5 Smart Ways to Save on Hidden E-Commerce Charges

Hidden online shopping fees are costing consumers billions each year but most don’t even realize they’re paying them. Online shopping is celebrated for its convenience, but lurking beneath that one-click checkout are hidden “junk fees” that can quietly bloat your final bill. Many shoppers don’t realize just how much extra they’re paying until it’s too late. Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses, an e-commerce leader in prescription eyewear, shares the most common traps—and how you can avoid them.

1. Uncheck Gift Wrapping, Rush Processing, and Other Auto-Selected Add-Ons

Retailers often sneak in optional extras like gift wrapping, extended warranties, or expedited processing by pre-selecting them during checkout. A recent survey by the Better Business Bureau found that 29% of online shoppers accidentally paid for services they didn’t intend to buy simply by not unchecking pre-filled boxes. “People often speed through checkout without realizing they’ve agreed to optional add-ons,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. “These services may only cost a few dollars each, but across multiple orders, they become a consistent source of unnecessary spending.”

Tip: Always review your cart for any pre-checked options and remove anything you don’t need.

2. Shop in Incognito Mode to Avoid Higher Prices Based on Your Browsing History

Online prices can change depending on your device, location, or browsing history—this is called dynamic pricing. “A returning user or someone in a high-income zip code may see higher prices for the same product,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. According to research from Northeastern University, prices on major retail sites can fluctuate by as much as 10–20% depending on your digital footprint.

Tip: Shop in incognito or private browsing mode and clear your cookies to avoid price hikes based on your profile.

3. Read the Return Policy to Avoid Restocking Fees and Out-of-Pocket Shipping

Many shoppers assume returns are free, but that’s not always the case. Some retailers charge restocking fees or require you to pay for return shipping. “People assume returns are free, but in many cases, the cost of return shipping or restocking can significantly reduce your refund,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. A report from the National Retail Federation revealed that return-related fees cost U.S. consumers over $9 billion annually.

Tip: Always check the return policy before you buy, especially for big-ticket items.

4. Check Your Credit Card Benefits Before Paying for a Product Warranty

Retailers often promote extended warranties, but in many cases, they duplicate coverage you already have. “In many cases, your credit card already provides purchase protection, or the manufacturer’s warranty is sufficient,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. Consumer Reports found that 55% of shoppers who bought extended warranties never used them, and 38% were already covered by another plan.

Tip: Review your credit card benefits and manufacturer warranties before adding extra coverage.

5. Review Shipping Terms to Confirm You're Actually Getting Free Delivery

Retailers often advertise free shipping, but the fine print might say it only applies over a minimum spend—or exclude bulky items and certain locations. “Some retailers apply free shipping only over certain thresholds or exclude items based on size, weight, or delivery region,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. Statista reports that 61% of abandoned carts were due to unexpected shipping fees, making it the #1 reason shoppers bail before checkout.

Tip: Double-check shipping terms before you get to the final checkout page.

Final Expert Take

“Most hidden fees show up at the very end of the checkout process—so one smart tactic is to simulate a purchase before you actually commit,” said Gidon Sadovsky, CEO of Overnight Glasses. “Add the item to your cart, go through checkout until the final review screen, and take note of any surprise handling fees, shipping costs, or add-ons. Then close the tab and compare it with other retailers offering the same product. You’d be surprised how often the same item is available elsewhere with fewer fees—and this one-minute check can save you real money.”

Bottom Line

Online shopping can be a money-saver—but only if you watch out for hidden fees. Slow down at checkout, read the fine print, and use these expert strategies to keep more cash in your pocket.