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WEKU
WEKU
Stacey Vanek Smith

What my $30 hamburger reveals about fees and how companies use them to jack up prices

Joe Biden United States White House Scott Olson Inflation
Hidden fees or "junk fees" are on the rise, as companies work to bring in more money while keeping prices looking low. U.S. consumers pay more than $65 billion in fees each year. (Photo illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

It started out innocently enough: lazy Monday, working late, nothing in the fridge. I decided to splurge and order a burger and fries for delivery.

Subtotal for my meal? $14.07. A little pricey, but it's a good burger and $14 seemed like a totally acceptable price for dinner, especially when it's delivered to my door.

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