The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is taking action after years of annoying sports fans and concertgoers with unexpected fees at the register. Companies like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub are required to provide the entire ticket price, including all costs, prior to clicking “buy,” starting of May 12, 2025.
The hidden costs that only appear after selecting your seats and preparing to pay with your credit cards are long gone.
Regretfully, this does not negate the possibility of fees.
They will not surprise you, but they are still there. In order for us unfortunate concertgoers to feel the pinch of our tithe and psychologically prepare before we empty our wallets, Ticketmaster will need to show them from the beginning.
The elimination of (unstated) rubbish fees
Ticketing firms, hotel booking websites, and short-term rental platforms must show total, all-in price from the beginning of the buying process under the new FTC rule.
This implies that the amount you see up front must include all service fees, processing fees, facility fees, etc.
This regulation aims to address what have been labelled garbage fees—those deceptive additions that significantly raise the final cost over the base rate that is offered.
Customers were blindsided for too long by these costs, which only appeared at the very end. Similar to the California class action against Fiverr, the FTC’s action is a part of a broader attempt to crack down on hidden costs across numerous businesses.
There are still some exceptions, though. It is not necessary for costs like taxes, shipping charges, and fees for additional goods or services to be shown immediately. However, these specific fees are less frequently misused, and the new regulations should make it much simpler for consumers to swiftly compare pricing in the future.
How other sites, like Ticketmaster, are adhering
Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub have responded by implementing “all-in” prices across the country. You will now see the entire cost (including all required fees) before checking out when you look for tickets.
Customers have been complaining for years about ticket costs that, although initially appearing fair, skyrocketed when they checked out due to service fees, processing fees, and venue surcharges. Prices were sometimes raised by 20% to 50% or more as a result of these garbage fees.
This method, according to consumer watchdogs, is dishonest and makes it practically hard for purchasers to objectively compare prices from different dealers.
Additionally, because they had already spent time on the purchase, many were compelled to pay more than they had anticipated. President Biden’s consumer protection program made addressing these garbage fees a top priority, which resulted in the FTC’s new rule.
The new rule does not control or cap the fees themselves, but it does require transparency. Service fees, processing fees, and other charges are still free for ticketing platforms and event planners. The only thing that has changed is that they can no longer unexpectedly charge you.
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The public has traditionally viewed these fees as oppressive, even if some businesses argue that they are required to pay for operating expenses.
However, detractors contend that they are still unjust and excessive. Clarity is currently the primary win in the ongoing discussion about the fairness of these payments.
The effect on other sectors
With Ticketmaster, the fight for price transparency is far from over. Similar initiatives are under progress in other sectors where consumers have long been irritated by hidden fees.
The practice of adding unexpected cleaning and resort fees to hotels and short-term rentals is currently being closely examined. Banks and credit card firms are under pressure in the financial industry to disclose late fees and overdraft costs in full.
Even airlines are being scrutinised, even though the Department of Transportation is in charge of their pricing. Giving customers a clear picture of what they’re really paying across all industries without making them sift through tiny print or hidden fees is the straightforward aim.
The greatest strategy for navigating this new transparent era is to concentrate on platforms that clearly reveal “all-in” price right away. To prevent surprises, it is crucial to compare total pricing rather than simply base rates.
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Additionally, it is always safer to purchase tickets from authorised dealers or reliable resellers who abide by these new disclosure regulations, since this will guarantee a more seamless and truthful transaction.
The next time you want to get Taylor Swift tour tickets (and have already taken out a mortgage to pay for them), you will be able to see up front how much they truly cost.
