Cost of doing business

   I'm finding it interesting that more and more companies are charging their customers for their own costs. For instance, auto dealers now charge up to $250 to print the papers that you sign to buy the car. They also say it's to transfer plates, Patriot Act, etc... But aren't those necessary in order to sell the car and transfer it to someone so they can actually drive it away?
   Now Waste Management sent me an invoice with a note saying that now they need to charge me an extra $2 so they can print the bill so I know how much to pay them. First of all, this is just ridiculous. How long have they been doing this without injury to their business? And really, the paper is worth about a penny, the cost to print it and administer it is low to negligable considering that a computer does it, and the postage is what 39¢?
   So next time you walk into my store, please plan on putting a quarter into the bucket for the lights so you can see things you want to buy, and also put a log on so the store stays warm.

Also see Bob Dyer's take on the car documentation fees