Aufpreise

Aufpreise are price supplements added to the base price of a good or service. The term is German for surcharges or price markups and is used to describe charges that extend beyond the stated base price. An Aufpreis is typically a mandatory or optional extra that increases the total cost for the customer.

Common contexts include travel and transportation (baggage fees, seat reservations, fuel surcharges), hospitality (late check-out, premium room features, minibar consumption), and professional or retail services (rush charges, express delivery, gift wrapping).

Rules around Aufpreise emphasize transparency. In many markets, providers must disclose any surcharges clearly before purchase, either in the price list or during the booking or order process. Customers should review the total price and itemized components to understand what is being charged and why.

Economic rationale: Aufpreise cover incremental costs, capacity constraints, or service variability. They can reflect seasonal demand or influence certain choices. Critics argue that hidden or frequent surcharges can obscure the true cost of a purchase; supporters argue they allow price differentiation and greater flexibility for providers and consumers. Consumers are advised to compare total prices across providers and ask for itemized quotes if in doubt.