2007
With this year’s summer festival season just kicking off, Consumer Direct Scotland is warning music fans of the risk of buying in-demand concert tickets through unofficial channels.
14 May 2007
Many music events for this summer have already sold out, leaving many fans with the choice of staying at home or trying to track down the highly sought-after tickets from other sources.
Consumer Direct, the government’s consumer advice service, is advising anyone who misses out on tickets through official channels to be aware of the risks of purchasing through other means, such as online auctions or secondary ticket agency websites.
Consumer Direct Scotland spokesperson Jean Mackenzie said:
‘We receive a lot of calls from people complaining about tickets not being delivered, seats in the wrong location and counterfeits. If you want to be sure you will get the tickets you pay for, book tickets through official channels.’
‘Online auctions are a popular alternative but you may not really know who you are dealing with or where they are based, and you may be faced with highly inflated prices. If you have a problem, your options are also limited so it's important to know what to look out for and what your rights are.’
Many people who advertise tickets for sale on internet auction sites are private sellers, similar to classified ads in newspapers.
Consumers have fewer rights when they buy privately and the biggest problem can be trying to get money back if things go wrong.
Some auction websites offer complaints resolution processes or anti-fraud guarantees. Not all do though, so it is important that customers read the terms and conditions. The obligations which the website has to you are likely to be limited.
To help prevent disappointment Consumer Direct Scotland is providing clear advice to help people buy tickets wisely on the web:
- Get information from the official event website.
- Use reputable ticket agencies that are well known. Don’t rely on website appearance.
- Shop around as you may find tickets available elsewhere - and cheaper.
- Make sure you know the company or individual seller’s full postal address. Never rely on just an email address.
- Don't assume an internet company is based in the UK just because its web address has 'uk' in it - check out the physical address and phone number.
- Look for websites that have an encryption facility. Check the web address starts https:// before you enter any personal information or payment details (the 's' stands for 'secure'). There should also be a padlock at the bottom of the screen when you are filling in the payment details.
- Be sure you know exactly what is being sold including seat location, total price, (check additional costs such as booking fees and transaction charges), the delivery date, and any return or cancellation policy.
- You may have to pay delivery or postage costs. These hidden costs can push up the price. Check with the seller before agreeing to buy.
- Save all information relating to the transaction. Always print out a copy of your order and a copy of any acknowledgement you receive.
- You can reduce some of the risk of buying online by paying with a credit card if the total price is more than £100. This won’t guarantee that you will receive your tickets but could offer you some protection for getting your money back if things do go wrong.
- Find out what will happen if the event is cancelled and if you are entitled to a refund, including any additional fees you might have paid.
For further clear, practical advice on any consumer issue Consumer Direct can be reached on 08454 04 05 06
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For further information please contact:
Jean Mackenzie on 01851 822300
Notes to Editors
1. Consumer Direct is a government backed telephone and on-line advisory service managed by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with local Trading Standard Authorities. Specially trained consumer advisors are on hand to provide anyone with clear, practical and impartial advice and equip them with the knowledge, tools and confidence to help resolve consumer problems.
2. Consumer Direct opening times are: Monday to Friday 0800 to 1830 and 0900 to 1300 on Saturdays, excluding bank holidays and public holidays. Consumer Direct is also available via Textphone on 08451 28 13 84
3. Calls to the Consumer Direct 0845 numbers are charged at no more than four pence per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone provider.
4. The Consumer Direct service is available in England, Wales and Scotland via 11 regional contact centres.
