By Christopher Elliott | Drawback Solved
Q: I not too long ago attended a Pink live performance and was extraordinarily disenchanted with the obstructed view from my seats. I bought two tickets via Ticketmaster for $504, and there was no indication that the view can be restricted. However once I arrived, I found a mixing sales space with tarps and scaffolding with a digital camera particular person immediately in entrance of our seats, blocking roughly two-thirds of the stage.
I instantly contacted the venue workers and requested to be moved, however the live performance was bought out. Regardless of the obstruction, I made a decision to remain for the whole live performance, as a result of Pink places on an incredible present.
Ticketmaster acknowledged that the tickets weren’t marked as obstructed view and that it breached its personal phrases of sale. Nonetheless, they initially refused to offer a full refund, putting the blame on the occasion organizer. They supplied a refund of the service charges, which amounted to roughly $50 per ticket.
Given the numerous obstruction and Ticketmaster’s admission of fault, I imagine a full refund is warranted. Paying over $200 per ticket for a severely obstructed view is unacceptable. Are you able to assist me get a full refund from Ticketmaster? — Kristi Clynes, Auburndale, Fla.
A: Ticketmaster bought you tickets that weren’t as marketed. The corporate guarantees that tickets with an obstructed view shall be clearly labeled. Yours weren’t.
You have been proper to attempt to resolve the difficulty by yourself and doc your communications with the corporate. You paid a premium value on your tickets, so a refund for the inconvenience you skilled would have been utterly justified.
I feel Ticketmaster’s preliminary provide of a refund for under the service charges was too low. You paid $504 on your tickets, and you must obtain an even bigger refund for the inconvenience you skilled.
I’m undecided if a full refund was warranted. In spite of everything, you bought to expertise the Pink live performance. I’ve additionally heard that she places on an excellent present. And one-third of a stage is healthier than no stage.
In a state of affairs like this, you adopted all the right steps for a profitable decision. You requested Ticketmaster in writing for an adjustment. You stored all the things in writing. You despatched pictures of the blocked stage. Having a paper path is crucial to getting a state of affairs like yours addressed. However regardless of your entire efforts, Ticketmaster left you hanging. (I actually couldn’t resist throwing in a Pink track title. It’s a practice on this column!)
You possibly can have despatched a short, well mannered written attraction to one of many Ticketmaster executives whose names I publish on my shopper advocacy website, Elliott.org. The executives might need been in a position to overview your case and sweeten the provide. It was undoubtedly your proper to attempt. Uh-oh, there goes one other Pink track title. Any person cease me.
You reached out to my advocacy crew. I contacted Ticketmaster in your behalf and defined the state of affairs. A consultant reviewed your case and agreed to concern an extra refund of $200 to your bank card. There you go!
