Ticketmaster has agreed to address concerns about misleading prices in response to the controversy surrounding the Oasis reunion tour. However, campaigners are adamant that fans who felt “ripped off” should receive refunds.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed that Ticketmaster has made formal commitments following an investigation into the issue. The uproar stemmed from fans’ dismay when tickets for the highly anticipated Oasis tour went on sale last year. Many customers expressed frustration after discovering significantly higher prices upon reaching the ticketing stage, with some tickets escalating from £148 to £355.
The CMA highlighted two primary issues: Ticketmaster’s failure to inform fans waiting in queues about different prices for standing tickets and the sudden price hikes once cheaper tickets sold out. Additionally, the sale of “platinum” tickets at almost 2.5 times the cost of standard tickets without clear distinctions was flagged as problematic.
In response, Ticketmaster agreed to enhance pricing transparency for customers without admitting any wrongdoing. The company will now notify fans 24 hours in advance if tiered pricing is in place and clarify the benefits of various ticket options.
Furthermore, Ticketmaster will provide price range information to customers waiting in online queues and avoid using misleading ticket labels. The CMA also investigated the use of dynamic pricing but found no evidence of such practices during the Oasis ticket sale.
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, emphasized the importance of ensuring clear and upfront information for fans spending money on events like the Oasis tour. Ticketmaster affirmed their commitment to improved communication on ticket prices in queues and encouraged industry-wide adherence to these standards.
While Ticketmaster welcomed the CMA’s findings on dynamic pricing and consumer law compliance, campaigners like Lisa Webb from Which? insisted on fair pricing practices and potential refunds for fans who overpaid. The CMA’s expanded powers post the Oasis incident were noted, urging stronger enforcement of consumer law breaches.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy expressed support for Ticketmaster’s efforts to enhance transparency in ticket sales but acknowledged the need for additional consumer protections in ticket resales. The government is set to introduce measures to curb unfair practices in ticketing soon.