Consumer News: USDA confirms no SNAP payments in November

Trump and Xi prepare to meet after both sides report progress

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A potential U.S.-China trade deal could ease tariffs, lowering prices for American consumers on goods like electronics and apparel.

• Supply chain stability may improve, reducing inflationary pressure and product shortages.

• However, domestic producers may face renewed competition from cheaper Chinese imports.

A new round of trade negotiations between the United States and China has raised hopes that a breakthrough could bring tangible benefits to American consumers. U.S. andn Chinese negotiators have reached agreement on a framework of a trade deal, ahead of talks between President Trump and President Xi in South Korea.

While details remain uncertain, economists suggest that an easing of tariffs and trade barriers could quickly ripple through the economy from grocery aisles to online shopping carts.

Since the 2018 trade war began, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods may have cost consumers billions of dollars in higher prices. A comprehensive trade deal that rolls back some of those tariffs could reverse that trend.

Products most likely to see price reductions include electronics, clothing, toys, and household items many of which are still predominantly manufactured in China.

If tariffs are lifted, some analysts think consumers could see prices drop within months. The timing is especially important since retailers have begun passing on more of the tariff costs to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Supply chain stability

Beyond prices, a deal could also help stabilize global supply chains that were severely disrupted during the pandemic and the years of escalating tariffs. Companies that shifted production to countries like Vietnam and Mexico might reconsider their sourcing strategies, potentially restoring smoother logistics and faster delivery times for U.S. consumers.

A renewed trade framework could also encourage cooperation on emerging technologies, including electric vehicles and semiconductors industries crucial to both nations economic futures.

Competition for U.S. manufacturers

Not all effects would be positive. Domestic producers that have benefited from tariff protections may face stiffer competition from imported goods once restrictions ease. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly in industries like steel, textiles, and consumer electronics, could feel the squeeze.

Still, analysts note that the broader economy might benefit from lower inflation and increased consumer spending. Negotiators in Washington and Beijing remain cautious, with key disagreements persisting over intellectual property protections, data security, and market access. Even a limited agreement, however, could mark a turning point after years of economic tension.

For now, consumers have reason for guarded optimism. If diplomacy holds, the next wave of global trade could mean something Americans havent seen much of lately lower prices and fuller shelves.

A quiet but costly surge in new-car pricing

• Delivery fees that buyers cant negotiate away are rising faster than inflation
• Some vehicles now carry destination charges topping $2,000
• Consumer advocates say automakers are using the fees to pad profits

Destination charges the fees carmakers add to cover delivery of a new vehicle from factory to dealership are climbing sharply, becoming one of the stealthier ways the cost of a new car keeps rising.

The average destination fee, once a few hundred dollars, now regularly exceeds $1,500 and can top $2,000 for larger models such as the Jeep Wagoneer. According to Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book analyses, the average fee has risen far faster than inflation over the past decade from roughly $839 in 2011 to more than $1,200 by 2020, with continued increases since.

Nonnegotiable and often unnoticed

Unlike dealer markups or optional add-ons, destination charges are nonnegotiable and apply no matter how close a buyer lives to the factory. Automakers say the fees cover rising freight and logistics costs as vehicles get larger and heavier, limiting how many can fit on a carrier or railcar.

Consumer advocates counter that the lack of transparency around how the fees are calculated allows manufacturers to quietly boost profits. Many car ads list prices excluding destination charges, leaving buyers surprised when they see the final invoice.

A bigger share of the sticker shock

The increases mean destination charges are taking up a larger share of the total cost of a new vehicle an unwelcome trend as car prices, loan rates and insurance premiums all remain high.

Experts recommend buyers focus on the out-the-door price rather than the advertised MSRP, since destination fees are mandatory. While shoppers cant negotiate the charge itself, they can compare models and brands to find lower overall costs.

Some recent examples

Here are current destination-fee snapshots for a few major automakers to give you real examples of how much the non-negotiable delivery part of a new car is grabbing from the total price.

