Institutionalized Theft

I saw an article this morning about hotel fees and how they are becoming an increasing trend in the hospitality industry. It reminded me of the last time I flew, I picked a flight for a listed price and then when I was going through the seat selection on the website it charged me an extra $20. It wasn't a fancy seat, not even the emergency exit row. It was a seat fee. I joked at the time that I'd just sit on the floor and save the money, but that wasn't an option. I was quite annoyed.

When I am going to purchase a good or a service I want to know the price and a clear understanding of what I am getting. When companies present a simple and clear explanation of the transaction I am able to set my expectations at an appropriate level and I am usually pretty happy with the transaction. I know what I want, I know what I am going to get, and I know what I have to pay.

Fees break this. With fees I am presented a price and a promised bill of goods. Then later on in the process, sometimes after delivery, I am told that a part of what I assumed was a natural part of the exchange actually has an additional "fee". In the case of the hotels, parking and the pool are fee worthy amenities. When that happens I feel cheated. I feel taken advantage of. In fact I feel like I have been stolen from.

If part of the price of a product is not included in the advertised price it should be optional, and it should be clear that it is not included. Not just an additional line in the small print on the fifth page of the paper they ask you to sign. CLEAR. When I get to the hotel I want a menu with itemized pricing for every amenity.

Room: $50
Bed: $30 (and I want to be able to get a room without one)
Pool: $10
Electricity: $10
Running Water: $20
Parking: $10
Bottled Water: $10/bottle

That would be annoying, but at least it is honest. Why not just tell me you have a $130 room? And don't make me pay for wifi.

At best fees are deceptive. At worst they are outright theft. I might need the good or service and pay up when hit with a fee, but I'm going to dislike that company and do what I can to not use your company ever again.