Ticketmaster UK: Ripping Off Fans for Years

Ticketmaster Earns Notoriety and Controversy

Ticketmaster has long been a target of criticism and controversy, with many accusing the company of ripping off fans. The company has been accused of charging excessive fees, using deceptive marketing practices, and creating a monopoly in the ticketing industry.

In 2018, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation into Ticketmaster's practices. The CMA found that Ticketmaster had engaged in anti-competitive behaviour, including charging excessive fees and using its market power to squeeze out competitors.

Excessive Fees and Hidden Charges

Ticketmaster has been criticized for charging excessive fees, which can often add up to more than the cost of the ticket itself. These fees can include charges for processing, delivery, and service. The company has also been accused of hiding these fees from customers, making it difficult for them to compare prices from different ticket sellers.

For example, in 2019, Ticketmaster was fined £1.5 million by the CMA for failing to disclose all fees to customers. The CMA found that Ticketmaster had hidden a £2.50 booking fee from customers, which was only revealed at the end of the checkout process.

Deceptive Marketing Practices

Ticketmaster has also been accused of using deceptive marketing practices to mislead customers. For example, the company has been accused of using terms such as "best available" and "limited availability" to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to purchase tickets quickly.

This can lead to customers paying more for tickets than they would if they had more time to shop around. In 2020, Ticketmaster was fined £1 million by the CMA for using misleading marketing practices.

Monopoly in the Ticketing Industry

Ticketmaster has been accused of creating a monopoly in the ticketing industry, which has allowed it to charge excessive fees and engage in anti-competitive behaviour. The company controls a large share of the market for live event tickets in the UK, and its dominance has made it difficult for new competitors to enter the market.

This has led to higher prices for fans and less choice in the ticketing industry. In 2021, the CMA launched a new investigation into Ticketmaster's monopoly in the ticketing industry.

Conclusion

Ticketmaster has been ripping off fans for years with its excessive fees, deceptive marketing practices, and monopoly in the ticketing industry. The company has been fined multiple times by the CMA for its anti-competitive behaviour, but it continues to dominate the market and rip off fans.

It is time for the CMA to take action to break up Ticketmaster's monopoly and create a more competitive ticketing industry. This would lead to lower prices for fans and more choice in the ticketing industry.