Ticketmaster
reviews and complaints

After purchasing a Concert Package through Ticketmaster the offer was changed to include worthless merchandise. I contacted Ticketmaster whom after rudely transferring me around from call center to call center, passed me off to Randy Braverman of Brothers Merchandising. A man who seems helpful at first, but simply keeps putting you off in the hopes you will go away. The overall plan here is to deliver the junk they substituted your items for as close to the concert date as possible and keep you questioning it long enough to make your credit card company unable to reverse the charges they made to your card. In the end both Randy Braverman and Ticketmaster both prove to not be concerned with customer service and ethical business, but only concerned with how much money they can make.

Paid £285 each for 2 VIP experience tickets.

Face value of tickets £70 (ok).

Recieved a programme worth £15 leaving a balance of £200.

This £200 got me 3 drinks and a mouthful of food.

The service was disgusting and at one point the bar ran out of beer.

The information we recieved before the event was non existant and we spent the first half hour walking backwards and forwards until eventually we got to the so called "VIP Area" in this case a place called The Loft. While sitting there we spoke to other couples who felt exactly the same as us and it appeared to all of us the only way you can obtain decent tickets for big events such as this, is to buy a package.

This is something i will never do again and i will be asking TicketMaster how they justify the prices that we had to pay.

I feel i deserve some sort of explanation and even compensation for the false claims i was given before the event on the TicketMaster website.

This is ridiculous, our tickets were canceled and we were never called! We had exceptional seats one row from the stage for the Bill Cosby performance at the Horshoe Casino in Tunica, MS! When a friend said the date was changed for the show we assumed that we would be reissued however we were not so now we are stuck taking the worst seats in the house. I work in Corporate Guest Satisfaction research and I can tell you this is an unacceptable and frankly extremely shady business practice. I will certainly post my concerns to every social media site available including Twitter, Facebook, ConsumerAffairs.com, etc. as I would hate for anyone else to get caught up in these unscrupulous business practices.

This is ridiculous, our tickets were canceled and we were never called! We had exceptional seats one row from the stage! When a friend said the date was changed for the show we assumed that we would be reissued however we were not so now we are stuck taking the worst seats in the house. I work in Corporate Guest Satisfaction research and I can tell you this is an unacceptable and frankly extremely shady business practice. I will certainly post my concerns to every social media site available including Twitter, Facebook, ConsumerAffairs.com, etc. as I would hate for anyone else to get caught up in these unscrupulous business practices.

James P.

03.25.2010 Just saw the charge on my credit card statement from Complete Savings that put me over the limit. When I called the number, I was informed that it was from when I purchased tickets from Ticketmaster and checked a box for this on checkout screen. The last time I purchased tickets was for Rob Zombie back in OCTOBER! They give you a 30-day 'free' trial, then start charging your card $12 per month. This just happened to be the first time their charges put me over the limit! What a crock.

Should you be told that a venue will close a show early?
Ticketmaster handled tickets for Joanna Newsom's concert on March 13 at the Phoenix in Toronto. It was billed as an early show, doors open at 6:00pm -- no other qualifiers noted. The opening band played a modest set, then there was a prolonged set-up for Newsom's band. She got to the stage late, around 8:00pm, and after playing for around an hour she announced to the crowd that the venue had told her that she could not play past 9:00 pm, because they double book the club for a dance and drink event at 10:00.
NICE. So she finished her song and left, no time for an encore -- and they herded us to the doors.

Jan/2010. Ticket Master told me about a $40 off on the tickets I had just purchased and transferred me to Travelers Advantage. I was to get a credit right away for the purchased tickets.

I listened to the Travelers Advantage spiel. I signed up for $1, as a trial. I was to get $40 off on the tickets I had just purchased.

I got my membership number right away. Then I got my savings certificates to send in.

They expired December, 2009. And they are 4-$10 certificates requiring an original receipt from Ticket Master. I did all my ordering and received my "tickets" online. There was no receipt.

After reading all the bad stuff online about this group. I plan to cancel immediately.

