We demand an investigation by the ACCC (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission) into the actions of Ticketmaster (subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.) to stop the ticket merchant and promoter from inflating the prices of tickets by over 145% of the original quoted prices.  We contend that these actions are unjust and an exploitation of vulnerable young consumers.  We also implore Ticketmaster to reform their in-demand ticket pricing to be more equitable for consumers, to a maximum of 10% inflation. 

Ticketmaster distributed tickets for the Australian and New Zealand leg of Harry Styles Love On Tour in 3 main pre-sales and a general sale on Wednesday 27th April 2022.  Tickets prices were quoted on the Ticketmaster website.  For example, the most sought-after tickets in the Melbourne venue - the “Pod” tickets - were quoted at $306.76  

However, buyers noticed “in-demand” Pod tickets released on Thursday 28th April - after they were supposedly SOLD OUT - priced at $749.94.

This was the case for several ticket types, including reserved seating.

Multiple buyers contacted the merchant to address the issue.  Ticketmaster claims that “in-demand” tickets are “from a pre-sale that did not get sold” and are released at “market-driven prices” after the standard ticket allocation is supposedly “exhausted.”  Ticketmaster has also stated that this allocation of tickets at inflated prices are not allocated by Ticketmaster, but rather “at the request of the promoter”.

The response from Ticketmaster is vague and contradictory, as these sought-after tickets sold out within minutes of both the pre-sales and general sale.

So why are these tickets withheld from buyers and then sold at inflated prices 145% of the original quoted price?

After 246 days of hard lockdown in Melbourne over the last two years, it is despicable that these companies are seeking to profit off of vulnerable consumers, most of whom are young music fans who just want to have a memorable concert experience once again.

Better laws need to be put in place to protect consumers and we call upon the ACCC to conduct a thorough investigation into an evident case of greed by both Ticketmaster and LiveNation, to prevent consumers from being taken advantage of.

We also implore Ticketmaster to reform their in-demand ticket pricing to be more equitable for consumers, to a maximum of 10% inflation.  Ticket buyers should not be charged such a high premium to see their favourite artists.

If you believe that companies should be held accountable, please sign to show your support.