Click a Share Button to View This Content
(qlmbusinessnews.com Thurs, 25th Jan, 2024) London, UK —
“Fair Dealings for Shoppers: UK Cracks Down on Hidden Online Fees and Fake Reviews”
Unveiling a consumer-centric approach, the UK government is set to outlaw the deceptive practice of “drip pricing” that saddles online shoppers with unforeseen charges. Alongside this, the new regulations under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill will prohibit fake reviews and demand greater clarity in price displays on supermarket shelves.
The move comes in response to a government consultation on consumer transparency, revealing a lack of clarity in pricing by some businesses. The proposed rules aim to enhance fairness and transparency in consumer transactions.
“Drip pricing” occurs when online shoppers are presented with an initial price for a product or service, only to encounter additional fees during the checkout process. A report from the Department for Business and Trade highlighted its widespread use, particularly by over half of entertainment providers and businesses in the hospitality sector.
The practice is prevalent in the transport and communication sectors, with unavoidable fees reportedly costing consumers up to £2.2 billion annually. Under the proposed rules, mandatory fees must be incorporated into headline prices online, ensuring consumers are fully informed from the outset.
For items like cinema or train tickets, any compulsory booking fees must be transparent from the start of the shopping process. However, fees for optional add-ons, such as airline seat reservations or luggage upgrades, will not fall under the new measures.
Expected to come into effect this spring, the rules aim to protect consumers from hidden charges and deceptive pricing strategies. Minister for enterprise, markets, and small business, Kevin Hollinrake, affirmed that the Bill will empower customers to make informed choices, preventing them from falling prey to scams and traps that can lead to unforeseen expenses.
Addressing the issue of fake reviews, the government aims to hold website hosts accountable for the content on their platforms. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has played a role in shaping this aspect of the legislation, welcoming the efforts to combat misleading behavior.
As part of the comprehensive approach, reforms to the Price Marking Order (PMO) will ensure traders display the final selling price, including the unit price where applicable. These changes aim to provide shoppers with consistent unit pricing information, even during promotions and special offers, facilitating better comparisons and informed decision-making.
The government's commitment to these measures reflects a dedication to promoting fair and transparent practices in the modern shopping landscape, where consumers are empowered with more choices than ever before.
#ConsumerProtection #DripPricingBan #FakeReviews #DigitalMarketsBill #UKBusiness #PriceTransparency #CompetitionAndMarketsAuthority #ShoppingRights #ConsumerAwareness 🛒💳
This News Story is brought to you by QLM Business News, your Digital Media Channel
Visit QLM businessnews.com
For more business news stories also follow us on Facebook, X and Youtube.
To Help qlm business news bring you more new stories like this, please like, share and subscribe.
Disclaimer: All images presented herein are intended solely for illustrative purposes and may not accurately depict the true likeness of the subjects, objects, or individuals referenced in the accompanying news stories.
