U.S. Consumers Face Rising Frustration Amid Hidden Fees and Poor Service
American consumers are increasingly frustrated with the quality of services and products, as highlighted by the 'National Consumer Rage' survey, which found that nearly 80% of Americans experienced a service or product problem in 2025. This frustration is compounded by hidden fees, poor customer service, and billing errors that often favor companies. The Groundwork Collaborative estimates that U.S. households lose $165 billion annually to what is termed the 'annoyance economy,' which includes time, fees, and irritation costs. Factors contributing to this situation include company consolidation, regulatory rollbacks, and the rise of AI in customer service. Despite these challenges, there is a growing call for civil litigation as federal oversight has weakened, particularly under the Trump administration, which has rolled back consumer protection measures. 
