Ticketmaster has agreed to address concerns about “misleading” pricing following the backlash surrounding the Oasis reunion tour. Advocates are calling for refunds for fans who they believe were overcharged.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that Ticketmaster has made formal commitments to rectify the issues identified during the investigation. This move comes after fans expressed outrage over the disparity between advertised prices and actual costs when tickets for the highly anticipated Oasis tour were released last year.
The CMA highlighted two main issues: the lack of transparency in pricing for standing tickets, which were sold at varying prices without clear disclosure, and the substantial price discrepancies between “platinum” and “standard” tickets without adequate explanation of the benefits.
As part of the agreement with the CMA, Ticketmaster will enhance pricing clarity by notifying fans 24 hours in advance if tiered pricing is in place and clearly indicating the differences between ticket options. Moreover, fans waiting in online queues will now receive updates on ticket prices and availability to prevent any surprises.
Additionally, Ticketmaster has committed to providing accurate ticket descriptions and avoiding misleading labels to ensure transparency. The company denied using “dynamic” pricing during the Oasis ticket sale, addressing concerns about sudden price increases due to high demand.
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, emphasized the importance of transparent pricing for fans and stated that the changes implemented by Ticketmaster aim to provide customers with clear information upfront. Ticketmaster, in response, welcomed the CMA’s findings and pledged to enhance communication regarding ticket pricing in queues to improve the overall customer experience.
While the CMA did not mandate refunds for fans who may have been misled during the Oasis ticket sale, consumer advocates like Lisa Webb from Which? have called for stricter enforcement of consumer laws to hold Ticketmaster accountable for past pricing practices.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged the significance of the Oasis tour and expressed support for Ticketmaster’s efforts to enhance pricing transparency. The government also plans to introduce new consumer protections for ticket resales to prevent unfair practices in the future.