Toyota

• The 2025 Toyota Corolla LE lists at $23,520 including a $1,195 destination fee. (SlashGear)

• The 2025 Toyota RAV4 starting price includes a $1,395 destination fee (entry-level LE model). (MotorBiscuit)

• For the 2025 Toyota Camry the destination fee is listed as $1,095. (Car Buying Strategies)

• And for the 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan the pricing documentation says including $1,450 destination charge. (Edmunds)
  
  Key takeaway: Toyotas destination fees are in the ~$1,095 to $1,450 range depending on model type relatively moderate but non-trivial for buyers.

Tesla

• Tesla clearly states a Destination and Doc Fee of $1,390 for its U.S. vehicles. (SolarReviews)

• Their ordering FAQ confirms the destination fee is non-negotiable and shown separately. (Tesla)
  
  Key takeaway: Teslas fee is firmly above $1,300 and adds a disclosed chunk to the advertised price.

Chevrolet (and full-size trucks / SUVs general benchmark)

• The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban has a destination charge listed at $1,995. (Kbb.com)
  
  Key takeaway: Larger vehicles (full-size SUVs/trucks) are carrying destination fees approaching the $2,000 mark.

Summary

• Shoppers should expect destination fees in the ballpark of $1,000 to $1,500 for many conventional cars/SUVs (Toyota, Tesla, etc.).

• For larger vehicles (full-size SUVs/trucks), destination fees are easily $1,500-$2,000 or more.

• These fees are non-negotiable, must be paid, and are separate from the MSRP. (Edmunds)

• When comparing vehicles or negotiating price, you must include the destination fee in your out-the-door calculation.

Affected consumers can get restitution from the $1 million settlement

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A $1 million multistate settlement has been reached with TFG Holding, owner of online fashion brands JustFab, ShoeDazzle and FabKids.

• The company was accused of misleading consumers and making it difficult to cancel memberships to its VIP program.

• The settlement requires TFG to improve transparency, simplify cancellations and provide refunds to affected consumers.

A coalition of 33 attorneys general has reached a $1 million settlement with Louisiana-based TFG Holding, the parent company of popular online fashion brands JustFab, ShoeDazzle and FabKids.

The settlement resolves allegations that the company misled consumers and violated state consumer protection laws through its marketing of a VIP Membership Program.

Bad business practices are never in style, said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Consumers should be able to trust what theyre signing up for, not get snagged in a membership scheme.

The allegations

The states alleged that TFG Holdings VIP Membership Program offered discounted prices, but came with a costly catch: members were charged $49.95 each month unless they made a purchase or logged in to skip the monthly charge by the sixth day of each month. Unused charges accumulated as store credits, often without customers realizing they were even enrolled in the program.

Investigators said they found that many consumers were automatically enrolled without consent after making a purchase, and that cancellation was intentionally complicated. The company also allegedly misrepresented prices on its websites and failed to clearly disclose that purchases would trigger recurring charges.

Terms of the settlement

Under the settlement, TFG Holding must now:

• Fully comply with consumer-protection laws across all participating states.

• Clearly disclose all VIP program terms, including fees, enrollment rules, and cancellation rights.

• Obtain express consent before enrolling any consumer.

• Stop using misleading sales tactics, such as fake time-sensitive offers.

• Offer a simple online cancellation process and honor all cancellation requests promptly.

• Provide refunds for certain recurring charge balances from the past year.

Refunds and restitution

Consumers who enrolled in the VIP program before May 31, 2016 will automatically stop being charged unless theyve made later purchases, skipped payments, or redeemed credits. These consumers are also eligible for automatic restitution if they made only an initial purchase and never took further action in the program.

Additional refunds will be available for consumers who:

• Have unresolved eligible complaints, or

• File a written complaint within 90 days of the settlements effective date (January 30, 2026).

Eligible complaints may be submitted by email to TFGHoldingResolutions@jfbrands.com or to a participating state attorneys generals office. TFG will distribute all restitution payments directly to affected customers.

The settlement underscores a growing push by state attorneys general to rein in dark pattern marketing practices, where companies design confusing or deceptive systems to trap consumers in recurring charges.

For shoppers enticed by flashy online deals, Yosts message is simple: Always read the fine print and if a discount sounds too good to be true, it probably comes with strings attached.

