The Official "TicketMaster F***ing Sucks" thread

[booB]

I agree with the posts here. It's hard to defend them because it's not free-market decisions that got them where they are. I teach economics and I can usually rationalize any kind business decision, but ticketmaster provides a challenge in that regard. To me, the worst part is they are so secretive about what the stuff goes for. I've had students try to do some research on ticketmaster before and getting them to explain WHERE the "convenience charge" money goes is like pulling teeth. We did get one assisstant manager one time to tell us that he "thought" the convenience charge money and the processing fees actually get funneled into the same account, but he couldn't be sure.

Does anyone know or has anyone met anyone who actually works at ticketmaster? Maybe they could offer an explanation.

The only thing I can think of is that they provide some sort of extra kickback to the venues for using them. Otherwise, I can't see how they could POSSIBLY have the sort of near-monopoly they have; with the way EVERYONE complains about TicketRapist, if the venues didn't see some sort of advantage to using them, then the smaller ticket agents would be used more often.

I think the more interesting experiment would be to go to the venues and find out why they use TicketRapist as opposed to the other companies, despite the fact that their customers hate it.

 

[Kaosaur]

I agree with the posts here. It's hard to defend them because it's not free-market decisions that got them where they are. I teach economics and I can usually rationalize any kind business decision, but ticketmaster provides a challenge in that regard. To me, the worst part is they are so secretive about what the stuff goes for. I've had students try to do some research on ticketmaster before and getting them to explain WHERE the "convenience charge" money goes is like pulling teeth. We did get one assisstant manager one time to tell us that he "thought" the convenience charge money and the processing fees actually get funneled into the same account, but he couldn't be sure.

Does anyone know or has anyone met anyone who actually works at ticketmaster? Maybe they could offer an explanation.

The real truth of it is that Ticketmaster owns or is affiliated with a gigantic web of marketing & advertising companies and a bunch of years ago (2000 or so), somebody was able to prove that Ticketmaster was the source of 80% of internet advertising. It's probably a bit different now, but they're still one evil, evil company...

 

[Imagikafan]

FUCK TICKETMASTER!

 

[Jibrille]

The only thing I can think of is that they provide some sort of extra kickback to the venues for using them. Otherwise, I can't see how they could POSSIBLY have the sort of near-monopoly they have; with the way EVERYONE complains about TicketRapist, if the venues didn't see some sort of advantage to using them, then the smaller ticket agents would be used more often.

I'm pretty sure the convenience charge does not go to the venue in anyway. If you look at the sequence of charges, there's something labeled "Building Facility Charge." This is generally around $2-3 per ticket that goes to the venue. However, all the online ticket vendors have these fees. It's far from a ticketmaster exclusive idea.
I personally wouldn't be surprised if ticketmaster had some kind of deal with the labels where it was suggested to venues to become exclusive to get the better tours.

 

[Purveyor Of Evil]

Ticketbastard is about as straight as the swastika. Add-ons and extras that can't be or won't be explained.

 

[See You In Hell]

Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of Ticketmaster for it is a human number. It's number is six hundred and sixty six...

 

[rcknchairLee]

I just wonder why TicketAlternative didn't get the ticket sales this year like they did last year? Only paid $3.00 in fees last year through TicketAlternative, as opposed to $20.05 this year through TicketRapist.

 

[MetalRose]

It could be worse
"In 2004, Clear Channel was sued by a San Francisco, California man for charging a mandatory parking fee on every ticket sold for a venue, whether the person purchasing the ticket was driving alone, car-pooling, or using public transportation. This is still unresolved."

of course I need not give them any suggestions.

That means all we have to do is show our parking attendant our ticket and we park for free right?

I view it as: TicketBastard is to tickets as Clear Channel is to radio.

I so hate TicketBastard.

-Metal

 

[booB]

I just wonder why TicketAlternative didn't get the ticket sales this year like they did last year?

Center Stage = TicketMaster. The Loft = Ticket Alternative. Keep in mind that the pre-party was originally slated to take place in The Loft, and then when it was moved to Center Stage, the additional tickets sold were sold through TicketMaster.

 

[Perpet]

There is a Ticketmaster Office of some sort on the route I take to and from work every day. And every day, twice a day I give them the 1 finger salute as I pass by. Eeeehhh makes me feel a tad better.

Coldie

You go Coldie...Tomorrow can you squeeze in a salute in my name to TicketBastard Put me down for Ticket Bastard sucks...

 

[Jurakan]

Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of Ticketmaster for it is a human number. It's number is six hundred and sixty six...

...dollarth pluth twenty dollarth convenience charge

 

[Perpet]

Let him who hath understanding reckon the number of Ticketmaster for it is a human number. It's number is six hundred and sixty six...

Now I'm gonna have Number Of The Beast stuck in my head all day dammit :hotjump: Not that it isn't a classic album but ya know how that goes...:zombie:

 

[Wyvern]

Ticketrapists should be their name! I like it much more last yeat Ticket Alternative treatment for the pre-show, that I feel is a much more serious and decent company when selling tickets online.

NP: Satan Jokers - 'Vices Prives'

 

[POZEST]

I must say in a conceding tone...

I provide my own KY Jelly when dealing with Stick It Master.

Ich Kanich Anders (if i spelled it correctly, I am trying to say 'I cannot do otherwise' in German; an old timer at my last job instilled that phrase in me).

To the fella from the Lost City, cool pics. I remember watching Land of the Lost as a kid. Sleestak were horrible shots with their sling shots... even at close range LOL.

 

[Rick Pierpont]

FUnny how all of these threads about hating TicketBastard are going around these days. BTW, specifically (but not nearly limited to), at Jaxx, there is a third and much better alternative. Contact one of the local openers for tickets.

In fact, here's my post to TEOF from a couple of days ago:

"Yes, I agree. Taking $30 tickets into $40 (since I took the free standard
mail option) is pretty crazy.

You know people, there is a great way to combat this problem at MANY shows we all go too. I've been doing it for years and not only does it help save money, it also helps support the local scene.

Basically, most shows have local openers that the clubs use to help sell
tickets. They usually get a small cut, but more importantly the clubs use
that to guage the bands. If you don't meet your "quota" you don't play
there again. PERIOD. It actually kinda sucks to be put in that position.
But this is the way it works these days and I've had to deal with this in
the past couple of bands I've played in.

All you have to do is look at the clubs calendar and find out who the local
opening bands are. If you happen to like one of them, it makes the decision
really easy. If you have never heard of any of them, check out their
websites, MySpace pages, etc... to help pick one based on what you like the
most.

It really is a win-win for all involved. YOU save money by avoiding Ticket
Bastard charges, and the BAND keeps their standing with the club and may
even make a little money to help support the "habit." Additionally, not only
do you save money, TB also doesn't get your business. There will be times
when there are no local openers and you will either have to drive to the
club (the 1:45 minute ride to Jaxx wouldn't be worth it to me) or pay the
"convenience charges." Obviously the 11-12 hour drive to Atlanta would cost WAY more than it did to pay the stupid extra $10 this time."

We all feel your pain!

Too bad Glen can't do the tickets himself, but my guess is that since Center Stage uses Ticketbastard that he is forced to use them.

Yeah - I hate paying the rape and gouge fees too. But do we have a choice?

I like Jaxx where you can either use TicketBastard or pay at the door and save the a**hole fees. Too bad Center Stage isn't set up like that.

Oh well, what can you do? Not much.