Consumer Watchdog Urges Oasis and Ticketmaster to Refund Fans
A recent investigation by consumer watchdog, Which?, has revealed alarming practices in ticket pricing by Oasis and Ticketmaster for the reunion tour. Fans were dismayed to find standard ticket prices more than double from £148 to £355 on Ticketmaster, without prior warning. This revelation has sparked the government and the UK competition watchdog to intervene and examine the use of dynamic pricing strategies.
Key Points from the Investigation:
- Which? asked Oasis fans to submit screenshots of their ticket-buying process.
- Dozens of fans shared screenshots showing unexpected price hikes during checkout.
- Prices surged without prior warning, reaching as high as £337.50 per ticket.
The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations prohibits misleading pricing tactics and requires full disclosure of pricing information to consumers. However, fans reported not being adequately informed about the sudden price increases until it was too late in the purchasing process. Despite the mention of ‘dynamic pricing’ in the terms and conditions, consumers were caught off guard by the drastic surge in ticket prices.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated an investigation into Ticketmaster for potential breaches of consumer protection laws. Ticketmaster has clarified that concert prices are set by event organizers, distancing themselves from direct pricing decisions. Oasis has also denied involvement in implementing dynamic pricing for ticket sales.
Response and Call for Refunds:
- Which? consumer law expert, Lisa Webb, criticized Ticketmaster’s pricing practices for Oasis tickets.
- She urged Oasis and Ticketmaster to refund fans who were misled into paying inflated prices.
Despite these developments, Oasis moved forward with their tour plans, adding two more shows at Wembley Stadium. The consumer watchdog, Which?, intends to share its findings with the CMA for further action. As the investigation continues, fans await clarity on the pricing discrepancies and hope for fair resolutions.
Oasis and Ticketmaster are yet to provide official statements regarding the refund requests amid the ongoing scrutiny.