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Secondary ticket sellers come under CMA scrutiny

Views are invited on whether secondary ticket platforms are offering consumers sufficient information to allow them to make informed buying decisions.

Frances Richens
2 min read

A review of secondary ticket sites, launched by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is investigating whether they offer sufficient information to buyers to comply with their undertakings and legal obligations.

The review follows a recent Government-commissioned, independent report on the secondary ticketing market, which found “little sign” of sellers providing the required information.

The CMA is inviting event organisers, secondary sellers and consumers to submit their views about secondary ticket platforms’ compliance and other issues facing the market.

The consultation is primarily focused on four secondary ticket platforms – GET ME IN!, Seatwave, StubHub and viagogo – which last year pledged to improve the information they offer buyers. Since then additional legal requirements have been introduced, specifying the information that platforms must provide about sellers and their tickets, to allow consumers to make informed buying decisions.

The CMA is welcoming views on whether or not secondary ticket platforms:

  • Collect key information from sellers and provide it to buyers before a sale, such as the face value of the ticket, the particular seat it relates to (if applicable) and any restriction of view, as well as any restrictions on its use and whether the seller is connected to the platform or the event organiser.
  • List multiple tickets in a single listing when they are not located together in the venue.
  • Provide information about additional charges, such as booking fees, when buyers select tickets.
  • Provide buyers with the contact information of the sellers.
  • Report criminal activity to the police or event organisers.

Views are invited until 12 July. The CMA will publish an update within three months and will use the information gathered to determine whether further action is required.