Ticketmaster monster - how do they still get away with it? (1 Viewer)

[Kiddnets]

For years Ticketmaster has had a monopoly on live events charging ridiculous fees. Also for years Ive read of potential challenges to them that never come to fruition - now they have gotten even bolder cornering the re-sale market so you cant even tell what is face and whats resale and they profit off both

This seems to be an issue where I have yet to see a swell of defenders for this nonsense - I assume they pay monster bucks for political lobbying but it seems to be working on both sides which is rare.

How is this possibly still continuing - is there any groundswell to reign them in and make this a much fairer process? This seems to be a layup yet it lingers on....am I missing something? Im sick of paying monster fees for clicking a button.

 

[titusbramble]

Because people keep on using it

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Last I checked it tells you when it’s a verified resale ticket vs standard ticket? Has that changed in the last few days?

But yeah, it sucks. At least they show the all in pricing now

 

[foxco]

Pearl Jam was right!

 

[Phil Elliott]

"The artist is preventing you from reselling your tickets. However we will buy them back from you (for about half price)." (and we will sell them again for the price you originally purchased them for.) "click the link below for your buy-back offer". "You can transfer them to someone if you like".
Will never use TM again.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Man if only there were a technology to take digital tickets and make them into a non-fungible asset that you truly own and can gift or re-sell on your own accord just like a physical ticket without having to go through some broker that marks everything up.

If only...

 

[NutterButter]

I don't mind the initial fees. I do have a huge problem with scalpers. Its a shame that we're still allowing these people to drive up the price of tickets. Could be such an easy problem to fix but would only be done through regulation.

 

[Kiddnets]

I just dont get how they are teflon - should be an easy political layup for both sides to take out this unpopular giant....they must be pumping ungodly money behind the scenes!

 

[NutterButter]

I just dont get how they are teflon - should be an easy political layup for both sides to take out this unpopular giant....they must be pumping ungodly money behind the scenes!

Probably a combination of factors. No organized grassroots movement taking up the cause from the other side. It gotta a little publicity for a bit with swift and springsteen tickets but otherwise, I never hear about it. Its also more of a problem for the more well off. And its not like some mandatory expense. If you can't afford it you just don't go. So surely enough lobbying dollars to counteract the minimal pressure politicians would feel. While I hate the scalpers, the reality is that I still wouldn't be able to go to some of events (certainly not for the seats i desire) b/c the demand just far exceeds the supply. Like you can go to some stadium concert and say you were there but I have no desire to sit in nosebleed seats. Plenty of smaller acts to see.

 

[BassNBrew]

Seems like Ticketmaster is implementing a system to prevent scalping. Yeah, they are making a killing from it, but prices are kept in check for the public

 

[NutterButter]

Seems like Ticketmaster is implementing a system to prevent scalping. Yeah, they are making a killing from it, but prices are kept in check for the public

Are you saying that's forthcoming or that's the intention of the existing system?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Ticketmaster got tired of illegal scalpers making money so they made themselves the legal scalpers.

 

[BassNBrew]

Seems like Ticketmaster is implementing a system to prevent scalping. Yeah, they are making a killing from it, but prices are kept in check for the public

Are you saying that's forthcoming or that's the intention of the existing system?

Intention of the existing system when the artist opts in.

From chatgpt

What’s changed recently: more “Face-Value + capped resale” events​

• Olivia Dean — a high-profile model of resale-cap adoption​

• In November 2025, Olivia Dean publicly criticized inflated resale prices for her upcoming North American tour, calling resale markups “vile.” The Guardian+2CMU | the music business explained+2
• In response, Ticketmaster announced that for her tour it will cap resale prices on its site at face value and refund fans who had overpaid on resale tickets. San Francisco Chronicle+2Ticketmaster Business+2
• This means resale on Ticketmaster for her shows will only be allowed at what you originally paid — no markups, no “scalper prices.” Ticketmaster Blog+2Ticketmaster Business+2

