Marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns · Core
Hidden cost
Also called: drip fee
ELI5
A price or fee disclosed late or obscurely rather than when the decision is made.
Used in conversation
“Do not describe hidden cost as agreed until the operative document says so.”
Pitch context
You will see “Hidden cost” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns.
Why it matters: In marketing disclosure, consent & dark patterns, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- American Marketing Association — Definitions of Marketing and BrandSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Analytics Help — Google Analytics dimensions and metricsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Ads Help — Google Ads metrics and reportingSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Interactive Advertising Bureau — Measurement guidelines and standardsSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16