That was because their fees were based on the sale price of the item minus the shipping. So they were only paying fees on 1 cent. They changed the fees so that the total sale including shipping is calculated.

It encourages more consumption

A lot of marketing strategies are pseudoscience. Just like a lot police investigation practices or body language assumptions.

It is kind of a dick move when companies overcharge for shipping. I only charge calculated shipping on large or heavy items because those are the ones that vary a lot and I don’t want someone in zone 8 (like Southern California or even someone in HI buying it and shipping costing more than they paid. If it’s under 1 lb then I just give free shipping and bake it into the price.

I always round way up because sales tax is so high here. 17.99 = $20. I’m usually within the $1 range when I check out.

Pretty normal in the u.s. as well. Usually when there is a large family gathering like a wedding.