• Ticketmaster’s broader move to limit scalper tools (2025)​

• As of October 2025, Ticketmaster (via parent company Live Nation) announced it will shut down a tool called “TradeDesk,” which had been used by brokers/resellers. This was part of a broader crackdown on resales that exceed limits or facilitate scalping. Forbes+1
• The stated goal: limit resale abuses and prevent brokers from mass-buying and flipping tickets. Forbes+1

• “Face Value Exchange” isn’t new — but more artists are using it now​

• The mechanism of a “face-value ticket exchange” has existed for years on Ticketmaster. Under that system, resale tickets are restricted to the original purchase price (face value + fees), and resale is allowed only within that constraint. Ticketmaster Blog+2Ticketmaster Help+2
• What’s changing is who uses it: more artists/promoters seem to be opting in — particularly in response to public pressure over resale markups and scalping abuses. The Olivia Dean example shows that. Ticketmaster Business+2Colourful+2

 

[shuke]

"The artist is preventing you from reselling your tickets. However we will buy them back from you (for about half price)." (and we will sell them again for the price you originally purchased them for.) "click the link below for your buy-back offer". "You can transfer them to someone if you like".
Will never use TM again.

Look, I hate TM as much as the next guy, but isn't this actually discouraging scalping?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice. Almost all venues have an agreement in place where someone cannot hold an event there unless the tickets are sold through Ticketmaster (or Live Nation...same thing), so for fans it's either go to zero concerts or feed the TM machine.

 

[NutterButter]

Seems like Ticketmaster is implementing a system to prevent scalping. Yeah, they are making a killing from it, but prices are kept in check for the public

Are you saying that's forthcoming or that's the intention of the existing system?

Intention of the existing system when the artist opts in.

From chatgpt

What’s changed recently: more “Face-Value + capped resale” events​

• Olivia Dean — a high-profile model of resale-cap adoption​

• In November 2025, Olivia Dean publicly criticized inflated resale prices for her upcoming North American tour, calling resale markups “vile.” The Guardian+2CMU | the music business explained+2
• In response, Ticketmaster announced that for her tour it will cap resale prices on its site at face value and refund fans who had overpaid on resale tickets. San Francisco Chronicle+2Ticketmaster Business+2
• This means resale on Ticketmaster for her shows will only be allowed at what you originally paid — no markups, no “scalper prices.” Ticketmaster Blog+2Ticketmaster Business+2

• Ticketmaster’s broader move to limit scalper tools (2025)​

• As of October 2025, Ticketmaster (via parent company Live Nation) announced it will shut down a tool called “TradeDesk,” which had been used by brokers/resellers. This was part of a broader crackdown on resales that exceed limits or facilitate scalping. Forbes+1
• The stated goal: limit resale abuses and prevent brokers from mass-buying and flipping tickets. Forbes+1

• “Face Value Exchange” isn’t new — but more artists are using it now​

• The mechanism of a “face-value ticket exchange” has existed for years on Ticketmaster. Under that system, resale tickets are restricted to the original purchase price (face value + fees), and resale is allowed only within that constraint. Ticketmaster Blog+2Ticketmaster Help+2
• What’s changing is who uses it: more artists/promoters seem to be opting in — particularly in response to public pressure over resale markups and scalping abuses. The Olivia Dean example shows that. Ticketmaster Business+2Colourful+2

Does this do anything to curb re-sale pricing on third party sites like stubhub and vivid seats? I'm not sure why a re-seller would even use ticketmaster with these restrictions in place. Maybe the buyers feel a little more confident buying on the platform that actually controls the tickets?

 

[kupcho1]

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

 

[Phil Elliott]

"The artist is preventing you from reselling your tickets. However we will buy them back from you (for about half price)." (and we will sell them again for the price you originally purchased them for.) "click the link below for your buy-back offer". "You can transfer them to someone if you like".
Will never use TM again.

Look, I hate TM as much as the next guy, but isn't this actually discouraging scalping?

We had to make a last minute trip due to a relative's health issue. I would have been happy reselling the tickets at face value. They can control that.

 

[titusbramble]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

 

[Ghost Rider]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Please name them. I usually go to 4-5 shows a year on average and I cannot remember the last time I went to one where the tickets didn't have to be bought from Ticketmaster or Live Nation. And most of the shows I go to fall under the "rock" banner (whether classic rock, hard rock, prog rock, etc.).