The retailer is giving its Walmart + members early access to all three events

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Walmart is gearing up for a two-wave Black Friday event in 2025 that begins early in November and spans into the traditional post-Thanksgiving week.

• The retailer is continuing its strategy of offering online first, then in-store deals, with special early access for Walmart+ members ahead of the general public.

• Shoppers can expect deep discounts across categories especially electronics, home goods, toys and more with special-buy items that sell out quickly

Halloween is still a few days away, but Walmart is already making plans for Black Friday. The retailer has signalled that its 2025 Black Friday setup will look familiar but still evolving.

According to the company, the key features are:

• Dual-wave structure: Based on prior years, one wave will start in early November (online first, then stores), followed by the main Black Friday week wave closer to Thanksgiving.

• Early access for members: Walmart+ members are likely to receive an early access window (sometimes several hours ahead) before deals open to everyone else.

• Online before in-store: Walmart continues to prioritize its website/app for the initial deal drop, with physical stores opening up in-store at a later time (often early morning local time).

• Wide product categories: Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones), home appliances, toys, and gift-type items figure heavily in the ad scans and predictions.

• Limited special buy inventory: Some of the steepest discounts will be for limited-quantity items, so timing and having a plan will matter.

For shoppers, that means preparation is key: know what youre after, set alerts (if Walmart offers them), consider joining Walmart+ if you dont already, and check both online and store timing to get the jump on hot items.

For years, Walmart has owned Black Friday and this year were proving why. Were dropping up to 60% off top brands and offering thousands of deals under $20, making it clear: nobody does low prices like we do, said John Furner, president and CEO, Walmart U.S. Just like our Thanksgiving Meal Basket were leading on convenience and rewriting what value looks like, helping customers have their best, brightest and most budget-friendly holiday yet.

Three events

Walmart plans three promotional events for Black Friday. The first is November 1416, available online and in stores. Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

The second promotional event is November 2530. November 25-27 will be an online sale only. November 28-30 will offer sales both online and in stores. Walmart+ members get five hours of early access online beginning Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. ET

The third event is Cyber Monday, December 1, an online-only promotion. Walmart+ members get five hours early access online beginning Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET

A sneak peek

Walmart has promised thousands of deals during all three promotions and has unwrapped a few early deals heres a peek at whats coming:

• 98 TCL QLED 4K Google TV Was $1,798.00, Event Price $998.00

• Barbie Malibu Travel Playset Was $21.88, Event Price $12.00

• Calvin Klein Obsession 3 Perfume Was $97.00, Event Price $31.50

• Cate & Chloe Lauren 18k White Gold Plated 22mm Hoop Earrings with Swarovski Crystals Was $130.00, Event Price $15.99

• Cozy Haven Faux Fur Throw Blanket Special Buy, Event Price $13.00

• Cricut Explore 3 Bundle Was $410.00, Event Price $197.99

• Dreo 1500W Portable Space Heater Was $99.99, Event Price $38.99

• Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Was $729.00, Event Price $399.99

• Ford 24V Ride-on Was $599.99, Event Price $299.99

• Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tire (entire line) Event offer $30 off per tire

• Govee 65 LED Lights Was $99.00, Event Price $69.99

• Keurig Iced Essentials Was $79.00, Event Price $44.97

• KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Chew Toy, Medium Was $13.99, Event Price $11.96

• Lange Hair Styler Was $119.00, Event Price $48.30

• LEGO Speed Champions 2-pack Was $44.98, Event Price $25.00

• Melissa & Doug Chunky Puzzles Was $13.99, Event Price $7.00

• Mens & Womens Levis Signature Denim Was $24.98, Event Price $15.00

• My Texas House Glitter Trees (set of 3) Was $159.66, Event Price $78.00

• Philips Norelco 7200 Electric Razor Was $99.96, Event Price $79.96

• Reebok Womens Sport 2-piece set Was $40.00; Event Price $25.00

• Scoop Womens Knee-High Kitten Heel Boots Was $52.00, Event Price $30.00

• Sportspower Bounce Pro 14' Round Trampoline with Safety Enclosure Was $229.00, Event Price $149.00