Other Languages{The following article has been updated to better clarify consumer rights in Washington.}
Along with beautiful weather, the summertime provides many families and individuals with the opportunity to enjoy events meant to entertain, such as a sporting event or Broadway musical. Despite the expected feelings of excitement and anticipation for such an occasion, there is also the potential for consumer exploitation or disappointment.
When consumers purchase tickets, the seller typically outlines "terms and conditions" of the sale, including any right to obtain a refund if an event is postponed or cancelled. When bought in person, the "terms and conditions" for a ticket are literally in "fine print" on the back of the ticket. Over time, tickets have become bought less and less frequently in person and increasingly over the phone or online. Every consumer is entitled to knowing the inherent "terms and conditions" for their particular event of choice and should ask the ticket broker to outline them, if unknown. Typically, ticket sellers will only offer refunds or exchanges based on instructions from the event promoter or venue.
The interpretation of ticket buyers' rights underwent great scrutiny and controversy at last month's U.S. Open golf tournament in Farmingdale, New York. The governing body of this tournament, the United States Golf Association (USGA), has traditionally sold two kinds of tickets to this event: weeklong tickets and tickets only valid for one day. On the first day of competition, a Thursday, there was a rainstorm fairly early into the day that saturated the golf course and forced officials to cancel play for the rest of the day. Those who bought tickets solely for this one day of play were disappointed with the storm and scant amount of golf they were permitted to see but also hopeful that their tickets would be accepted for an entire day of play, thinking that the words on the ticket saying "One Day Only" referred to an entire day of golf, not just a calendar day.
However, the USGA was adamant that these particular tickets could not be used for any other day nor would there be a refund. Fan complaints began coming in at a rapid rate and a compromise was finally reached. Due to the weather delays, the USGA began to expect that play might need to carry over to Monday instead of the previously anticipated Sunday. They had not sold any Monday tickets and, as the New York Times reported, decided that people with tickets for Thursday could use them for Monday, provided the tournament went that long. If not, the deprived fans would receive a 50 percent refund. Play did indeed extend into Monday and a potential disaster was averted.
WHAT TO DO IF AN EVENT IS CANCELLED AND YOU CAN'T OBTAIN A REFUND
If you used a credit card to buy your tickets, you may be able to request a "chargeback" from your credit card company. You can also file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Resource Center, which will attempt to contact the seller and mediate your dispute. If we're unable to resolve your problem, you may bring a suit against the ticket seller, event promoter or venue in Small Claims Court. Keep in mind that refunds may be more difficult to obtain if you purchased secondhand tickets from a third party.
Posted 7/21/09 by Johnie Freatman
Updated 8/18/09 by Kristin Alexander