In August 19, 2009 I took my family to the Paul McCartney concert in Dallas, a long awaited event that my children (9 and 12 years-old) were very excited to be attending. I purchased 4 floor tickets. As was to be expected, it was very crowded. My 9 year old son had been the most excited of all to get to see Paul play. A lot of people brought their kids to the concert.
However, the pleasure was short lived. A couple seated behind us, drinking the whole time, took all the pleasure out of the event. When Paul started to play all the other kids were standing on their seats in order to see. My 9 year old son, who is only about 3-3/4 ft. tall, asked my permission to stand on his seat, and I let him. The woman behind us complained even though she was sitting directly behind me and to the left of my son. She and her boyfriend complained that they would get security. I took it upon myself to talk to security as well and was told it was okay for him to stand on his seat.
After a few minutes the woman went to get another beer and returned, followed by security. Without a word to me, security abruptly pointed to my son and made him sit down. He started crying, curled up in his seat and eventually cried himself to sleep. He missed the entire concert because of a very disagreeable drunk. This event security person took it upon himself to make my son sit down even though hundreds of kids remained standing on their seats throughout the performance and no security person approached them. I could not explain to my son why all the other kids were allowed to get up on their seats but not him. I was very uncomfortable having this couple directly behind me holding beer bottles in their hands for the remainder of the concert since they had been very hostile toward us from the moment they sat down.
The ‘event security’ had a communication problem since they did not even agree among themselves whether children should be allowed to stand on their seats. There was no general communication that controlled this situation and it was not applied equally throughout the audience. My point is, security handled this incorrectly, they should first have gotten my attention before abruptly correcting my son. Next, the correction should have been equally applied to all. We were singled out among many to be the exception to the rule and it was my whole family that suffered. What was to have been a high point in our vacation was turned into a disaster.
Now I'm requesting Ticketmaster to reimburse me for the price of only me and my son’s tickets ($390.10). I feel it is only fair that I pay for my other son’s and wife’s tickets. I feel that TicketMaster, as the vendor providing the service should be responsible for this decision. I expect a contractor to be accountable for all subcontractors who render the services purchased. We were denied the right to enjoy the service provided even though others doing exactly the same thing were allowed to continue and enjoy the concert.
American Express has contacted TicketMaster several times and they have refused to give me a refund. They have even refused to a 3 way conference call with American Express and me, in order to resolve this issue.
Also, American Express does NOT protect their customers when they don’t receive the services their customers pay for. I contacted their legal department on this issue, and I was basically told that they will not interfere with TicketMaster’s decision.
Let this be a warning to those people that charge their concert tickets on American Express.
I should have charged the tickets on Visa, because I know they will protect their customers.

This is regarding the Zac Brown Band concert in Nashville TN. I bought the tickets online and my card was even charged. However, I found out 3 hours before the show that my ticket was actually cancelled. Needless to say I did not get to see the concert which I have waited for and planned about.

After finding out that my ticket was cancelled, the staff from the Ryman Auditorium called your customer service department and was told that the reason why it was cancelled is because the debit card that I used in buying the ticket was flagged in connection with the first occasion wherein the NBA Lakers-Piston game was cancelled.

That time, November 17, 2009 to be exact my bank held my debit card for "anomalous" activity. That prompted your end to cancel the tickets I bought. I called your customer service and was lucky enough to get another set of tickets for the same game. The girl I spoke to was able to use the same debit card I used after telling her that is where I put my money. She furthermore advised me that I should not worry about using the same debit card in buying tickets from Ticketmaster in the future since she removed the flag on the card.

Came the concert of Zac Brown Band on Dec 28, 2009 at The Ryman Auditorium. Again, to my surprise, the ticket was cancelled because of the fact that my card was still flagged on your system and NOT with my bank. That was the 2nd time you cancelled my purchase without even advising me of the situation.

I flew 12 thousand miles from Manila, Philippines to Orlando Florida and then drove from there to Nashville for about 11 hours JUST to see the band in concert. I paid $2500 for my plane ticket and spent another $3000 for my accomodation, food, gas and other necessities.

Spending almost $6000 of my hard earned money on a concert event only to miss it because of a great lapse on your part is way beyond upsetting! Then your staff told me the most you can do is to put back the money back to my account! It's just about right because you declined my purchase for the 2nd time when I was assured that it won't happen again!

You make millions of money on marks up prices and that is the most that you could offer? I would not be like this had I not gone through all that hardships just to see my favorite band. But because of your incompetence and irresponsible handling of problems, I have to go home to Manila extremely upset and disappointed.

I called ticketmaster the day that the tickets went on sale for taylor swift in birmingham alabama in march of 2009. I told the man on the phone i needed three tickets i am going to take my daughter and her little friend for my daughter's 12th birthday. The man says Okay they will be mailed in a few days, to my surprise i got three tickets 1 seat on row G and two seats on row L the seat on row G was number 11 and thw two on row L were seat numbers 16 & 17. WELL duh ticketmaster... to take two children 11 & 12 year olds don't you think they need to sit with an adult? and they are girls also duhhhhh... anyway I tried to solve this problem in everyway i have complained on every website possible taylor swift websites and kellie pickler websites and BBB which still swept it under the rug...anyway...I WILL NEVER EVER purchase another concert ticket through them again..

