WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (BRAIN) — A California law firm has filed class-action lawsuits against Giant and Specialized, on behalf of separate plaintiffs, alleging the bike companies’ website charge online consumers hidden fees.
Both suits rely on a new California law banning "junk fees."
Attorney Stefan Bogdanovich of the Bursor & Fisher firm in Walnut Creek is the lead attorney on both cases filed recently in California district courts. Bogdanovich has filed similar suits against vendors in other industries, including one against Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
A Giant Bicycle representative said the company does not comment on pending litigation. A Specialized representative could not be reached in time for this article.
In both cases, the lawsuits point $75 destination fees on online bike orders, which the suit says are not seen until the final step in the checkout. The suit says the fees are charged whether the consumer opts to have the bike shipped to their homes or to a bike shop.
Each complaint says the brand has “nickel and dimed online purchasers of bicycles on its website in violation of various state consumer protection laws.”
Both suits point to a California law banning "junk fees" that took effect in July, 2024.
According to a FAQ published by the state’s attorney general, businesses must include any fees in their advertised prices, although taxes and shipping charges can be added in the shopping cart. Restaurants are exempt.
The complaints ask the court to make an order certifying a class action and seek restititution and fees for the plaintiffs and their classes.
