Legal Marketing & PR

Legal fees seen as "nickel and dime"

By Edward Poll, J.D., M.B.A., CMC

Carolyn Elefant at My Shingle suggests that airlines new fees for passengers who check baggage may be seen as "nickel and dime" fee increases. And, she wonders out loud whether lawyers are doing the same thing to clients when they charge for photocopying, etc.

On the other hand, could one consider this policy a fee "unbundling" of sorts? The airline has agreed to fly you and one carry-on bag; did it agree to also fly your entire closet of clothes? If they are charging those that do carry "extra" baggage (i.e., more than carry-on), they are not charging others who can fly "lighter" and thus consume less resources .... Rather than raise the fees for all, they are being selective and charging those who consume more of their resources.

Just a thought to consider, before we lump them into the "nickel and dime" category. Just because it's different doesn't make it wrong.

(Never thought I'd defend an airline practice!)

Full post as published by Law Biz Blog on May 22, 2008 (boomark / email).