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Ticket Scalpers

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Smokey, Sep 21, 2001.

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  1. Smokey

    Smokey Member

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    Promoters need to do a better job of controlling the ticket resale business. Maximum ticket limits are BS. Presales don't work. Selling tickets online is just adding to the problem.

    Yesterday, U2 held presales for their upcoming Elevation Tour concert dates. By the time it took me to type in the password, enter 2, and select seating location, all pairs were gone. The maximum ticket limit was two. Now, I'm happy for all the U2 fans who were able to get tickets for the Austin show. Many though were left disappointed.

    Later, I checked Ebay and ticket brokers to see their prices. Just as I had expected, people are scalping the tickets for 3-4 times the face value. The face value is $45 for general admission. One broker has 22 austin ga's for $300 each.

    I have several questions:

    What is the point of having a ticket limit?

    What is the point of having a fan password? A password is supposed to be a secret for fans. The individuals working with the brokers are not fans.

    What is the point of having a presale for the "fans"?

    Don't promoters realize that selling tickets online makes it easier for scalpers?
     
    #1 Smokey, Sep 21, 2001
  2. Smokey

    Smokey Member

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    I'M GOING TO SEE BONO!!!!

    Of course with my luck, I didn't get great seats, but I will be in the building when the "greatest arena band in the world" according to Entertainment Weekly comes to Austin.

    Walk On!
     
    #2 Smokey, Sep 22, 2001
  3. RocketsPimp

    RocketsPimp Member

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    Right on Smokey! I just finished checking out Ticketmaster and then EBay and its completely outrageous what these clowns are charging for seats. I was so hyped about possibly seeing one of my all time favorite bands, but now I don't know if I should buy the ones still on Ticketmaster(which are behind the stage) or shell out in excess of $100 ea. for a better view.

    :mad:
     
    #3 RocketsPimp, Sep 22, 2001
  4. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    There will always be scalpers as long as there are people willing to pay ridiculous prices to see a concert. It sucks, but it is true.
     
    #4 Jeff, Sep 22, 2001
  5. TheFreak

    TheFreak Member

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    I believe the point of having a ticket-purchasing limit is to protect against scalpers.
     
    #5 TheFreak, Sep 22, 2001
  6. Smokey

    Smokey Member

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    My seats are behind the stage but I will not be sitting there. I bought them because I know if I don't, someone will. I just wanted to get into the building. I plan on finding a nice spot to stand and watch (most everyone should be standing as well).

    I've done a lot of searching. You may still be able to find decent scattered singles around the arena for face by calling the Erwin Center. The face value on those tickets is $85! Incredible. Those tickets are going for more than $170 each on Ebay. The best view is general admission (sold out) on the floor and those are going for $300 each.

    I'm not going to pay 3-4 times the face when I'm going to get the same view (I can't get down to the floor of course) as everyone else.
     
    #6 Smokey, Sep 22, 2001
  7. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    It totally is. However, the ticket scalpers usually pay kids minimum wage and a free pair of tickets to stand in line and man phones. So, they end up buying tons of tickets with these kids.
     
    #7 Jeff, Sep 22, 2001
  8. Smokey

    Smokey Member

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    Promoters understand that ticket limits don't work. Is there anything that can be done to limit scalping? Maybe legislation is the answer.
     
    #8 Smokey, Sep 22, 2001
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2001
  9. Mango

    Mango Member

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    If enough people stopped buying the overpriced tickets, the scalpers would have to eat them.


    Mango
     
    #9 Mango, Sep 22, 2001
  10. Jeff

    Jeff Clutch Crew

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    Scalping is illegal in some states and cities. The problem is that it is a service of sorts. Technically, the artists are getting the money for every ticket sold. The issue is that it creates the problem of fewer people attending shows overall because of the increases in ticket prices.

    I don't like it but I'm not really in favor of governments regulating it. That seems a bit extreme considering the nature of capitalism and the free market.

    Really, only consumers can stop it by not buying scalped tickets but that doesn't seem realistic.
     
    #10 Jeff, Sep 22, 2001
  11. Smokey

    Smokey Member

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    Pimp,

    Have you gotten tickets yet? I just checked ticketmaster.com and even the crap seats like mine are now sold out. I hope you get the see the concert somehow.

    I watched a clip of the Elevation Tour and I'm surprised that the seats are not too bad behind the stage. You can see the performances on stage, however you will not be able to see the visual effects etc...done on four big screens above the stage (at least in Miami).
     
    #11 Smokey, Sep 23, 2001
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2001
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