Online shopping offers unmatched convenience—but it also hides a growing number of “junk fees” that can quietly inflate your final total.
Many consumers are unknowingly overspending with each purchase.
CEO of Overnight Glasses, an online e-commerce for prescription glasses, Gidon Sadovsky shares the most common traps and how to avoid them.
Uncheck Gift Wrapping, Rush Processing, and Other Auto-Selected Add-Ons
Retailers often sneak in optional extras like gift wrapping, extended warranties, or expedited processing by pre-selecting them during checkout.
A recent survey by the Better Business Bureau found that 29% of online shoppers accidentally paid for services they didn’t intend to buy simply by not unchecking pre-filled boxes.
“People often speed through checkout without realizing they’ve agreed to optional add-ons,” says Sadovsky. “These services may only cost a few dollars each, but across multiple orders, they become a consistent source of unnecessary spending.”
Shop in Incognito Mode to Avoid Higher Prices Based on Your Browsing History
Online prices can change depending on your device, location, or browsing history—this is known as dynamic pricing.
“A returning user or someone in a high-income zip code may see higher prices for the same product,” explains Sadovsky. Dynamic pricing is a subtle but powerful tactic.
According to research from Northeastern University, prices on major retail sites can fluctuate by as much as 10–20% depending on your digital footprint.
Read the Return Policy to Avoid Restocking Fees and Out-of-Pocket Shipping
Many shoppers assume returns are free, but that’s not always the case. Some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay for return shipping.
“People assume returns are free, but in many cases, the cost of return shipping or restocking can significantly reduce your refund,” Sadovsky warns.
A report from the National Retail Federation revealed that return-related fees cost U.S. consumers over $9 billion annually.
Check Your Credit Card Benefits Before Paying for a Product Warranty
Retailers often promote extended warranties, but in many cases, they duplicate coverage you already have.
“In many cases, your credit card already provides purchase protection, or the manufacturer’s warranty is sufficient,” notes Sadovsky.
Consumer Reports found that 55% of shoppers who bought extended warranties never used them, and 38% were already covered by another plan.
Review Shipping Terms to Confirm You’re Actually Getting Free Delivery
Retailers often advertise free shipping, but the fine print might say it only applies over a minimum spend—or exclude bulky items and certain locations.
“Some retailers apply free shipping only over certain thresholds or exclude items based on size, weight, or delivery region,” says Sadovsky.
Statista reports that 61% of abandoned carts were due to unexpected shipping fees, making it the #1 reason shoppers bail before checkout.
Final Expert Take
“Most hidden fees show up at the very end of the checkout process—so one smart tactic is to simulate a purchase before you actually commit,” Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses advises. “Add the item to your cart, go through checkout until the final review screen, and take note of any surprise handling fees, shipping costs, or add-ons. Then close the tab and compare it with other retailers offering the same product. You’d be surprised how often the same item is available elsewhere with fewer fees—and this one-minute check can save you real money.”
