Online ticket shopping safety improves

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 - 09:19 by Sarah Collinson

Many people buy tickets to upcoming gigs, events and shows via safe shopping online and a new study by the European Union has found that it is safer to book your place using e-commerce sites than ever before.

In 2009 it was found that over a third of all web purchases made by consumers within the EU were for tickets to various events, showing just how large this market has become.

Corresponding with this figure, around 30 per cent of all complaints made during this same period were related to ticketing problems.

Common issues raised in complaints were the fact that many sites did not give consumers enough information or delivered false promises about tickets and events.

People also found that some sites did not guarantee to deliver the tickets ahead of the event, potentially rendering them worthless if there is a snarl-up with the post and putting the consumer in a poor position to seek compensation.

However, following a study there has been a significant improvement in 27 EU states including the UK, where authorities are beginning to enforce tougher rules, which means buying tickets via safe shopping online is easier and more secure for the consumer.

Eighty-eight per cent of sites selling tickets are now in complete compliance with EU regulations, which is more than twice the number which complied in mid-2010.

The UK is getting the best experience for its consumers because there were originally 73 sites under investigation as part of the initiative but, at the time of writing, all of these cases have been resolved, which means it is very simple to find cheap, accurately described tickets for events which will be delivered on time.

Using EU powers to fight for consumer rights is a great way of guaranteeing that e-commerce regulations are adhered to and people in the UK and elsewhere can enjoy secure online shopping.