PRACTICAL VIEW : Figuring Fees on Mail Orders

Learning to detect hidden costs when catalogue shopping can save time and money.

Usually, it is what catalogues don’t say that causes problems. Many don’t list shipping costs or tax rates with the price of an item, placing them instead on a chart in the center or back of the book.

Mail-order houses calculate shipping costs in several ways.

At Victoria’s Secret, for example, rates vary according to the total cost of the order. It charges from $4.95 to $16.95, depending on the total bill.

Spiegel levies charges according to the weight and destination of the package. The minimum shipping charge for California-bound packages weighing up to 4 pounds is $4.50.

Other unexpected costs can crop up when returning unwanted purchases.

Spiegel, for example, will pay original shipping charges only if the merchandise arrived damaged or defective.

To avoid unforeseen costs, order by phone and ask about return policies and shipping fees.