 

[kupcho1]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Lolz

You realize they front for sports teams as well, right? Are you saying you'd relocate if Bumble**** FC used ticketmaster and Scuzbury United didn't?

Of course not.

 

[Phil Elliott]

I like the $2-$3 fee. Oh that's a typo...I meant 20%-30% fee.

 

[NutterButter]

I don't even know why they disclose their fee. People would probably be a lot happier just not knowing. Just tell us the price. Where that money goes (artist, promoter, tm, venue, etc) is a great mystery just like with everything else we buy.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

I don't even know they disclose their fee. People would probably be a lot happier just not knowing. Just tell us the price. Where that money goes is a great mystery just like with everything else we buy.

That’s how it is now, not sure if they show a breakdown

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

 

[Desert_Power]

Good luck expecting consumer protections in this environment. The situation with Ticketmaster will continue to get worse as Oil nations plow money into sportswashing their images.

 

[NutterButter]

I don't even know they disclose their fee. People would probably be a lot happier just not knowing. Just tell us the price. Where that money goes is a great mystery just like with everything else we buy.

That’s how it is now, not sure if they show a breakdown

They show the fee. Just not sure why they'd even do that.

 

[NutterButter]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

Can you? Like for a concert? Do they have an allotment of seats reserved?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Please name them. I usually go to 4-5 shows a year on average and I cannot remember the last time I went to one where the tickets didn't have to be bought from Ticketmaster or Live Nation. And most of the shows I go to fall under the "rock" banner (whether classic rock, hard rock, prog rock, etc.).

Same company. Live Nation is the booker / promoter and Ticketmaster is the ticket seller

AXS and Ticketweb are the others Ive used but it’s all just venue specific

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

Can you? Like for a concert? Do they have an allotment of seats reserved?

Yeah. It’s all basically the same system as far as I understand it. I mean it sucks if you want premium seats as soon as they go onsale, but if it’s a show that isn’t sold out just go to the venue box office any day prior to the show and you can purchase tickets at face value (or possibly a small venue specific fee)

 

[higgins]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

X

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

X

Link?

 

[higgins]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

X

Link?

No link — personal experience. But you did caveat “most cases” so you got me there.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

X

Link?

No link — personal experience. But you did caveat “most cases” so you got me there.

They charged you the same amount as Ticketmaster would have?

 

[higgins]

Also in most cases I believe you can go buy directly from the box office for no or minimal fees

X

Link?

No link — personal experience. But you did caveat “most cases” so you got me there.

They charged you the same amount as Ticketmaster would have?

Purchasing thru them went straight to TM (when a week earlier it was not processed that way).

 

[titusbramble]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Please name them. I usually go to 4-5 shows a year on average and I cannot remember the last time I went to one where the tickets didn't have to be bought from Ticketmaster or Live Nation. And most of the shows I go to fall under the "rock" banner (whether classic rock, hard rock, prog rock, etc.).

This might be a US/non-US thing to some degree, but pretty much all of the local venues here don't outsource to these companies. Heck, the place I've been to the most I can still walk into their box office and buy an actual ticket. Yes, the biggest venue in town does this, but as it's an awful venue acoustically and typically only books artists who are massively overpriced before fees, it doesn't affect me

 

[titusbramble]

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Lolz

You realize they front for sports teams as well, right? Are you saying you'd relocate if Bumble**** FC used ticketmaster and Scuzbury United didn't?

Of course not.

Again, another US/non-US thing. Your professional leagues operate as a collective entity that can dictate things like this. Ours don't and it is left to the clubs. But the same thing applies. If and when my club forces a digital season ticket rather than a physical season ticket, it doesn't get renewed. If they stop taking cash at the concession stands, then I stop spending money in the stadium.

 

[titusbramble]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Please name them. I usually go to 4-5 shows a year on average and I cannot remember the last time I went to one where the tickets didn't have to be bought from Ticketmaster or Live Nation. And most of the shows I go to fall under the "rock" banner (whether classic rock, hard rock, prog rock, etc.).

