Lisämaksu

Lisämaksu is a Finnish term meaning an additional fee or surcharge added to the base price of a product or service. The word combines lisä, meaning “additional,” with maksu, meaning “payment.” It is used to describe charges that compensate for extra handling, services, or circumstances beyond the standard offering.

In practice, lisämaksu can take several forms. It may be a fixed amount (for example a delivery fee), a percentage-based charge (such as a service fee), or a variable rate tied to specific conditions (like a fuel surcharge or late payment fee). It is common in sectors such as travel, hospitality, online retail, telecom, and utilities. It is important to distinguish lisämaksu from value-added tax (VAT) or other required taxes, which are separate from fee charges.

Consumer protection and commercial practice emphasize transparency. If a lisämaksu applies, it should be disclosed clearly before the customer commits to a purchase, and the total price should be visible on price displays, quotes, and invoices. In some contexts, certain surcharges may be optional or subject to agreement, while others are mandatory.

Critically, unclear or hidden lisämaksu can lead to disputes and loss of trust. Buyers are advised to review terms and total costs before completing a transaction, and sellers are encouraged to list any extra charges prominently to ensure fair pricing.