What is invisible (hidden) consumption?

Normal consumption should make people willing to pay, but some businesses set up hidden consumption under the guise of normal consumption, which makes consumers spend a lot of money.

What do you know about hidden consumption?

Recently, Xiao Li, who works in an enterprise in the development zone, and several friends fell out with the proprietress of a hotel because of the hidden consumption set by the hotel. He told reporters that the hotel waiter put a pack of napkins and a pack of wet wipes on the tableware at the same time. They thought it was a gift and didn't care. However, when checking out, Xiao Li found that the store overcharged everyone in 5 yuan, saying that it was the money for tableware and paper towels. "When these things were served, the waiter didn't say that they would be charged, but they were charged at checkout. We can't accept them. " Xiao Li said, "I will never eat in this restaurant again."

In the interview, the reporter found that there are still many hidden consumption in real life, mainly concentrated in the catering industry, wedding photography, beauty industry, tourism and commercial promotion activities. In the catering industry, it is mainly manifested in the payment for dining and tableware disinfection in restaurants, the use of disposable wet wipes is not free, there is a minimum consumption standard in private rooms, and it is forbidden or declined to bring your own drinks, and you have to pay a bottle opening fee for your own drinks. When taking wedding photos, consumers are told that false eyelashes need to be paid at their own expense, and some special cosmetics need to be paid extra. When washing your hair in a beauty salon, the clerk recommends using high-grade shampoo, and consumers have to pay tens of yuan more when checking out. Traveling with a group, tourists know that many projects need to be paid at their own expense when they arrive at their destination. In the promotion activities of merchants, it is said to be buy one get one free. In fact, the price already includes the gift money. These hidden consumption make consumers really hard to prevent.

Where does hidden consumption come from?

The so-called hidden consumption refers to selling goods to consumers through some hidden means or selling goods that consumers don't need in disguise. So, where does hidden consumption come from?

The person in charge of a supermarket told reporters that hidden consumption is actually a tacit marketing tool in the industry. "In the usual promotional activities, most of the promotional products we specially listed may indeed be relatively affordable products. However, some goods are actually not favorable, even higher than the original cost price, and the price of the goods delivered may also be included in the original goods. " He said. In other industries, hidden consumption actually extends from these promotional activities.

The person in charge of a supermarket told reporters that hidden consumption is actually a tacit marketing tool in the industry. "In the usual promotional activities, most of the promotional products we specially listed may indeed be relatively affordable products. However, some goods are actually not favorable, even higher than the original cost price, and the price of the goods delivered may also be included in the original goods. " He said. In other industries, hidden consumption actually extends from these promotional activities.

Experienced citizens give you a suggestion: asking one more question before consumption is an important means to avoid falling into the hidden consumption trap. Whether eating in a restaurant or taking photos in a photo studio, as long as consumers pay more attention, ask whether there is a charge before using anything, or ask if there are any items in the whole service that need to be charged, and make preparations in advance, and don't use them if they don't need them, or choose services if they don't need them. In addition, don't trust all kinds of promotional advertisements, and don't buy things that look cheap but you don't need.

Of course, the reason why hidden consumption can be popular is that businesses make money without conscience, but there are also reasons for consumers themselves. Consumers didn't ask carefully when choosing consumption. Even after learning that there was hidden consumption, although they were reluctant, they admitted it because the amount was not high and they didn't want to bother, giving bad businesses an opportunity. "All fees should be informed in advance and clearly marked. If consumers encounter hidden consumption, they should refuse to pay or contact us to safeguard their rights and interests. " The relevant person in charge of the Municipal Consumer Protection Committee said.