+$16, FUCK YOU Ticketmaster!

Pegasus wrote:

tthe $2.50 to either print it yourself or picking it up!!

Here we call it service fee rather than convenience fee, but both are an oxymorons!

um they mail em for free. lets be balanced.

JOEJOEJOE wrote:

It is a legal scam..its a sneaky way to raise the ticket price without raising the actual face value of the ticket.

True, it does go to the facility, but in exchange, they charge less rent to the promoter.

All business have expenses, but most don't add extra fees for maintenance and upkeep. Since the band's take is usually based on the gross ticket sales, the promoter is able to shield part of the actual gross by disguising it as a facility fee. The promoter gets a kick-back from the venue, just as they do from Ticketmaster, the caterers, security, etc.

Again its not a scam or sneaky anything. And who says the facility charges less rent to the promoter because of it??? The promoter rents the venue, now the venue has the right to charge them a fee to help maintain the facility. But why should the band and the promoter pay to maintain a facility they may only use once every 3 to 5 years??? So, the ticket purchaser pays the fee.. is it right??? hmmm maybe, maybe not. Is it legal?? sure it is.. Is it a scam?? Hell no, its stated loud and clear and plain to see what the charge is for and if you don't like it, then don't buy tickets.

As for what most businesses do... yes they do add fees, its called raising the cost of goods or services they perform. And the band's take is only based on the face value of the ticket, not the gross value after fees and taxes. So there is no shielding at all. In actuality, its more open than if the tickets were priced at a flat fee without any fees or taxes listed.

NOCODE#1 wrote:

um they mail em for free. lets be balanced.

not an option if you live overseas.

mrmojorisinca wrote:

REM in Toronto..Lawns were $29.50
after taxes and everything $46...they keep this up and soon the taxes will be more then the shows them selves..

it's already like that for flights.. by double even!

I'm not sure about all of the complaining, but I am going to see Pearl Jam, Again!

I bet that those of you complaining about these charges are the ones complaining about the price of drinks, too?

slightofjeff wrote:

are people actually defending Ticketmaster in this thread?

Jesus ... that's like rooting for the dealer in blackjack. Or the Empire in Star Wars.

In no way am I defending Ticketmaster for those charges they impose, but like others have said, either you pay them or you don't go. Yes, you can make a stand and not buy tickets to these shows and "stick" it to them. Will this work? Probably not. One of the biggest bands at the time, PJ, tried this themselves, but had no success. So, do you think that complaining or boycotting against them as a "small" group will do anything? I think not, but that is just my lonely opinion. That is the beauty of America though. We can complain about these minute things and continue on with our lives.

HailHailVitalogy wrote:

how about, you shut the fuck up...if you have nothing to contribute don't speak

the price is what it is you idiot, either pay it or have your uncle stay home. 80 bucks to see pearl jam is fair, we have been spoiled over the years with extremely low ticket price for the show you get. so stop your whining.

chromiam wrote:

Again its not a scam or sneaky anything. And who says the facility charges less rent to the promoter because of it??? The promoter rents the venue, now the venue has the right to charge them a fee to help maintain the facility. But why should the band and the promoter pay to maintain a facility they may only use once every 3 to 5 years??? So, the ticket purchaser pays the fee.. is it right??? hmmm maybe, maybe not. Is it legal?? sure it is.. Is it a scam?? Hell no, its stated loud and clear and plain to see what the charge is for and if you don't like it, then don't buy tickets.

As for what most businesses do... yes they do add fees, its called raising the cost of goods or services they perform. And the band's take is only based on the face value of the ticket, not the gross value after fees and taxes. So there is no shielding at all. In actuality, its more open than if the tickets were priced at a flat fee without any fees or taxes listed.

Comparing the concert biz to "what most businesses do" doesn't apply here.

Do you have expertise in the field, or are your opinions based on generalizations?

MisterE wrote:

It's like anything else. The concert industry will keep charging whatever they think they can get away with. Between sporting events and concerts, it's almost sickening what live entertainment costs these days. Maybe thats why I find myself less interested.....

I have to say that I agree. Maybe one of the things that pisses everyone off is the we are being scammed by these "business people" and they are making as much off of these events as the band.