Viagogo - Concert Tickets Purchase - Refund

montyrebel

freeze wrote: »

Hi all

Earlier today I purchased four tickets to a concert next summer at Alexandra Palace through Viagogo as all the tickets had sold out within a minute of going on sale on Ticketmaster...

After purchasing I realised that the tickets were standing, panic had clearly impeded judgement somewhat.

I made this purchase on a credit card.

Where do I sit in regards to obtaining a refund?

After a quick search it seems that they have a policy of no refunds but surely purchasing over the internet and with a credit card gives the consumer some sort of protection? i.e. The Consumer Contracts Regulations and Section 75 of The Consumer Credit Card Act, would these offer me some sort of route to getting my money back?

I have emailed Viagogo to ask for a refund but would like to be armed with some sort of basic knowledge for when they do respond in case they take the no refunds line.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge/help you may be able to offer here.

:think:

Apparently nowhere, how has this not been pointed out before? :P

Mallard876

I also feel somewhat aggrieved with Viagogo. I recently bought a Celine Dion ticket through their site that my wife had found. Going through the purchase process it did become apparent that there were additional costs (VAT and admin fees), which seemed excessive, however, a quick mental calculation indicated that the figure was about right given 20% VAT. Once I had purchased the ticket and downloaded it became apparent that the face value of the ticket was somewhat lower that I had paid (by about £40) and the name on the ticket was not my wife's. I then realised that I had purchased a second-hand ticket. Checking back on the website later I could find no indication that they are merely and intermediary for private individuals selling their tickets - so if you didn't know you wouldn't know. I contacted Viagogo and asked for my money back as I felt I had been missold the ticket. They refused but did assure me that if there were any problems using the ticket they would refund in full. Now the problem with the ticket is that the original conditions state that you may not sell it on unless you cannot attend the concert and you only receive the face value of the ticket. They also state that identity checks might be carried out. Now I don't know if the seller complies with the first condition about attendance but the second about the selling price has very definitely been breeched. Also from the name on the ticket, it will be very obvious that my wife is not the person named on the ticket, both in gender and ethnic origin; consequently we have no idea whether she will be able to get into the venue as they obviously do not want people profiteering from the resale of tickets. So although Viagogo has promised a refund in the event of problems there is still the uncertainty and the waste of time going to the venue if she can't get in, not to mention the embaressment. Given the above does anyone have any views about the likelihood of being able to claim my money back from my credit card company? Thanks

bris

Mallard876 wrote: »

I also feel somewhat aggrieved with Viagogo. I recently bought a Celine Dion ticket through their site that my wife had found. Going through the purchase process it did become apparent that there were additional costs (VAT and admin fees), which seemed excessive, however, a quick mental calculation indicated that the figure was about right given 20% VAT. Once I had purchased the ticket and downloaded it became apparent that the face value of the ticket was somewhat lower that I had paid (by about £40) and the name on the ticket was not my wife's. I then realised that I had purchased a second-hand ticket. Checking back on the website later I could find no indication that they are merely and intermediary for private individuals selling their tickets - so if you didn't know you wouldn't know. I contacted Viagogo and asked for my money back as I felt I had been missold the ticket. They refused but did assure me that if there were any problems using the ticket they would refund in full. Now the problem with the ticket is that the original conditions state that you may not sell it on unless you cannot attend the concert and you only receive the face value of the ticket. They also state that identity checks might be carried out. Now I don't know if the seller complies with the first condition about attendance but the second about the selling price has very definitely been breeched. Also from the name on the ticket, it will be very obvious that my wife is not the person named on the ticket, both in gender and ethnic origin; consequently we have no idea whether she will be able to get into the venue as they obviously do not want people profiteering from the resale of tickets. So although Viagogo has promised a refund in the event of problems there is still the uncertainty and the waste of time going to the venue if she can't get in, not to mention the embaressment. Given the above does anyone have any views about the likelihood of being able to claim my money back from my credit card company? Thanks

Does nobody read anything these days, just buy and complain. The FAQs would tell you everything you needed to know including everything you are complaining about.


Profiteering, are you really that naïve?

waamo

Viagogo is the modern version of the guy stood outside a venue loudly muttering he has tickets for sale.

DCFC79

bris wrote: »

Does nobody read anything these days, just buy and complain. The FAQs would tell you everything you needed to know including everything you are complaining about.


Profiteering, are you really that naïve?

Maybe some flashing lights would make it much clearer to read the FAQ.

LilElvis

Mallard876 wrote: »

So although Viagogo has promised a refund in the event of problems there is still the uncertainty and the waste of time going to the venue if she can't get in, not to mention the embaressment.

For me the biggest embarrassment would be that my partner had spent money to see Celine Dion.

And no, your credit card company won't be interested as there is no cooling off period for ticket purchases due to change of mind/feeling ripped off. If she isn't admitted then the ticket cost will be refunded - the travel costs (and time) wasted will be a salutary reminder to read the T&Cs before hitting the "buy" button in future.

Einsteingogo1

I bought a ticket for the Athletic World Championships in London, August. When it arrived the ticket had some else's name on. This worried me so I checked the terms and conditions on the London IAAF website which states the tickets are not transferable. It also states that to gain access to the stadium photo ID is likely to be required. I could just risk it but I worry about these things. I payed by credit card and contacted them saying Viagogo had not told me the tickets were not transferable in accordance with the terms and conditions and the have set up an inquiry. They also blocked the payment. I also have tickets purchased from the London IAAF which are fine.

Einsteingogo1

I'm quite sure you won't tell you the tickets aren't transferable in their terms and contions.

KeithP

Einsteingogo1 wrote: »

I'm quite sure you won't tell you the tickets aren't transferable in their terms and contions.

Err... can you please re-phrase that?

SouthUKMan

On a slightly different note, it is also worth remembering that there is an inherent danger with buying tickets on the secondary market. Most major venues now have a policy in place which states something like "You must bring valid proof of identity. Failure to do so can result in non-admission". Yes, it is highly unlikely that you will be stopped and asked for ID at a venue, but if you are (and some venues do carry out random sample checks) and you can't prove that you are the person listed on the ticket - then you don't get into the gig and you most certainly don't get your money back. Double disappointment considering tickets on the secondary market are often highly over-inflated to start with. If you really don't want to stand at the venue, then the best thing you can do is put the tickets back up for sale in the hope that someone else will buy them. If it's a popular gig then they will sell.