PEOPLE have been warned to be cautious when purchasing tickets for local performances and events online, with some resellers advertising tickets for hugely inflated prices.
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Capital Venues and Events manager and Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres president David Lloyd said scalpers were selling overpriced tickets through third-party websites when there were still tickets available from the official ticketing outlet or venue.
Mr Lloyd said generally the overpriced tickets were being marked up by at least 100 per cent of the original price.
He said these third-party sites often appeared in search engine results ahead of the official ticketing outlet, so some people were clicking through and buying expensive tickets without realising they were not purchasing them from the original source.
Some of these resellers were even advertising tickets they were yet to obtain themselves, he said.
The practice of resellers hawking overpriced tickets online had been an issue for the industry nationwide for about 18 months, he said, but it had only recently begun to creep into regional areas.
“It is pervasive and it is going to get worse,” Mr Lloyd said.
Tickets to the upcoming Jimmy Barnes show at Ulumbarra Theatre are priced at a maximum of $119 through the official site www.gotix.com.au, but Mr Lloyd has seen tickets for resale at more than double that price.
Other local events, including the Red Hot Summer Tour and Deadly 60 show, have also been targeted by these resellers.
He said some ticket resellers were also claiming there were very few tickets left to certain events to prompt people to make a purchase, when in reality there were still many available.
Many of these resellers were using legitimate third-party sites that were also used by people who were reselling valid tickets to events they could no longer attend, Mr Lloyd said.
He said legitimate tickets would be honoured by the Capital’s venues so as to not further disadvantage those who were overcharged, but he urged people to check with the official ticketing outlet, venue or organiser before purchasing from a reseller.
When buying from a ticket resale site, customers are advised to check for buyer protection policies, a customer service team, and the terms and conditions of the event organiser.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
