A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against a prominent fashion retailer, accusing the company of deceptive shipping practices that have allegedly misled thousands of consumers. The complaint was filed by Laine Zadnik in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on March 10, 2025, targeting Dolls Kill, Inc.
The lawsuit claims that Dolls Kill has engaged in deceptive marketing by advertising free or flat-rate shipping on its website while secretly adding a "Route Package Protection Fee" to all orders without consumer consent. This fee is described as a hidden charge that contradicts the company's promise of free or low-cost shipping. According to the complaint, this practice affects thousands of customers who unknowingly pay more than expected for their purchases. The plaintiff argues that this fee is automatically added during the final payment stage and is not disclosed until the very end of the purchasing process, which constitutes a violation of consumer protection laws.
Zadnik's legal team contends that this practice falls under what the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) defines as "Digital Dark Patterns," which are online design tactics used to manipulate consumers into making decisions they might not otherwise make. The complaint highlights how Dolls Kill's actions deceive consumers by failing to disclose true costs upfront and instead presenting an incomplete price until checkout completion. This lack of transparency allegedly gives Dolls Kill an unfair advantage over competitors who fully disclose their prices and fees.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court, including monetary damages, restitution, and public injunctive relief to prevent further deceptive practices by Dolls Kill. The lawsuit also demands statutory damages and compensation for any incidental or consequential damages incurred by affected consumers. Additionally, Zadnik requests punitive damages and attorneys' fees as part of the relief sought.
Representing Laine Zadnik in this case is attorney Scott Edelsberg from Edelsberg Law, P.A., based in Los Angeles. The case has been assigned Case ID CGC-25-623122 in the Superior Court of California.