Final answer:
The only items that can legally be added to an advertised price are finance charges and sales tax, as other charges such as dealer handling and preparation should be included in the advertised price itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering what can be legally added to an advertised price of a product or service, it's important to understand the context of the advertisement. In the context of automobile sales, which is often where such questions arise, certain additional charges are typically permissible. These include charges such as finance charges and sales tax. Finance charges are the fees associated with borrowing money to purchase the vehicle, and sales tax is a government-mandated charge based on the sale price of the vehicle.
Dealer handling and preparation charges, while often added, are typically part of the advertised cost of the vehicle, and cannot be added on top of the advertised price without disclosure. It is not customary or generally legally acceptable to add on a separate 'profit' charge beyond the advertised price; profit is assumed to be included within the advertised price itself.
Therefore, the only items that can legally be added to an advertised price without being included in the displayed cost are finance charges and sales tax, making option c the correct answer. Consumer protection laws and advertising standards often dictate these practices to ensure transparency and fairness for consumers. However, it's crucial to verify with individual state laws as regulations can vary.