If there is the will…
June 8th, 2009
We could end ticket scalping. And while not as cool as ending ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, it would be sweet to have been a part of something that makes a fundamental innovation in the way of things.
A PR win would be good for a change too.
?
Amen and keep up the good work!
one of our execs discussing w. the CEO of StubHub:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1146036901&play=1
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1146033371&play=1
Interesting interviews. I like the technology and the protection against scalping; however, what do you do in a situation where you’ve purchased tickets you can no longer use and you want to permit a friend to buy them for face value?
I’ve been amazed at how everyone keeps latching onto this scenario as a dealbreaker – how often does it really happen, and on the whole is it worse than before? The technology and TM’s customer service could easily support a refund and re-listing of the tickets, but generally we do not allow refunds. If the business merits it I’m sure we can find a solution.
It’s a real scenario, especially since tickets are often purchased so far in advance. If this is a frequent question, then it does seem to support the need for a solution. Airlines permit people the choice of printing the boarding pass 24 hours before the flight or doing it at the airport. Is that an option? Sure, it wouldn’t eliminate scalpers, but it would provide options for those who want to carry the piece of paper, don’t want to give a teenager their credit care, or need to let someone else use the ticket. Can you reassign tickets via a phone call or website with a confirmation code? Yes, a scalper (not onsite) could still sell the ticket, but it’s harder.
I was thinking of allowing a return via our support line outside of a nominal time frame, minus a restocking fee. Or allowing a posting on our Exchange site where we can cap the markup. ultimately it is up to our clients.