The 'ticketflation' scandal: How Ticketmaster's 'dynamic pricing' inflates the price of precious Oasis spots like an Uber journey - after enraging fans of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and Harry Sty
- Dynamic pricing for Oasis concert tickets has led to prices more than doubling, prompting government and regulatory scrutiny.
- Ticketmaster claims it does not set prices, attributing this to event organizers, while many fans report misleading advertising.
- The CMA is reviewing the ticketing market to ensure consumer protection and transparency, indicating a shift towards better regulations.
The European Commission is set to examine the practice of dynamic pricing in ticket sales following a significant backlash from fans of the rock band Oasis. Ticket prices for their reunion tour surged dramatically, with standard tickets increasing from £148 to £355, leading to widespread outrage. The UK government and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have pledged to investigate the implications of such pricing strategies, emphasizing the need for consumer protection and transparency in ticket sales. Ticketmaster has stated that it does not determine concert prices, attributing this responsibility to event organizers who set prices based on market value. This has raised concerns among fans who feel misled by advertising claims regarding ticket availability and pricing. The Advertising Standards Authority received numerous complaints about misleading advertisements related to the Oasis gigs, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among consumers. The CMA is currently reviewing the ticketing market, focusing on the use of dynamic pricing in primary sales. They aim to ensure that businesses adhere to consumer protection laws, which mandate fairness and transparency in pricing. The CMA has previously taken action against resale websites to uphold these standards and is now looking to extend protections to primary ticket sales. As the government prepares to consult on consumer protections for ticket resales, it is clear that there is a pressing need to address the challenges posed by dynamic pricing. The commitment to prioritize fan interests in the music industry reflects a broader desire to create a fairer environment for concertgoers.