How do you show a price in Minnesota when the final cost depends on time, distance or options?
Quick answer
Disclose three things clearly and conspicuously: the factors that set the total price, any mandatory fees, and that the total cost may vary (Minn. Stat. 325D.44, subd. 1a(g)). That safe harbor covers services whose total depends on customer selections, distance or time. Auctions follow a similar rule (subd. 1a(f)). Since January 1, 2025, the Attorney General can seek up to $25,000.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| In force | January 1, 2025 (June 1, 2025 for industries whose prices are regulated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission) (Laws 2024, ch. 111) | Laws 2024, ch. 111 |
| Variable-price services | Compliant if you disclose (1) the factors that determine the total price, (2) any mandatory fees and (3) that the total cost may vary (subd. 1a(g)) | Minn. Stat. 325D.44 |
| Auctions | Where bids make the total indeterminable: disclose any mandatory fees and that the total cost may vary (subd. 1a(f)) | Minn. Stat. 325D.44 |
| Everyone else | Advertising, displaying or offering a price without all mandatory fees or surcharges is a deceptive trade practice (subd. 1a(a)) | Minn. Stat. 325D.44 |
| Discounts | Nothing prevents offering a discount from the advertised price (subd. 1a(e)) | Minn. Stat. 325D.44 |
| Penalty | The Attorney General can sue for a court-set civil penalty of up to $25,000 (8.31, subd. 3); injured customers can sue for damages and attorney fees (8.31, subd. 3a) | Minn. Stat. 8.31 |
| Last verified | October 31, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Does this let me add a fixed booking fee later?
No. The safe harbor still requires disclosing any mandatory fees. A fee every customer pays is a mandatory fee and must be shown (subd. 1a(b),(g)).
What does "factors" mean in practice?
The statute does not list them. For a service priced by time it would be the hourly rate; by distance, the per-mile rate; by options, what each option adds. Name them where the price is shown.
Does it apply to goods?
Subdivision 1a(g) is written for services. Goods use the general rule: the shown price includes all mandatory fees, apart from taxes and actual shipping (subd. 1a(a),(b),(d)).
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What else do people ask?
Is there a separate fine?
No. Enforcement runs through Minn. Stat. 8.31 (up to $25,000, subd. 3).
Can customers sue?
Injured persons can sue for damages, costs and attorney fees (8.31, subd. 3a).
Do delivery apps use this rule?
They have a dedicated rule in subd. 1a(c).
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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