I bought tickets online to a concert for my girlfriend and friends, I chose the option for them to be sent to my home via mail, as I have before, knowing we would be late due to having to work that day. I was sent confirmation that they had been printed and was waiting there arrival. No tickets, so I e-mailed there customer service and was told they would be waiting at the box office. I wrote back and explained we would be late. I got no response. I then called customer service and was told there was nothing they could do. We decided to go anyway. After driving the 200 miles to the venue, guess what, the box office was closed!$500 and 8 hours of my time and no concert! I can not understand why they are so unwilling to fulfill their legal obligation! Needles to say the only concerts I will be going to is ones that don't sell through Ticketmaster!

What can ticket master think of to make money. You order on the Internet which mean:

1) they don't have to pay people to answer you on the phone
2) they don't have any printing or shipping costs becausethey send you a PDF file

and still they charge you fees with various names (convenience charge, order processing fee, fats track, ...)

In the end your ticket is way more expensive that what they advertise. ENtertainement venues should not let them steal money that way from costumers. There should be another choice to purchase tickets.

I became a fanclub member of Michael Buble' since it promised to give an opportunity to buy concert tickets early and the ability to choose seats. After loging into my account on fan club website and choosing the concert I was redirected to ticketmaster where it asked for a specific password from the fan account. I entered the password and followed the directions to find no tickets available and ticketmaster immediately took me to another page where the best seats are auctioned off.
I later noticed on the Michael Buble' website that I'm not the only one and it seems to me Ticketmaster is actually buying up the best seats and making even more money. This is wrong!

Bought VIP package for Velvet Revolver and have been getting the run around from ticket master, Paid $185 per ticket and did not receive what Tickert Master says they stand behind on their web-site and it is a week away from the concert and still they cannot tell us what we are to receive for a $125 more per ticket for their so called exclusive vip package for the Showbox for Velvet Revolver on May 7th through Live Nation who is promoting the event! What a SCAM!

If you purchase a concert ticket from Ticketmaster and decide to also buy the BluePrint 3 CD you pay ticketmaster and later they send you an email telling you where to get the CD - with an additional shipping and handling cost of over 70% of the price of the CD (same price as any brick and mortar store, plus 70%). Worse, you then enter the "redemption code" at musictoday.com and you are charged again for the CD plus S&H. All in all, about $25 for a $9.99 CD. Musictoday.com then denies knowledge of the deal.

See emails below. How many fans are you ripping off in concert with Ticketmaster?

Dear Jay-Z Fan,

Thank you for adding "The Blueprint 3" to your ticket order. The album was released on CD on September 8, 2009 and MP3 on September 11, 2009.

If you would like to receive "The Blueprint 3" in an MP3 format please follow the instructions below.
Go to http://jayz-blueprint3.shop.musictoday.com/Cart.aspx?sku=YZDD26MP256
Enter the redemption code(s) listed below into the box provided on the screen
Add other merchandise to your order if desired (15% off t-shirts with this order)
Complete the purchase process by choosing "Proceed to Checkout"
Please do not use copy/paste the redemption code as it may result in an extra space once pasted

If you would like to receive a physical CD of "The Blueprint 3" please follow the instructions below.

Please note that if you choose to receive a physical CD you will be charged additional fees by Music Today for shipping/handling charges and applicable taxes on the shipping cost.
Go to http://jayz-blueprint3.shop.musictoday.com/Cart.aspx?sku=YZCD16
Enter the redemption code(s) listed below into the box provided on the screen
Add other merchandise to your order if desired (15% off t-shirts with this order)
Complete the purchase process by choosing "Proceed to Checkout"
Please do not use copy/paste the redemption code as it may result in an extra space once pasted

Your Redemption Code(s):
BPIIIBB2GRCBG

Please note:
Each code is valid for ONE time use. Once used the code will be deactivated.
For all CD orders, you order will ship within 2 business days after redeeming the album using the above instructions.
For all MP3 orders, the Blueprint 3 will be available for download beginning at Midnight on September 11, 2009 and will be available immediately for orders placed after this time.
Shipping times are determined by the shipping option chosen during the redemption process. You will choose your shipping option when you redeem your album using the above instructions.
Inquiries related to the ticket purchase only can be directed to http://www.ticketmaster.com/h/help.html
Inquiries related to your Blueprint 3 album purchase can be directed to [protected]@musictoday.com

MAC.[protected]@HOTMAIL.COM
24-43433
/

From: Musictoday
Sent: Friday, September 18, 2009 2:04 PM
To: mac.[protected]@hotmail.com
Subject: The Official Jay-Z Website: The Blueprint 3 Store [Incident: [protected]]

Recently you requested assistance from our email support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response.

