Bulk Pricing and Surcharge Prohibition Act of 2024
Section 1: Title
This Act shall be known as the “Bulk Pricing and Surcharge Prohibition Act of 2024.”
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to ensure transparency in pricing for consumers and to prevent deceptive marketing practices related to bulk pricing and surcharges.
Section 3: Definitions
- Bulk Pricing: The practice of offering a reduced price per unit when a consumer purchases a larger quantity of a product or service.
- Surcharge: Any additional fee added to the listed price of a product or service for reasons including but not limited to expedited service, processing, shipping, or handling.
Section 4: Prohibition of Bulk Pricing
- Single Price Requirement:
- Each product or service must have a single, clearly displayed price listed per unit or service.
- Advertisements or marketing strategies that encourage consumers to purchase larger quantities for a discounted price are strictly prohibited.
Section 5: Prohibition of Surcharges
- No Surcharges Allowed:
- No business shall add a surcharge to a product or service for any reason, including but not limited to expedited service, processing, shipping, or handling.
- The total price of the product or service must be the only price presented to the consumer.
Section 6: Display of Prices
- Price Visibility:
- The total price must be clearly shown on or within 3 feet of the product or service display, without any misleading language such as “from,” “between,” or “up to.”
- All physical and virtual advertisements must clearly display the price in a manner that is easily readable by consumers.
Section 7: Enforcement and Penalties
- Violations:
- Any company or business found in violation of this Act shall be subject to fines, which shall be determined based on the severity and frequency of the violation.
- Minimum fines for first-time violations shall be $5,000.
- Loss of Business License:
- Businesses with repeated violations of this Act may face revocation of their business license, subject to review by relevant regulatory authorities.
Section 8: Implementation and Review
- Effective Date:
- This Act shall take effect 180 days after its enactment to provide sufficient time for compliance and public awareness.
- Review:
- The Act shall be reviewed every five years to assess its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to the provisions outlined.
Section 9: Public Awareness
- Education Campaign:
- A public awareness campaign shall be conducted to inform consumers about their rights under this Act and the implications of pricing transparency.
- Training for Retailers:
- Retailers shall be required to undergo training regarding compliance with pricing display and surcharge prohibition.
Section 10: Severability
- Severability Clause:
- If any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
End of Act
The Bulk Pricing and Surcharge Prohibition Act of 2024 aims to protect consumers from deceptive pricing practices, ensuring that all prices are transparent and fair, fostering trust and integrity in the marketplace.
