Recommendations of the Editorial team
The British competitive and market supervisory authority (CMA) checks whether ticketmaster has violated consumer protection law. The occasion was the sale of Oasis Reunion tickets, in which “Dynamic Pricing” was allegedly used. So price increases depending on demand.
Ticketmaster commits to more clarity
The CMA recorded the examination after fan complaints about long queues and fluctuating prices when the Oasis Reunion tour starts.
The British government has now received “binding commitments” from Ticketmaster that the company will give fans transparent information at ticket prices in the future. After the violent protests over the ticket sales for the Oasis Reunion, the CMA said on Thursday that Ticketmaster would clarify “what fans get for their money and provide more information about different prices”.
The examination showed no evidence of the use of Dynamic Pricing. However, she found that ticketmaster fans had not sufficiently informed. Standing tickets were “sold at two different prices” without making it clear that the cheaper would be replaced immediately by more expensive as soon as they were sold out. In addition, Ticketmaster offered so-called “Platinum” tickets for almost 2.5 times the price of standard tickets. Without the indication that these did not contain any additional services.
New rules and possible punishments
In the future, Ticketmaster fans will have to say at least 24 hours in advance “if a staggered price system is used”. So buyers should know that there can be several price levels for the same ticket. In addition, Ticketmaster has to disclose the entire price range and may no longer use misleading labels that suggest that a ticket is better than another, although it is not the case.
To ensure compliance, the CMA demands regular reports over two years. In the event of violations, there is an official procedure.
CMA boss Sarah Cardell emphasized: “The changes ensure that fans have more information about prices and clear descriptions of what they get for their money. If Ticketmaster does not meet the measures, we will not hesitate to take further steps.”
Ticketmaster rejects allegations
A spokesman for Ticketmaster said: “We welcome the confirmation of the CMA that there was no dynamic pricing, no unfair practices and no violation of consumer protection law. In order to further improve customer experience, we voluntarily committed ourselves to clear communication in queues. on measuring the entire industry in the same standards. “