As Biden-era ‘junk fee’ rule takes effect, Ticketmaster says it will display fees more clearly

Category: Business

Listening

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. up front / ʌp frʌnt / (idiom) – at the beginning; clearly or honestly from the start
    Example:

    The company shows all costs up front so customers know exactly what they are paying for.


  2. real-time / ˈri əlˈtaɪm / (adj.) – showing or doing something immediately, at the same moment it is actually happening
    Example:

    We use an app with real-time translation during video calls with international clients.


  3. update / ˈʌpˌdeɪt / (n.) – new information that shows what has changed or what is happening now
    Example:

    The app sends updates about flight delays so travelers can change their plans immediately.


  4. exceed / ɪkˈsid / (v.) – to be more than a number, amount, or limit
    Example:

    Drivers must not exceed the speed limit to keep the road safe.


  5. default / dɪˈfɔlt / (n.) – the choice or setting that happens or exists if nothing else is changed
    Example:

    The website’s default setting shows prices with taxes included, but this can be changed.


Article

Read the text below.

As a Biden administration ban on so-called “junk fees” took effect in May, Ticketmaster said it would start displaying the full price of a ticket as soon as consumers begin shopping.


Ticketmaster, long a subject of complaints about hidden fees and other issues, was among those targeted by the new rule, which was announced in December by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The rule requires ticket sellers, hotels, vacation rental platforms and others to disclose processing fees, cleaning fees and other charges up front.


Ticketmaster said it agreed with the FTC’s action.


“Ticketmaster has long advocated for all-in pricing to become the nationwide standard so fans can easily compare prices across all ticketing sites,” Ticketmaster Chief Operating Officer Michael Wichser said in a statement.


Ticketmaster said it will also tell customers where they are in line when they log in to buy tickets to an event. It will also give real-time updates to customers whose wait times exceed 30 minutes, letting them know ticket price ranges, availability and whether new event dates have been added.


Ticketmaster, which is owned by Beverly Hills, California-based concert promoter Live Nation, is the world’s largest ticket seller, processing 500 million tickets each year in more than 30 countries. Around 70% of tickets for major concert venues in the U.S. are sold through Ticketmaster.


Ticketmaster said the changes would bring North America in line with the rest of the world, where full ticket prices are typically displayed as soon as customers start shopping.


SeatGeek, a platform for buying and selling original and resale tickets, said it also updated its features to make “all-in pricing the default” setting.


“Fans deserve pricing that’s clear from the start,” said SeatGeek CEO Jack Groetzinger. “We’re proud to roll this out across our platform and encouraged to see the industry move in this direction.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The U.S. now bans companies from hiding extra fees when selling tickets or booking services. Do you think hidden fees are dishonest, or just part of business? Why do you say so? How do hidden costs affect your trust in a company? Discuss.
  • Ticketmaster said the changes would align North America with countries that show full ticket prices up front. Have you ever encountered hidden extra fees before? Do you prefer seeing the full price at the start or the end? Why? How does clear pricing help you decide what to buy? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Ticketmaster now gives updates during long waits and tells users their place in line. How easy is it to buy tickets in your country? As a consumer, what do you think could make online ticket buying feel less stressful or frustrating? Discuss.
  • Some sites now show live updates, including price changes and ticket availability. When shopping online, do you prefer to take your time or act fast? Why? What do you think are the advantages of having real-time updates for customers? Discuss.