Panda Express Under Fire: $2.95 Delivery Fee or a $1.4 Million Settlement?
Unveiling the Hidden Costs: How a $2.95 Delivery Fee Could Cost Panda Express Millions in a Class-Action Lawsuit
Disclaimer: This article is as informational as it is snarky. For actual legal advice, consult someone who passed the bar exam, not the in-flight snack bar.
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Hey there, Justice Moms and Dads! Grab your gavels and put down that orange chicken because today we're serving up a hot plate of legal news. You know, it's usually Panda Express' orange chicken or debates over the restaurant's "authenticity" that make headlines. But today, it's all about a class-action lawsuit settlement that's spicier than their Kung Pao Chicken.
The Hidden Fee Fiasco 🕵️♀️
Back in July 2021, a complaint was filed against Panda Restaurant Group Inc., accusing them of pulling a fast one on customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the filing, Panda Express tried to lure in delivery customers with a seemingly low delivery fee of $2.95. Sounds good, right? Wrong. They allegedly slapped on a hidden service charge that amounted to 10% more than what non-delivery customers were paying for the same food. Talk about a wok full of deception!
How to Get Your Piece of the Panda 🐼💰
To qualify for a slice of this settlement pie, you need to have placed a delivery order through the Panda Express website or app between July 17, 2020, and February 16, 2022. Oh, and you must have been charged that sneaky service fee. The kicker? You don't even need proof of purchase to file a claim. Just head over to this website by January 10, 2024, and fill out the form.
Now, hold your horses. The court hasn't fully approved the settlement yet. A final hearing is set for November 8. But if you want to secure your spot in the Panda payout, get that claim in before the deadline.
The Perks 🍱
If your claim is valid and the settlement gets the green light, you have two options. You can either opt for a digital cash payment or grab two vouchers good for two medium entrees at Panda Express. If you go the voucher route, you might want to consider their Sweet Fire Chicken or Super Greens. Just saying.
The Fine Print 📜
The vouchers are only redeemable through the Panda Express website or mobile app. As for the cash payment, the amount you'll receive depends on the number of valid claims submitted. The settlement money is being distributed on a pro-rata basis, meaning everyone gets an equal slice of the pie. According to the settlement, you can expect around $10, but that could fluctuate.
The Moral of the Story 🎭
Hidden fees are a big no-no in my book. It's a breach of trust, and let's face it, we've all had enough of that. But hey, a couple of vouchers for some free Sweet Fire Chicken might just be enough to make me turn a blind eye—this time. Just don't do it again, Panda, okay?
In a world where every penny counts, especially for moms fighting against exploitative institutions, this settlement is a small but significant win. It's a reminder that even giant chains can't escape the long arm of justice. So, go ahead, file that claim and let Panda Express know that they can't just wok all over us.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with a legal expert for matters concerning lawsuits and settlements.
