Finally. The FTC's proposing a rule that would force companies to show the real price upfront, including all those garbage fees we've all learned to hate. This came after the Biden administration started pressuring Ticketmaster and Airbnb to stop hiding charges until checkout. Both companies said they'd make changes, but the FTC's done waiting for voluntary compliance.

The new rule would require businesses to include all fees in advertised prices, explain what each fee is actually for, and tell you if any part is refundable. Seems like basic common sense, right? But apparently we need federal regulations to stop companies from lying about prices.

These "bait-and-switch" pricing tactics don't just screw consumers - they punish honest businesses too. If you're a hotel that shows the real price upfront, you look more expensive than the competitor hiding $50 in "resort fees" until the last second.

California's already ahead on this. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 478, which bans undisclosed mandatory fees starting July 1, 2024. They're calling it what it is: bait-and-switch advertising.

I've lost track of how many times I've added something to my cart at $50 only to see $75 at checkout. Service fees, processing fees, convenience fees - it's all made up. Good riddance to this nonsense.