Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket selling companies in the world, with operations in over 20 countries. However, despite its popularity, Ticketmaster has received criticism from customers and industry insiders alike for its policies and practices. In this article, we will discuss some of the reasons why Ticketmaster is considered bad by many.
Hidden fees
One of the biggest complaints about Ticketmaster is the hidden fees that are added to the ticket price at checkout. These fees, which can include service charges, convenience fees, facility fees, and delivery fees, can often add up to 20% or more of the ticket price. Customers are often unaware of these fees until they reach the checkout page, which can be frustrating and misleading.
Monopoly
Ticketmaster has been accused of creating a monopoly in the ticket-selling industry, by using its size and influence to dominate the market. This has led to higher prices for consumers and fewer options for event organizers and promoters. In some cases, Ticketmaster has been accused of using its position to prevent competitors from entering the market.
Resale practices
Ticketmaster has been criticized for its role in the secondary ticket market, where tickets are resold at prices higher than face value. Ticketmaster operates its own resale platform, which allows customers to resell tickets they have purchased through the company. However, the fees associated with this service can be just as high as the fees for purchasing a ticket, and the company has been accused of allowing scalpers to buy large quantities of tickets and resell them at inflated prices.
Limited options for refunds
Ticketmaster’s refund policies have also come under fire. In many cases, the company only offers refunds for canceled events, not for events that have been rescheduled or postponed. This can be frustrating for customers who may have purchased tickets months in advance and are unable to attend the new date. Additionally, the company has been criticized for making it difficult for customers to obtain refunds, often requiring extensive documentation and proof of purchase.
Customer service issues
Ticketmaster has also been criticized for its customer service practices. Many customers have reported long wait times on the phone and slow response times to emails and social media messages. Additionally, the company has been accused of outsourcing its customer service operations to foreign countries, which can lead to communication barriers and misunderstandings.
In conclusion, Ticketmaster has received criticism for a variety of reasons, including hidden fees, monopoly practices, resale practices, limited options for refunds, and customer service issues. While the company has made some efforts to address these concerns in recent years, many customers and industry insiders continue to view Ticketmaster as a bad actor in the ticket-selling industry. As a consumer, it’s important to be aware of these issues when purchasing tickets and to consider alternative options whenever possible.
