Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies, especially for large-scale events like concerts and sports games. Given its popularity, many customers run into issues with their Ticketmaster orders and are left wondering if they can request chargebacks or refunds. Here is a quick overview of how chargebacks work with Ticketmaster purchases.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback is when a credit card holder disputes a charge and asks their bank or credit card company to reverse the payment and refund the money back to their account. Chargebacks can occur for several reasons, such as if the purchased items were damaged, not delivered, significantly different than described, or if the purchase was unauthorized or fraudulent.
When a chargeback is filed, the merchant (in this case Ticketmaster) has the opportunity to contest it by providing evidence that the charge is valid. If they cannot, the bank will force the merchant to refund the money. Chargebacks protect consumers while also ensuring merchants only get paid for legitimate transactions.
Can you request a chargeback on Ticketmaster purchases?
Whether a chargeback can be filed on a Ticketmaster order depends on the specific situation and policies in place. Here are some common scenarios:
- Tickets not received: If you purchased tickets but never received them, either digitally or via mail, you have grounds to dispute the charge. You’ll need to provide proof of purchase and communicate how you did not receive what was paid for.
- Event cancelled: If an event is cancelled after you purchased tickets, Ticketmaster refund policies will determine if a chargeback is applicable. Many cancelled events allow refunds within a certain timeframe. If refunds are refused for a cancelled event, a chargeback may be possible by claiming services paid for were not received.
- Unauthorized purchase: If someone purchased Ticketmaster tickets on your account without your permission, you can certainly file a chargeback due to the fraudulent activity.
- Tickets differ from description: If the tickets you received don’t match the details listed at time of purchase, such as different seat location, and Ticketmaster won’t remedy the issue, a chargeback could be warranted.
On the other hand, if you received the tickets as described and simply want to cancel your order, or missed the refund deadline for a cancelled event, a chargeback may not be approved since Ticketmaster fulfilled the order properly.
How does the Ticketmaster chargeback process work?
If you need to dispute a Ticketmaster purchase, here are the steps to file a chargeback:
- First contact Ticketmaster directly to see if they can resolve the issue with a refund, exchange or other accommodation. Make sure to communicate clearly the situation and desired outcome.
- If Ticketmaster does not provide a satisfactory resolution, contact your credit card company or bank that issued the card used for purchase. Explain why you are disputing the charge and provide any evidence you have.
- The bank will forward the dispute and evidence to Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster then has 30-90 days to respond and provide counter-evidence if desired.
- The bank will review evidence from both sides and make a final determination. If the chargeback is approved, Ticketmaster will be obligated to refund the amount to your bank, and the bank will credit it back to your account.
- This entire process may take approximately 2-3 billing cycles before a resolution is reached. Be sure to make the chargeback claim as soon as possible after attempted resolution with Ticketmaster.
What happens if Ticketmaster contests the chargeback?
If Ticketmaster provides sufficient evidence that the charge is legitimate and services were properly rendered, the bank may reject the chargeback and uphold the original charge. The most common situation where this occurs is if proper tickets were delivered, even if the customer can no longer attend the event. Since Ticketmaster fulfilled its obligations, the bank will not force a refund.
If the bank rules in Ticketmaster’s favor, you may be out of luck in terms of forcing a refund. Make sure you have solid justification for the chargeback before filing it.
Are there limits on Ticketmaster chargebacks?
Banks typically allow chargeback requests within 120 days of the original purchase. Any claim made after that window may not be accepted. Additionally, most banks have a maximum limit of 10-15 chargebacks that can be filed within a 12 month period. If you exceed that threshold, future claims may automatically be denied.
Ticketmaster also reserves the right in its policies to revoke privileges or cancel orders for customers demonstrating “abuse” of the refund, exchange or chargeback processes.
Tips for avoiding the need for a Ticketmaster chargeback
While chargebacks provide buyer protection, it’s best to avoid needing one when possible. Here are some tips for purchasing tickets safely on Ticketmaster:
- Only purchase tickets from the official Ticketmaster site and app, never from third-party resellers.
- Review order details carefully before submitting to ensure accuracy.
- Save order confirmation emails and ticket transfer receipts.
- Use a credit card when possible to allow chargebacks. Avoid debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards.
- Understand refund and exchange policies before purchasing.
- Contact Ticketmaster immediately if any issues arise with an order.
Conclusion
In summary, chargebacks on Ticketmaster are possible in certain situations where you did not receive the purchased tickets, the event was cancelled, or the order was fraudulent. Make sure to communicate with Ticketmaster first, then the credit card issuer if needed, providing as much evidence as possible. While chargebacks provide consumer protection, try to avoid needing one by purchasing only through Ticketmaster directly and double checking order details before submitting payment.
