2009
Consumer Direct is today urging sports fans, music lovers and theatre buffs to take sensible precautions to avoid losing out to ticket touts, scam websites and the practices of some ticket resale operators.
The advice comes as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport launches a consultation on the future of the ticketing market designed to improve the allocation of tickets to real fans and ensure the industry works towards a common set of principles and standards.
Last year, a number of websites claiming to sell tickets for the Reading, Leeds and V festivals - as well as the Beijing Olympics - shut down, leaving thousands of fans without tickets and significantly out of pocket. Consumer Direct also received complaints about companies charging inflated prices and failing to deliver tickets on time.
Michele Shambrook, Operations Manager from Consumer Direct said: 'The number of calls received by Consumer Direct suggests that some areas of the ticket market aren't treating fans fairly. However, by taking sensible precautions, you can reduce the risk of disappointment and financial loss.'
Consumer Direct has issued the following advice:
- Consider buying through the box office or primary ticket agents – these are the official agents who have agreements with promoters or venues to sell tickets for events.
- Before you buy, make sure you have information about the face value of the tickets, how much you will pay in additional fees, including booking fees, transaction charges and postage, where the seat is, and whether it has a restricted view.
- Read the terms and conditions so that you understand how you are going to receive the tickets, what will happen if they don't arrive, and what will happen if the event is cancelled, changed or you have to cancel.
- If you are buying from secondary agents, who purchase tickets for resale to consumers, be aware that prices can be at a premium when demand is high so it can be worth shopping around. Again make sure you know the face value, seat location and any additional fees.
- Beware of fraudulent online ticket sites and don't be fooled by a site which looks professional. Also beware of sellers who make promises that sound too good to be true - such as being able to sell cheap tickets for sold out events or offering tickets before they are officially on sale. Look at internet forums to see if others have had bad experiences and check the company's geographic address and contact numbers.
- Be aware of the risks of buying tickets through internet auctions and from street touts.
- When booking online check that the payment pages are secure by looking for a padlock symbol or making sure the website address begins with an https prefix.
- If you are buying tickets costing over £100, consider using a credit card for additional protection.
Further advice is available from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or by visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
