Add-Ons Add Up (Washington Post) -- "But fees also make it hard for consumers to comparison-shop for the best deal. The cost of the hotel room or the mail-order purchase or the rental car may compare favorably up front. But the "best" deal can be considerably less than best if that company is more aggressive about tacking on fees and surcharges at the tail end of a transaction or neglects to tell a consumer about them until the bill is presented." (Comments: I'm sick of fees. When I see them, I ask for a justification. I'm not a jerk about it. I just ask. If it isn't clear why there is a fee, I make a mental note: Do not do business with this company again. If I am forced to do business with the company, I make a different mental note: Continue to ask for a justification during every transaction and look for an alternative the next time around.)