Subject
The Official Jay-Z Website: The Blueprint 3 Store

Discussion Thread
Response (Gina) 09/18/2009 04:04 PM
Hello,

Thank you for choosing Musictoday.

We are not ticketmaster.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Gina
Customer Service
www.musictoday.com
Toll Free (US): 877-MUSIC-[protected])
International: [protected]
Customer 09/18/2009 03:13 PM
I entered my redemption code - BPIIIBB2GRCBG - from the ticketmaster website but it appears I was then charged twice for the purchase plus an additionally shipping and handling charge of over $7 that was not disclosed at the time of purchase from ticketmaster!.
Please let me know this will be corrected or I will have to stop payment. Thank you.

Robert McCarthy
708 McKelligon Dr
El Paso TX 79902
mac.[protected]@hotmail.com
[protected]

We have the government attacking the credit card companies for thier outrageous fees, what is up with buying a lawn seat for $28.00 then charging $6.00 for a parking fee, $1.00 for charity and then $12.50 for a ticket fee. I would like details to substantiate these fees. It is my choice where to park, also my choice whether or not I would like to give to a charity and a ticket fee? For what? I print my own ticket. So another $19.50 on top of the ticket price. How about I bill you for my ink cartridge and also the actual price paid for parking near the venue. And how about a donation to my family for food, clothing and heat to keep my family warm is this recession.

Ticketmaster is the worst of the worst companies. I just had the worst experience regarding fraud. Some jerk in california (I live in illinois) charged 4 tickets to lil wayne and 4 tickets to the la dodgers using a virtual credit card number, oh so magically linked to my mastercard. They had no security code, but somehow they accepted anyway. After speaking with seven (No exaggeration) they assured me everything was extinct. Exactly 30 minutes later i received a call from there fraud department that another charge has gone through. They are a rip off company and i would bet everything that this is an inside job from a staff member. There supervisors suck! I spoke with angie from texas id# 745 who literally laughed then thanked me for being a customer and hung up on me. What a disaster. Just wanted to share with you a prime example on the thieves they are. All they want to do is argue instead of help.

Be warned

Having joined ac/dc fanclub and purchasing 2 seating tickets for hampden gig after tickets had been on sale for under 2 minutes! tickets were sent out through ticket master!
the seats we arrived at on night of concert were a total disgrace, we could see the side of the stage not anything that was on it and could only see performers when they came out onto podium! apparently their set was amazing with a huge train etc on stage mmm didnt see a thing now as im aware these should have been sold as restricted view tickets and not charged full price for them however we were charged full price and after selecting "best available" option I was under the impression Id at least get to see the stage of the gig i was attending!
On the night i spoke to a woman who had bought 2 tickets the second time round, after all tickets sold out they then released more tickets due to demand... this woman had seats right in the centre of the stadium at the front!
I feel as if i have been robbed and after looking forward to this gig for months indeed it was a complete waste of time! I have attached a photo from where I was sitting i have zoomed in 100% but gives you the view we had! not accaptable ill think you will agree !

Here it is! I bought 4 tickets for the Manitoba Moose vs Hershey Bears game, which would of been on the June 14 2009. But the Manitoba Moose lost game 6 and therefor game 7 was canceled.
So, the tickets came to 89.00$.
I called Ticketmaster, and asked them about how they did the refund of a canceled event. They said the would refund 89.00$- 3$ for a processing fee.
The rep and a supervisor both told me that the 3$ was a non-refundable fee even though the event was canceled.
Well after they refunded the 86$, i went onto their website and looked up even further, and turns out for a event thats been scheduled to take place in Canada, the processing fee is reimbursed.
so i called ticket master, and i was right, so the 3$ was refunded back to me.
The rep/supervisor b4 was using an older policy and the website is the most current policy.
Im just putting this out there, because I dont know how many other people were ripped off in Manitoba, but they shouldve gotten their processing fee back.