Ticketmaster has agreed to address concerns regarding misleading pricing practices in the aftermath of the Oasis reunion tour ticket controversy. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed that it had obtained formal commitments from Ticketmaster following an investigation prompted by fan outrage over the ticket sales process.
Fans expressed frustration when tickets for the highly anticipated Oasis tour went on sale, with many reporting significantly higher prices than initially advertised after waiting in lengthy online queues. Notable instances included ticket prices escalating from £148 to £355 post-sale.
The CMA highlighted two main issues: Ticketmaster’s failure to inform fans in queues about varying prices for standing tickets and the sudden price hikes once cheaper tickets were sold out. Additionally, the sale of “platinum” tickets at nearly 2.5 times the price of standard tickets without clear distinctions on benefits raised concerns.
Ticketmaster, without admitting fault, agreed to enhance transparency in pricing. Measures include providing advance notice of tiered pricing systems, clearly outlining ticket differences, disclosing price ranges to queued customers, and avoiding misleading ticket descriptions.
The CMA dispelled notions of Ticketmaster using dynamic pricing during the Oasis sale, emphasizing the importance of clear and accurate information for fans making ticket purchases. Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, underscored the significance of ensuring transparent pricing practices for consumer trust.
While Ticketmaster welcomed the CMA’s findings absolving them of unfair practices, the company pledged to improve communication on ticket prices in queues. The CMA’s warning in March signaled potential breaches of consumer law by Ticketmaster in the sale of platinum tickets.
Consumer advocacy groups, including Which?, urged for fair pricing practices and refunds for fans who paid inflated prices for Oasis tickets. The CMA’s enhanced powers post-incident were seen as an opportunity to enforce consumer protection regulations more effectively.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the significance of the Oasis tour and commended Ticketmaster’s steps toward greater pricing transparency. The government also pledged to introduce new consumer protections for ticket resales to curb unfair practices.
In conclusion, the CMA’s intervention serves as a pivotal step in ensuring accountability and transparency in ticket pricing practices, aiming to safeguard consumer interests and promote fair ticket sales in the future.