Ripped Off? Or Just Business As Usual??

I love the Bill Gaither Quartet.  I own most of the Gaither Homecoming CDs and Videos.  So when I heard that two of my favorite past members of the quartet (Mark Lowry and David Phelps) were rejoining for a tour, I was anxious to know more.

I went on-line and was referred to VividSeats.com to purchase tickets for an upcoming April concert in Fort Worth.

Long story made short...

I ended up paying $490 for 4 tickets.  When I actually received the tickets, the price printed on each ticket was $39.50.  Here, let me save you the time to do the math - 4 X $39.50 = $150.

I know there are various fees and surcharges and mark-ups the ticket agencies charge...BUT:

$490 - $150 = $340 in extra charges ??????

I surfed around and found similar costs on various ticket sites.

What is going on here?

The fact is, the individual consumer - that's you and me - has little chance of buying good seats for any concert directly from the original source.  Large ticket agencies are buying the best seats in huge blocks.  

I don't blame the Gaithers.  I don't think the performers have any control over this.  I do know that there is a HUGE Gaither audience of elderly retired folks on fixed incomes.  I feel sorry for them  -  even the $39 would be a stretch, but add on the extra charges, and they are totally blocked.

Something is wrong here.  Really wrong.

But if the average consumer - that's me - just puts the money down and shrugs it off as business as usual, nothing will change.

But what choice do we really have?  Pay the cash and enjoy a live concert, or save the money and stay home with my iPod? 

Comments

[Angie]

I've debated with myself many times over this dilemma. Do I take a stand and not pay the prices, hoping that someday it will make a difference but knowing that it really won't, or do I go ahead and pay the price because of my selfish want of really wanting to have the experience? The truth is as long as people out there pay the prices, the industry will stay the same. The other truth is that most people aren't willing to take that kind of stand if it means personal sacrifice.

[Randy Rodgers]

If I can't get the tickets online from the original source, I just miss the show. You have to hit it early, though, for a good show. (I won't upset you, Greg, by telling you the price I just found online. I'll just suggest Ticketluck.com.) :o