Why is ticketmaster allowed to control the market of ticket sales?

Question

Every time I want to book something, whether it be a festival, theatre, concert or sometimes even a museum Ticketmaster is the only outlet authorised to sell tickets.

So, every time its booking fees and collection fees galore which I find VERY frustrating!! I have even tried to purchase tickets in person direct from the venue and have still been told to go through ticket master, ridiculous!

Answer 1

because they have paid off the government, allowing this monopoly.

Answer 2

It's all got to do with monopolies, they pay the politicians off and we get S.C.R.E.W.E.D.!!!

Answer 3

It is marketing strategy.  It's a business thing.

Answer 4

The main thing is that Ticketmaster can provide the services and availability that most clients want and need.One that no other ticketing company has yet to be able to match.  Its actually a very complex and costly service, although to an outsider it seems pretty simple. Print ticket, go to venue. But in reality there is much more involved.

While I agree its frustrating that there are service charges tacked on to the tickets you are trying to purchase, do keep in mind that is how they make their money. All the money from the price of the ticket goes directly to the venue or promoter. Due to their charges being listed out seperately from the ticket price people get annoyed at seeing the markup advertised (the additional fees). If you saw mark up on most of the items you paid, you would be just as annoyed. Do you think it costs a store the $25 they are charging for a T Shirt? They increase the cost to make a profit, except its not listed out on the pricetag. Most of the time (not always) you can go directly to the box office or venue to purchase tickets, and avoid most of the charges. Hopefully that helps ease the frustration...a little!