Where are the fees, surcharges, and additional charges?

A well-known part of the calling card mix is the inclusion of fees in the price of the product. Many of us are oblivious to these charges, or completely confused by all the different names and numbers thrown out at us we don’t pay much attention to them.

More recently, many companies advertise no fees, no surcharges, and no additional charges. But how can this be true with no rate increase? How can they offer low rates and no extra charges? Remember what our mothers always told us as kids; if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. That holds true in this case as well. While there might not be any fees, or surcharges associated with the products, they now incorporate Taxes. A random ambiguous number added to the sale of each item to put a little of the cost back into their pockets. These numbers usually resemble a state sales tax so many of us don’t think anything of it. Keep in mind though; the Internet world doesn’t follow the same tax rules as a physical retailer. These companies are not required to charge sales tax in many areas, but they do anyway.

Even more, the taxes are not revealed until the very end of the purchasing process where you’ve already entered in all your information and are left with small print stating there was a tax added to the total purchase amount. Now you may ask, what does this do to my talk time and how much am I really losing? The easy answer is a lot! When these ambiguous taxes are added it can take your rate up a cent or two instantaneously. An advertised rate of 5¢ can instantly be 7¢ after the tax is assessed. Companies never calculate advertised rates and minutes with the tax included; they always show you the featured rate and amount since it is more pleasing to the eye and wallet.

The best way to find out if a company will charge you a tax for your purchase is by researching the product and company. Check the FAQ’s and look for any taxes that may be charged, and what they are. You can also go through a mock purchase and look for any taxes that maybe added at the very end of the process. If you’re still not sure, contact the company and ask questions until you are completely comfortable with all the charges, and taxes you’re paying for.
A great company offering absolutely no taxes, fees, or an additional charge is WQN. WQN boasts clean products with highly competitive rates to destinations all over the world. Don’t get stuck paying more when you can pay less with truly clean products and companies like WQN that give the customer exactly what they paid for, and even more.