Ticket resale websites need regulating, MPs say

Pincher

They can run a fan club, and fans have priority, and flexibility.
If a fan becomes ill or a relative dies, etc. he/she can get a full refund, before a deadline. After the deadline, if the system can sell the ticket, you get a reduced refund, or maybe some credit on your fan account. The fans may pay more, but they have the certainty of getting in.

Obviously the ticket will have fan club details printed on it, and you should bring ID to prove who you are.

They can hold back a tranche of tickets for last minute sale.
Depending on demand, they can raise the price, or drop the price.

With mobile apps, it's easy to register for standby tickets.
For example, Ticketmaster can produce an app, where you can register for standby tickets for a given show. The app can show how far down the line you are if you want to check.

There is no reason why Ticketmaster shouldn't auction the remainder tickets on eBay.

johnmcga

Beatlefan wrote: »

Ticket sales for Kate Bush's residency at the Hammersmith Apollo this autumn stipulated that you have to show photo ID which must match the name on your ticket to be allowed in on the night.

Seems to be a new way to beat the touts.

It's not that new — I've been to quite a few gigs in the last few years that have required this, including The White Stripes, Arcade Fire and Arctic Monkeys.

It's a reasonable idea in principle, but in practice it all depends how they enforce it on the door. At two of those gigs I was waved through on my printed eticket, without having to show any ID at all. And there was no requirement for my companion to show anything, so I could still have touted their ticket.

As far as I can see, the only event that has really solid anti-tout measures is Glastonbury. There's no real incentive for artists, promoters or venues to implement anything.