TL;DR
- Companies sometimes use a dark pattern sneak into basket tactic, automatically adding items or fees to your online cart.
- This practice puts the burden on you to notice and remove unwanted charges before paying.
- Hidden fees exploit your commitment after you’ve invested time in a purchase.
- New regulations in some regions are pushing for upfront pricing, but vigilance is still key.
Have you ever reached the checkout online, only to find your total is higher than expected? You might have encountered the frustrating dark pattern sneak into basket. This deceptive tactic involves businesses automatically adding extra products or surprise fees to your shopping cart without your direct consent.
What is a Dark Pattern Sneak Into Basket?
Imagine you’re booking a much-needed holiday. You find the perfect place and click “book.” Suddenly, at the payment stage, new charges appear: “cleaning fees,” “service fees,” or “admin fees.” These vague expenses are prime examples of the dark pattern sneak into basket. Companies know that once you’ve invested significant time and effort into a booking or purchase, you’re more likely to just accept these unexpected costs.
This strategy often combines with forced urgency – “Only 2 left at this price!” – making you feel pressured to complete the purchase quickly before scrutinizing every line item.
Who is Most Affected by This Dark Pattern?
While anyone can fall prey to a dark pattern sneak into basket, it can disproportionately affect certain groups.
Individuals with anxiety or panic disorders: The sudden appearance of unexpected charges can trigger uncontrollable fears, making it harder to calmly assess the situation and potentially leading them to accept the fees to avoid further stress.
People with learning disabilities: They may not easily notice the subtle additions or changes to their basket, making them more vulnerable to unknowingly paying for things they didn’t choose.
The core issue is that the dark pattern sneak into basket shifts responsibility. Instead of the company being transparent, you, the customer, are burdened with spotting and removing these sneaky additions.
The Push for Price Transparency
Thankfully, consumer protection efforts are growing.
Australia Leads the Way: In Australia, businesses must display the total upfront cost of a product or service before you commit to buying. This transparency makes it much harder for the dark pattern sneak into basket to succeed.
European Commission Takes Action: The European Commission has also implemented rules to combat these deceptive practices, demanding clearer pricing from online vendors.
The USA Lags Behind: Currently, the USA lacks specific federal legislation explicitly prohibiting such dark tactics, leaving consumers more exposed.
A positive development comes from companies like Airbnb. While previously cited for opaque fees, Airbnb announced in early 2024 that it has rolled out transparent pricing globally, allowing users to see the total cost, including all fees, upfront. This is a step in the right direction.
3 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
Even with growing regulatory pressure, staying vigilant is your best defense against the dark pattern sneak into basket. Here’s how:
Scrutinise Your Basket Before Paying: Always take a moment to carefully review every item and fee in your cart before you click “confirm” or “pay.” Don’t rush, even if the site creates a sense of urgency.
Question Vague Fees: If you see charges like “service fee” or “processing fee” without a clear explanation, question them. Search the company’s FAQ or contact customer service for clarification.
Know Your Rights: Be aware of consumer protection laws in your region. If you believe you’ve been unfairly charged, report it to relevant authorities.
The most ethical approach for businesses is clear: make all mandatory charges obvious from the start. Companies should not put anything in your basket that you didn’t actively choose to add yourself. By understanding the dark pattern sneak into basket and taking these simple precautions, you can become a more informed and empowered online shopper.
Do you feel that you may have used dark patterns in your website? Let us undertake a website audit for you and we will help you build a more ethically sound website.