Surcharge

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Definition of 'Surcharge'

A surcharge is an additional fee charged on top of the base price of a product or service. Surcharges are often used to cover costs that are not included in the base price, such as taxes, shipping, or handling fees. They can also be used to recoup costs that have been incurred by the seller, such as the cost of providing a warranty or the cost of providing customer service.

Surcharges are common in a variety of industries, including transportation, healthcare, and telecommunications. For example, airlines often charge a surcharge for checked baggage, and healthcare providers often charge a surcharge for out-of-network services. Telecommunications companies often charge a surcharge for international calls.

Surcharges can be a source of frustration for consumers, as they can make the price of a product or service seem higher than it actually is. However, surcharges can also be a way for businesses to recover costs that would otherwise be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

It is important to be aware of surcharges when you are making a purchase. Be sure to read the fine print so that you know what you are being charged for. If you are not happy with a surcharge, you can try to negotiate with the seller or you can choose not to purchase the product or service.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about surcharges:

* Surcharges are not always clearly disclosed. Be sure to read the fine print so that you know what you are being charged for.
* Surcharges can be added to a product or service at any time. This means that the price of a product or service can change without notice.
* Surcharges can be used to discourage consumers from purchasing a product or service. For example, an airline might charge a surcharge for checked baggage in order to discourage passengers from checking bags.
* Surcharges can be a way for businesses to increase their profits. By adding a surcharge to a product or service, a business can increase the price of the product or service without actually changing the cost of production.

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