Buying Tickets

Every time we buy something we are making a legal contract.

When we buy goods or services and it goes wrong, is faulty, delayed and isn’t quite what we thought it would be, it can be extremely disappointing.

It can be so tempting to take a chance on an unknown website or ticket seller offering tickets to the band or event you want to go to but you need to be careful where you buy from, so that you actually get what you’ve paid for.

We would advise you to always buy tickets to an event from the event’s official seller or from the venue. This means you can be sure what you are getting is the real deal and at the price its original market price. Use the event and venue websites of those artists, this way you can find out who the official ticket sellers are, and you will get the tickets at the price they were meant to be sold at from a genuine seller. If you aren’t sure check a website www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite

Also check the sellers out and check that they’re a member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR). www.star.org.uk

Terms and conditions

Whilst its very boring and can take up some time we always we suggest you check the terms and conditions on the ticket website.  This will give you information on what happens if something doesn’t go quite right. What if the tickets don’t arrive or the event gets cancelled, will you get your money back?  This can help you decide who you buy from.

Advice for buying tickets

Don’t buy tickets from a website if the tickets aren’t on sale yet, they may not ever turn up and you could get scammed.

Check the address and contact details, can you get hold of the business if your tickets don’t arrive and reviews for the business or website.

Is the way you pay safe. https://www.consumerfriend.org.uk/resource-pages/how-to-buy-safely-online

  • check company feedback

  • use Check a website - Get Safe Online to check the website out

  • do a web search

  • check for positive or negative information on trusted sites such as consumer websites

If you have access to one, use a credit card for online payments. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases. Using a credit card (rather than a debit card) also means that if your payment details are stolen, then your bank account won’t be affected.

Consider using an online payment platform, such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay. This means your payment details are protected.

When it's time to pay for your items, check there's a 'closed padlock' icon in the browser's address bar. Similar to the below picture.

The padlock doesn’t mean that the business is a safe one to buy from, but it does mean the connection is secure. If there is no padlock, do not use the site, as it won’t be secure.

Do not give any more details than you need. Only give the minimum you need to buy the tickets you want to buy. If the website is asking for extras, like mother’s maiden names or other personal details do not give them.

If you can avoid it, don’t make an online account. This stops your details being stored or being shared or hacked.

If things go wrong

If you think your credit or debit card has been used by someone else, let your bank know straight away. Always contact your bank using the official website or phone number, the one on the back of your bank card. Don't use the links or contact details in the message you have been sent or given over the phone.

If you've lost money, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland).

Other things to think about when buying any tickets

  • Can you sign up for a first look list, pre-sale or first access tickets?

  • What are the extra costs, booking, handling or transaction fees, or delivery charges?

  • Do you need to be over 18 to enter the event, do you need ID?

What about fan websites

If you can’t get a ticket from an official seller,  you can try a ‘fan-to-fan’ website, but don’t pay more than the original price for the ticket.

Reselling sites

There are a few secondary ticketing sites that resell tickets bought from official sellers and others; these include individual private sellers. You need to check the rules with the event organiser as some have their own rules about reselling tickets.

Watch any internet searches for event tickets as some adverts may appear before the official seller.

If you choose to buy from a reselling site you need to make sure you know what type of ticket you are buying, seated, standing, one behind a pilar. What was the original price of the ticket so you can know if you are getting a  good deal or paying way over that price.

Are there any extra fees, like booking fees?

Who you are actually buying from, is it a business or an individual as your rights are different depending on who the seller is.

Check the official sites to check if the tickets can be resold, not all events allow it, and you don’t want to arrive and be refused entry.

Be wary of scams, there are criminals who often sell fake tickets, you wont get into any event with a fake ticket

Buying from an individual

If you see someone advertising tickets on social media or an auction site and they are an induvial, you wont have the same rights as buying from a business. If the tickets don’t arrive or aren’t quite what you thought they were, you may not be able to get your money back.

Be very careful if anyone, business or individual, asks you to pay by bank transfer - this might be a scam.

What should I do if I don’t get what I ordered?

Speak to the business, ask them for what you want. If this does not work, then you would need to email or write to them.

Rules for life

  • Be polite

  • Be clear in what you want

  • Keep a record of all letters and communications

If the business disputes what you are saying, direct them to this website, business need to know their rights as well.

For further advice contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service 0808 223 1133.

Have a listen to our podcast about buying tickets