Getting Nickled-and-Dimed To Death

It's happening everywhere, from charging for food and bags on airlines to service charges from your bank or cell phone provider on anything that moves. Small additional charges that leave you feeling nickle-and-dimed to death.

It's not surprising that this happens, given the state of our economy. Corporations are trying to make ends meet and keep profits up and we consumers are left feeling as if we're getting hit with additional costs coming and going. And often we are.

I love the places I can still go and not feel as if I'm being nickled-and-dimed to death! Like my local jeweler. Most local jewelers are places like this.....generally they don't charge for ring cleaning or prong checks. Most jewelers I know many who would rather not get paid for something than charge just a buck or two for it, thus earning good will from their customers who return to shop again and again.

While I realize that attitude isn't generally one that larger corporations can embrace, as consumers we're getting smarter. We're learning to ask what the ENTIRE cost of a service plan or a plane ticket is, so we can compare prices in a smart way instead of thinking we've saved money until the itemized bill comes in.

The point? That corporations will have to be accountible for ALL the fees they charge and that we as consumers are getting wiser. And also a note for jewelers: make sure your store is a nickle-and-dime free zone for your customers. :)

posted by Caroline Stanley @ 3:29 PM