Same company. Live Nation is the booker / promoter and Ticketmaster is the ticket seller

AXS and Ticketweb are the others Ive used but it’s all just venue specific

Yep, it's the venues that determine who sells the tickets. If you only watch huge bands that will only show up in the Memecoin Arena and nothing smaller, who happen to have a contract with Ticketmaster, then don't be surprised if the only tickets you ever buy are through Ticketmaster

 

[Kiddnets]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice. Almost all venues have an agreement in place where someone cannot hold an event there unless the tickets are sold through Ticketmaster (or Live Nation...same thing), so for fans it's either go to zero concerts or feed the TM machine.

exactly - isn't that the definition of a monopoly?

 

[Todem]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice. Almost all venues have an agreement in place where someone cannot hold an event there unless the tickets are sold through Ticketmaster (or Live Nation...same thing), so for fans it's either go to zero concerts or feed the TM machine.

We call that a monopoly which is supposed to not get through antitrust laws but oh wait….pay to play.

This is a product of our Federal Trade Commission.

Plain and simple. They failed us miserably with allowing Live Nation and TM to merge many moons ago.

It’s ********* and a broken system that screws literally everyone except their stock and BOD.

An utter scam. Legalized mafia outfit.

But we have no choice right? This is as anti american as it gets but yet is the norm in corporate America now.

It’s all broken.

 

[Todem]

Because people keep on using it

If someone wants to go to concerts and see the bands/artists they love, they have no choice.

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Please name them. I usually go to 4-5 shows a year on average and I cannot remember the last time I went to one where the tickets didn't have to be bought from Ticketmaster or Live Nation. And most of the shows I go to fall under the "rock" banner (whether classic rock, hard rock, prog rock, etc.).

Same company. Live Nation is the booker / promoter and Ticketmaster is the ticket seller

AXS and Ticketweb are the others Ive used but it’s all just venue specific

Yep, it's the venues that determine who sells the tickets. If you only watch huge bands that will only show up in the Memecoin Arena and nothing smaller, who happen to have a contract with Ticketmaster, then don't be surprised if the only tickets you ever buy are through Ticketmaster

Even hole in the wall clubs are in bed with TM.

 

[BassNBrew]

I don't even know they disclose their fee. People would probably be a lot happier just not knowing. Just tell us the price. Where that money goes is a great mystery just like with everything else we buy.

That’s how it is now, not sure if they show a breakdown

They show the fee. Just not sure why they'd even do that.

I believe CA passed a that all fees have to be disclosed and pretty much everyone who does businee in multiple states shows them across the board. Same thing popped up on running event signups at Ultra Marathon.

 

[Dennis Castro]

I just dont get how they are teflon - should be an easy political layup for both sides to take out this unpopular giant....they must be pumping ungodly money behind the scenes!

I have long said that I would gladly give my vote to whoever would confront issues like this one - or cable TV extortion, pop-up advertising, commercials being louder than the show, or anything else that makes life annoying on a daily basis.

As far as I can figure, we haven’t seen anything like that which has had universal support and actually worked, since the original Do-Not-Call list.

 

[The Z Machine]

Because people keep on using it

Quite often there are no other options. Believe me, if there were, I'd be using them.

It is really ****ing simple. Have principles. If Ticketmaster is that much of a turn off, then DON'T BUY THE TICKETS. There are many, many artists that do not play ball with these companies you claim have a monopoly. Simply @ the artist in question and say you've not bought a ticket because reasons and indicate you will redistribute the money watching other bands that aren't money grabbing ****s. Granted, in a lot of cases, they will sell out regardless and not care. But how on earth will artists get the message if you're all just going to simp for Ticketmaster because "must see taylor swift" and not stand your ground?

Lolz

You realize they front for sports teams as well, right? Are you saying you'd relocate if Bumble**** FC used ticketmaster and Scuzbury United didn't?

Of course not.

Again, another US/non-US thing. Your professional leagues operate as a collective entity that can dictate things like this. Ours don't and it is left to the clubs. But the same thing applies. If and when my club forces a digital season ticket rather than a physical season ticket, it doesn't get renewed. If they stop taking cash at the concession stands, then I stop spending money in the stadium.

So sad you live in a ****hole country.