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Illegal shipping costs or charges?

after seeing an ad on TV I tried to order three pair of sunglasses for $9.95 each "plus shipping and handling." I asked the lady on the phone what the shipping and handling charges where and she said $4.95. I asked her if that was a total or for each pair and she said for each pair. So I cancelled the order because that seems like a rip off especially since I'm sure the three pair of glasses can fit in one box anyway. So is there something illegal or "unfair and deceptive" about that kind of high shipping charge in Massachusetts?

Unfair and deceptive shipping charges in MA

I don't think so.  The general rule is that businesses can charge whatever price they want for shipping.  They can also charge per item, as the company you called apparently does, as long as they don't do it deceptively.  I agree, the fact that you had to ask for clarification regarding whether the shipping cost was per order or per item seems a bit fishy.  But you did the right thing:  You asked for an explanation of the shipping charges and made your decision based on accurate information.  If, in its advertising or in statements made by the sales staff, a company makes unfair or deceptive statements about advertising, then we may have a violation of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. 

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