a decision that has significant implications for the city’s traffic management and environmental goals. The ruling marks a critical moment in efforts to reduce vehicle congestion in one of the world’s busiest urban areas. The congestion pricing initiative aims to charge vehicles entering Manhattan’s busy central business district, with proceeds earmarked to improve public transit and combat pollution. Critics argue that the plan disproportionately affects lower-income residents and small businesses, while supporters claim it is … Read more

EU Takes Action Against Shein for Deceptive Pricing Practices Amid Growing Scrutiny of Chinese E-Retailers

by

Brussels, Belgium – The European Commission has identified significant violations of consumer protection laws by the Chinese e-commerce platform Shein, renowned for its low-cost offerings, following a comprehensive investigation conducted in collaboration with national consumer protection agencies. Investigators determined that Shein employs deceptive pricing tactics, including misleading original prices and the use of perpetually resetting countdown timers designed to create a false sense of urgency among shoppers. These practices entice consumers to make purchases under the impression they are securing legitimate bargains. In addition to pricing issues, the Commission’s report highlighted serious transparency shortcomings on … Read more

Federal Judge Hints at Protection for Government in Drug Pricing Battle with Boehringer Ingelheim

by

In a recent judicial hearing, a judge from the Second Circuit hinted that the federal government might be protected against lawsuits challenging its push for reduced medication prices for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. During the proceedings, the focus was on a case involving Boehringer Ingelheim, a prominent pharmaceutical company, which has raised concerns about the mandates affecting their pricing structures. The debate centers on whether federal mandates for lowering drug prices for government-supported health programs stand on solid legal ground or if they infringe upon the rights of pharmaceutical companies. The judge’s commentary suggested a … Read more