Whether it be a concert, sporting event, or play, having an event you planned to attend rescheduled can be a major inconvenience. Naturally, you may wonder if you can get a refund in this situation. The answer depends on several factors.
Can I Get My Money Back if My Event is Postponed?
The short answer is maybe. Many venues and event organizers have policies in place regarding rescheduling and refunds. However, these policies can vary greatly.
Generally speaking, if an event is rescheduled, the venue or organizer will try to honor your original tickets for the new date. They may also offer refunds, usually for a limited window of time.
Key factors that affect your refund rights include:
- The reason for rescheduling – If postponed due to circumstances out of the venue/organizer’s control, refunds may not be offered.
- How far in advance it was rescheduled – The more notice given, the more flexibility there may be.
- The venue or organizer’s standard policy – Larger venues/companies sometimes have broader refund policies.
So while you may be able to get your money back, it is not guaranteed. Let’s explore some of the possibilities and best practices in more detail.
Rescheduling Scenarios and Refund Policies
There are a few common reasons events get postponed. The venue or organizer’s refund/exchange policy often depends on the circumstances.
Scenario 1: Postponed Due to Low Ticket Sales
Sometimes events are rescheduled due to lack of ticket sales. In these cases, the venue/organizer has the most flexibility on refunds. They want to encourage you to attend the future date, so will often provide refunds if requested.
Scenario 2: Postponed Due to Scheduling Conflict
Venues double book events, performers cancel, and complications arise. When this happens, standard refund policies usually apply. Larger venues and Live Nation/Ticketmaster events generally offer full refunds within 30 days. Smaller venues may give vouchers or only offer exchanges.
Scenario 3: Postponed for Safety/Health Reasons
When events are postponed over concerns like weather, natural disasters, or epidemics, refunds are less common. Venues and organizers aren’t usually responsible for such circumstances. Exchanges or vouchers are more likely.
Scenario 4: Event is Indefinitely Postponed
If an event is indefinitely postponed without a reschedule date, refunds are much more likely. Most venues and organizers understand that fans cannot wait endlessly for a new date. They tend to offer refunds in this scenario.
Scenario 5: Event is Canceled Entirely
In cases where an event is permanently canceled altogether, refunds are typically issued. No one expects you to pay for an event that is no longer happening. Refund timeframes and policies still apply.
How Far in Advance Was it Rescheduled?
The amount of notice you receive also matters when it comes to getting a refund for a postponed show or game.
Last minute postponements due to weather, accidents, or other issues generally mean standard refund policies are in effect. If the event is rescheduled with little notice, say 48 hours or less, then refunds are quite common.
Events postponed weeks or months in advance have different considerations. There is much more time to make alternate arrangements. Often some flexibility is offered, like refunds within 30-90 days of the announcement. But exchanges and vouchers may be encouraged instead.
No matter the notice given, it is wise to act right away if you need a refund. Don’t wait and miss the cutoff date.
Refund Timeframes and Requirements
If refunds are offered for a rescheduled event, there will always be a timeframe requirement and process to follow:
- Request Within X Days – Refund requests usually must be made within 30 days or less. The sooner, the better.
- Original Tickets Required – You’ll need to surrender the original tickets for a refund. Digital tickets must be transferred back.
- Proof of Purchase – Having your receipt or order number will help secure a refund.
- Refund to Original Payment – Refunded amounts typically go back on the card or method used to purchase.
Be sure you can meet any requirements before the cutoff. Also find out the refund processing time, which could take weeks or longer via mail.
Getting a Refund on Rescheduled Event Fees
Beyond the base ticket price, there may be other fees involved with an event order:
- Service fees
- Processing fees
- Delivery fees
- Insurance fees
Whether these types of ancillary fees are also refunded depends on the policy. Sometimes service fees are withheld even when ticket costs are refunded. Be sure to check if your total purchase amount will be reimbursed or if any portions are non-refundable.
Exchanges and Vouchers
As an alternative to refunds, many venues and organizers instead offer exchanges or vouchers when an event is rescheduled.
An exchange lets you apply the original ticket amount towards a new date or event. This guarantees your money will be used rather than refunded. Some will allow exchanges even after the standard refund cutoff date.
A voucher is essentially a credit for future event purchases. If you don’t use the voucher within a set timeframe, you lose the money. Venues prefer this over refunds for postponed events.
Both options can be convenient if you plan to attend the rescheduled event. But exchanges and vouchers are generally non-refundable if you later cannot make the new date. Know the limitations before accepting either as your remedy.
Best Practices for Getting a Refund on Rescheduled Events
Here are some key tips that can help secure a refund when your event gets postponed:
Act Quickly
As soon as the postponement is announced, contact the box office and request a refund if that is your preference. Refund windows close quickly, sometimes within hours. Don’t delay.
Read Venue Websites Closely
Look online for the venue, promoter, or organizer’s rescheduling policy. See if they address refunds before assuming you’ll get one.
Call if Unsure
Don’t hesitate to call and speak to a live agent to get definitive answers on refund eligibility and process. It pays to get clarity directly.
Provide All Information Requested
Having your order number, receipt, and any other details on hand makes it easier to get approved. Make sure you can return any original hard tickets too.
Ask About Fees
Find out if ancillary fees are also refunded or only the ticket price itself. You want the total you paid reimbursed.
Follow Up on Status
If you don’t see the refund in your account within the specified timeframe, follow up to confirm it is being processed properly.
Understand Voucher Risks
Exchanges and vouchers seem convenient but limit your financial recourse. Only accept if you are absolutely sure you will use them.
Getting Your Money Back on Other Rescheduled Plans
The same general principles for getting refunds on postponed events apply to other rescheduled plans as well:
Flights – Airlines will typically rebook you for free on a later flight if they delay or reschedule. Full refunds are usually only offered if the airline cancels entirely.
Hotel Stays – Most hotels provide full refunds if you can’t check in due to delayed arrival from a postponed flight or other circumstance out of your control.
Weddings – Getting wedding expenses back depends on vendor policies. Force majeure clauses may limit refunds if rescheduling is due to unforeseen events like COVID-19.
Appointments – Individual doctors, dentists and other professionals set their own policies regarding late rescheduling and any refunds. But ongoing services often don’t offer reimbursement.
Subscriptions – Memberships and subscriptions that are prepaid on a schedule typically won’t refund for delayed services, only if canceled entirely. Check terms closely.
The best practice is always to review the specific refund policy details for any postponed plan as soon as possible. While full reimbursement is never guaranteed, being proactive gives you the best shot.
Refund Questions to Ask
To determine if you can get your money back for a rescheduled event or postponed plans, here are some key questions to ask:
- Is a refund, voucher/credit, or exchange offered for this postponement?
- What is the time window to request a refund or exchange?
- Are there any fees excluded from the refund amount?
- How will the refund be processed – original payment method or check?
- How long does it take to process and receive the refund payment?
- What terms and expiration apply if I accept a voucher instead of refund?
- Can the voucher be used for any future event if I’m unsure of new date?
Having these details from the company or venue representative allows you to make an informed decision on recovering your money or accepting other options when an event or plans are rescheduled.
Conclusion
When an event gets postponed or plans rescheduled at the last minute, it’s an understandable inconvenience. While refunds are not guaranteed, being aware of policies and acting quickly gives you the best shot at getting your money back. Keep the key factors and best practices in mind if you need reimbursement for a rescheduled event or service. With a proactive approach, you can avoid losing money on plans disrupted outside of your control.
