Other Aspects of Rising Price of Tickets

Chuck Philips hit the nail only partly on the head. I certainly agree with his portrayal of Ticketmaster potentially having a monopoly on the sale of virtually every ticket sold in the United States as a result of its purchase of Ticketron. But he failed to touch on two of the more odious practices that Ticketmaster engages in:

First, its catchall phrase “best available.” Unwary, first-time ticket buyers assume that because they are paying the top price for an event, their seat location will be to their liking. They are warned by Ticketmaster that their transaction cannot be canceled. Imagine their surprise when they find out they are sitting at the very top of the arena or in another unsatisfactory location. Buyers should insist on being told the location.

Second, Ticketmaster’s refusal to refund any portion of the numerous service charges it adds to the price of the ticket in the event of cancellation, postponement or rescheduling of an event. Ticket agencies are bound by law to refund all monies paid over the “face price” of any ticket. Why shouldn’t Ticketmaster be bound by the same set of laws?

Reputable private ticket agencies offer the public an alternative to both practices above. We tell our customers what they are getting for their money, and in the event that the show, ballgame or concert does not take place on the day originally scheduled, they can get all their money back.

BRIAN F. HARLIG

Good Time Tickets

Hollywood