Ticketmaster has agreed to address concerns about pricing transparency after criticism surrounding the Oasis reunion tour. Activists argue that fans who felt deceived should be entitled to refunds.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed that it had obtained formal commitments from Ticketmaster following an inquiry prompted by the ticket sales controversy.
Fans expressed outrage when tickets for the highly anticipated Oasis tour became available last year. Many reported significant price hikes compared to the initial listings after enduring lengthy online queues. Instances included ticket prices leaping from £148 to £355 post-release.
The CMA pinpointed specific issues, such as Ticketmaster’s failure to inform customers in queues about varying prices for standing tickets and the sudden price escalation after cheaper tickets sold out. Additionally, the concern was raised over the sale of “platinum” tickets at almost 2.5 times the cost of standard tickets without clear distinctions on benefits.
In response, Ticketmaster has agreed to provide 24-hour notice to fans about tiered pricing systems and clarify ticket differences. The company will also disclose price ranges and give updates during ticket queues to prevent surprises.
The CMA confirmed that Ticketmaster voluntarily accepted these changes without admitting any wrongdoing. The investigation dispelled claims of dynamic pricing during the Oasis ticket sale.
Sarah Cardell, the CMA chief executive, emphasized the importance of transparent information for fans spending money on events. She highlighted that the secured changes aim to offer clarity on pricing and ticket descriptions.
Ticketmaster welcomed the CMA’s findings, asserting their adherence to fair practices and commitment to enhanced communication on ticket pricing. They urged the industry to follow similar standards.
Regarding the Oasis ticket sales controversy, the CMA warned earlier this year about potential consumer law violations related to platinum ticket sales. Lisa Webb from Which? advocated for fair pricing practices and suggested refunds for fans who paid above face value.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the significance of the Oasis tour and praised Ticketmaster’s efforts to enhance pricing transparency. The government also pledged to introduce consumer protections for ticket resales to combat unfair practices.