Eight firms under investigation in crackdown on additional online fees

"Britain's competition watchdog has begun investigations into eight companies about their online pricing practices, expressing concern over additional fees and sales tactics such as drip pricing and pressure selling. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was looking into the ticket sellers StubHub and Viagogo; AA Driving School and BSM Driving School; the US gym chain Gold's Gym; and the retailers Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Marks Electrical. The investigations are the first launched by the CMA using its new consumer protection powers."

"The watchdog said it had concerns over practices including drip pricing when consumers are shown an initial price and then face additional fees in the checkout process and the use of misleading countdown timers, which are banned under the new regime. The investigations follow a cross-economy review by the CMA since April of more than 400 businesses in 19 sectors to assess their compliance with price transparency rules."

The Competition and Markets Authority has opened investigations into eight companies over online pricing practices, targeting additional fees and sales tactics such as drip pricing and pressure selling. Targeted firms include ticket sellers StubHub and Viagogo, AA and BSM driving schools, Gold's Gym and retailers Wayfair, Appliances Direct and Marks Electrical. The probes are the first under the CMA's strengthened consumer protection powers, which allow the regulator to determine breaches, require compensation and impose fines up to 10% of global turnover. The CMA's review of over 400 businesses prompted advisory letters to 100 firms and new guidance to improve price transparency and compliance.

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