We wanted tickets to a certain sporting event, but they sold out within hours of going on sale. We were at work so of course by the time we got home we were out of luck. Now the tickets are all over ebay at jacked up prices. Are we left with no other choice but to pay the outrageous amounts? Are there not laws in place to protect consumers from this type of price gouging?
2007-08-07 16:30:15 · 8 answers · asked by Christina S 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Scalping laws vary from state to state. Some say it is only illegal to resell on the premises of the event. Others say it is only illegal if you resell at a given profit. So, an Ebay seller could legally sell to someone if the buyer's location is right.
But---beware, beware, beware of counterfeit tickets! On ebay, at the event, all over the place. I know many people who have bought tickets and found out at the door that they were screwed. Not only that, but some venues will even treat the buyer like the criminal for presenting a phony pass. Buy only from verified sources!
2007-08-07 17:00:17 · answer #1 · answered by raichasays 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heh. Of course there aren't "consumer protection" laws about this sort of thing. To an extent, it's supply and demand. Some states have anti-scalping laws, but they're all criminal statutes, and give you no civil remedy.
Plus, think about it, do the high prices to an event really "harm" you like high gas or food prices? You don't get to go to a sporting event, but this is not a compensible injury.
If you're REALLY upset, and scalping is illegal, round up a posse and call out the illegal actors. And FYI - chances are you can get a ticket at the event for a much smaller markup than the markup on eBay.
2007-08-07 16:35:17 · answer #2 · answered by Ross C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, that is what you are left with...pay the outrageous price or next time, do what a lot of ppl do - play hookie from work and buy your ticket. That's the only way to protect yourself as a consumer if it's cancelled.
2007-08-07 16:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Kmmv 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't illegal in every state to scalp tickets. If it is illegal in a state they can still sell them on ebay but they aren't supposed to get more than face value.
2007-08-07 16:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are laws, but they are very hard to enforce.
Say you are in San Diego and you want tickets. The seller on ebay is in Buffalo NY. Your local or state police can't really do anything about it.
2007-08-07 16:50:11 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stop Crying
2007-08-07 16:47:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the tickets are meant to be free and should be given to a variety of Americans to represent the majority that can't attend. They should be given to the most exemplary among us... not to be sold to any schmuck with money in his hands. If we allow them to be sold to the highest bidder we end up with a possible assassin instead of a person that may have devoted their lives to charity or that has overcome great obstacles to become a success. And because I KNOW someone is going to say it ... no, we do NOT want an assassin in the mix ... this isn't about Obama ... this is about protecting a tradition, and 4 years from now there might be a republican being inaugurated ... and passing a law against selling these tickets will stand for many administrations, not just this one.
2016-05-21 03:37:10 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ticket scalping is only illegal at the event.
2007-08-07 16:38:06 · answer #8 · answered by DOOM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