The Competition and Markets Authority investigates
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the online agency Ticketmaster regarding its selling of Oasis concert tickets.
When tickets went on sale recently for a series of Oasis concerts, many people wanted them! But complaints flooded social media when fans found themselves chucked out of the “queue” after several hours and having to start again, accused of being a “bot” and losing their place. For those who actually got to the checkout, prices had risen hugely.
The final cost had risen due to so-called “dynamic pricing”, where prices go up in response to demand. Ticketmaster tries to blame the promoters for choosing the “dynamic pricing” option but they all have links with Ticketmaster see Oasis ticket row: How Ticketmaster’s owner has grip on UK live music scene for details.
CMA action
The CMA will be looking at whether Ticketmaster potentially breached consumer law in these areas:
“* Ticketmaster has engaged in unfair commercial practices which are prohibited under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
* People were given clear and timely information to explain that the tickets could be subject to so-called ‘dynamic pricing’ with prices changing depending on demand, and how this would operate, including the price they would pay for any tickets purchased
* People were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time – at a higher price than they understood they would have to pay, potentially impacting their purchasing decisions”
The CMA has only started an investigation, so you can’t assume that any consumer law has been broken. However, once the investigation is complete, the CMA does have enforcement powers. It means that it could take Ticketmaster to court and can also force them to change their behaviour. So for example, making “dynamic pricing” clearer and more transparent, such as warning consumers that the price may go up by the time they get to the end of the “queue”.
CMA seeks your input
The CMA is asking for evidence to help with its investigation. You can submit your story and screenshots to the CMA at this link:
https://connect.cma.gov.uk/oasis-tickets
Even if you decided not to purchase tickets because of the excessive price, you can still submit your story, as it will all help the CMA build a picture of the issue and how it affected fans.
The Advertising Standards Authority have also received about 450 complaints, so far, and may also take action.
What can the CMA do?
As an enforcer under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the CMA cannot currently levy administrative fines for breaches of consumer law. However, parliament recently passed legislation to give the CMA stronger consumer powers, which will enable the CMA to decide when consumer law has been broken without taking a case to court. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 will, once it comes into effect, empower the CMA to fine those firms that do break consumer law up to 10% of their global turnover. At present, the CMA can enforce consumer law through the courts, and where appropriate, seek additional measures to improve consumer choice, drive compliance with the law, or secure redress for consumers.”
Don’t hold your breath…
The investigation will take some time. For example, on 19 July this year the CMA announced that Wowcher would be taking action to resolve complaints it had made about the company’s behaviour. The investigation started in March 2023 and the CMA contacted Wowcher about taking possible legal action in November 2023. So, these things do take time!
And in this case Wowcher had to refund customers, so this Oasis ticket case will be an interesting one to follow.
@thecomplainingcow The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the online agency Ticketmaster regarding its selling of Oasis concert tickets. When tickets went on sale recently for a series of Oasis concerts, many people wanted them! But complaints flooded social media when fans found themselves chucked out of the “queue” after several hours and having to start again, accused of being a “bot” and losing their place. For those who actually got to the checkout, prices had risen hugely. The final cost had risen due to so-called “dynamic pricing”, where prices go up in response to demand. Ticketmaster tries to blame the promoters for choosing the “dynamic pricing” option but they, too, are owned by Ticketmaster! CMA action The CMA will be looking at whether Ticketmaster potentially breached consumer law in these areas: “* Ticketmaster has engaged in unfair commercial practices which are prohibited under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 * People were given clear and timely information to explain that the tickets could be subject to so-called ‘dynamic pricing’ with prices changing depending on demand, and how this would operate, including the price they would pay for any tickets purchased * People were put under pressure to buy tickets within a short period of time – at a higher price than they understood they would have to pay, potentially impacting their purchasing decisions” The CMA has only started an investigation, so you can’t assume that any consumer law has been broken. However, once the investigation is complete, the CMA does have enforcement powers. It means that it could take Ticketmaster to court and can also force them to change their behaviour. So for example, making “dynamic pricing” clearer and more transparent, such as warning consumers that the price may go up by the time they get to the end of the “queue”. The CMA is asking for evidence to help with its investigation. You can submit your story and screenshots to the CMA at this link: https://connect.cma.gov.uk/oasis-tickets #investigations #Oasis #tickets #ticketmaster #concerts #consumerlaw
Hotels hike prices
@thecomplainingcow What do you think of the hotels cancelling bookings and rebooking at three times the price? — #oasis #oasisband #oasisfan #hotelbookings #oasisreform
