Getting a refund for a postponed concert can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get your money back. Concert postponements have become increasingly common in recent years due to weather, illnesses, production issues, and other unforeseen circumstances. As a concertgoer, you have consumer rights that allow you to request a refund if the concert is postponed and you can no longer attend the new date. Here is an overview of how to go about getting a refund for a postponed concert:
Check the original ticket
The first thing to do is check the fine print on your original concert ticket. There should be details about the refund policy for postponed or canceled shows. Often the ticket will say refunds are available if you cannot attend the new concert date. Some venues or ticket sellers may only offer credit toward a future concert rather than a cash refund. Know what you are entitled to before reaching out.
Contact the ticket seller
If you purchased tickets from a major ticketing outlet like Ticketmaster, LiveNation, AXS, or a theater box office, visit their website or call their customer service line. There should be instructions on how to request a refund for the postponed concert. Provide details like your order number and the original ticket information. Make it clear you cannot attend the new concert date and would like a refund based on the postponed show policy.
Dispute the charge
If you purchased tickets with a credit card and the ticketing outlet is not providing a refund, you can dispute the charge. Contact your credit card company, explain the situation, and provide any relevant documentation. As the ticket holder, you did not receive the original product or service you paid for due to the postponement. The credit card company can potentially issue a chargeback to get your money returned.
Sell or give away tickets
Rather than deal with the hassle of getting a refund, an alternative option is to sell or give away your tickets for the postponed concert. You can list them on a ticket resale site like StubHub, VividSeats, or Ticketmaster to try and make back what you paid. Or if you know someone else who would want to go on the new concert date, transfer the tickets to them free of charge. This way the tickets do not go to waste.
Factors That Impact Refund Availability
There are certain factors that determine whether you can get a refund for a postponed concert and how much money you get back:
Reason for postponement
If the concert is postponed due to an “act of God” like weather or uncontrollable events, refunds are usually available. But if the artist postpones the concert for other reasons like production delays, refund availability can vary. Read the fine print to see if different postponement reasons impact refunds.
New concert date
If the concert is rescheduled for a date you can still attend, some ticket sellers will only offer an exchange for the new date rather than a full refund. But if you absolutely cannot go on the new date, you have a better case for a refund. Provide proof you cannot attend like travel plans or other commitments.
Timing of postponement
The closer to the original concert date the postponement occurs, the better chance you have of getting a refund. Last minute postponements are often eligible for refunds. But if a concert is postponed months in advance, some venues will only offer credits or exchanges. Still, you can dispute the charge if you followed the original purchase terms.
Third-party purchases
If you purchased from an unauthorized third-party ticket seller like Craigslist, you likely have no refund options. Only buy from official ticket outlets and resellers to ensure you are protected if the concert is postponed. Fake or copied tickets also offer no refund guarantees.
Ticket holder limitations
Most postponed concert refund policies only apply to the original ticket purchaser or holder. If you received tickets as a gift or transfer, you may have a harder time getting a refund. Check with the original purchaser first before disputing charges. Provide documentation explaining why you have the tickets.
Getting Refunds from Specific Vendors
Here are tips for seeking refunds from major concert and ticketing vendors:
Live Nation and Ticketmaster
One of the largest concert promoters and ticketing outlets is Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. Their postponed show policy says refunds are available if you cannot attend the new date. Login to your Ticketmaster account and find the event under “Upcoming Events” – there will be a refund option. You typically have 30 days from the postponement announcement to request a refund. Provide details on why you cannot attend the new concert date. Allow a few weeks for processing.
AXS
For concerts and events booked through AXS, login to your AXS account to request a refund. There will be an option to select the event and choose a refund if you cannot make the new concert date. You will need to submit the request within 30 days of the postponement news. AXS will process the refund back to your original payment method within 30 business days. Email or call for assistance.
Independent venues
Smaller independent concert halls and theaters have their own refund policies for postponed shows. Check their website for details and contact their box office for assistance. Some venues only offer credits or exchanges unless full cancellation occurs. Explain why you need a refund and provide documentation you cannot attend the new date. Submit requests as early as possible.
StubHub/Vivid Seats
If you purchased from a ticket resale marketplace like StubHub or VividSeats, you are entitled to a refund if you can no longer go. Contact their customer support, choose the event, and select refund due to postponement. You will need to return any ticket downloads. Expect a 5-10 day waiting period for the refund transaction to process.
PayPal/credit cards
On some concert tickets, refunds go back to the original payment method like PayPal or a specific credit card. Contact those vendors if you paid with their service. Explain it is for a concert postponement refund and provide any necessary details like order numbers. This can sometimes be faster than waiting on the concert promoter.
Tips for Getting Refunds Processed Quickly
Here are some key tips for ensuring your postponed concert refund request is handled in a timely manner:
Act quickly
Do not wait to request the refund. Venues and ticket sellers often have a 30 day window after postponement. The sooner you request, the faster it can process. Immediately check refund policies and start the process.
Provide documentation
Give details, screenshots, order numbers or anything that proves why you cannot attend the new date. The more documentation you have, the easier it is to validate the refund request. Be specific on reasons you need the refund.
Follow-up regularly
After submitting the refund request, follow-up every 1-2 weeks for an update. Check in via phone, email, online accounts, etc. to make sure it is being handled. Frequent polite follow-ups show you are serious about getting the refund.
Go up the chain
If you are not getting helpful responses from frontline staff, politely ask to speak with supervisors and managers. Calmly explain why you need the refund and try to have the issue escalated and prioritized. Higher-ups can often expedite the process.
Dispute when necessary
If you are within the allowable dispute timeframe and the vendor refuses to refund, do not hesitate to dispute. It lights a fire and lets the vendor know you will take action if needed to get the refund processed. The dispute threat can motivate quicker responses.
Using Refunds for Other Concert Experiences
Rather than simply getting your money back when a concert is postponed, you may want to consider using the refund for another concert experience instead. Here are some ideas:
See a different show
Browse upcoming concerts in your area or a location you will be traveling to. Find a show to attend as an alternative. Use the refund money to buy tickets to the new concert. See if you can find seats you like better or a more convenient date.
Concert merchandise
Put the refund towards buying merchandise from the artist who postponed. Check their online store for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, posters, and other items. You still support the artist and get something tangible in return.
Meet and greet
Some bigger concerts and tours offer VIP meet and greet experiences you can purchase. Use your refund to buy a meet and greet package. You may be able to briefly chat with the artist and get a photo together. It creates a special experience.
Backstage tour
Venues sometimes sell behind the scenes tours where you can see dressing rooms, production areas, and on-stage views. With the refund, you could take a backstage tour at that concert hall or another one nearby. Learn about how concerts are produced.
Upgrade seats
If you are attending the new postponed date, put the refund towards buying better seats. You can upgrade closer to the stage or splurge on VIP perks like lounge access. Enjoy an enhanced concert experience.
Sample Refund Request Letter/Email
When requesting a concert refund, it helps to send a formal letter or email. Here is a sample you can customize:
Subject: Refund Request for Postponed Concert
Dear [insert venue/ticket seller],
I am writing regarding the recent postponement of the [insert artist] concert that was originally scheduled for [original date]. I purchased [2, 4, etc.] tickets for this concert through [venue box office/Ticketmaster/etc] back on [date of purchase].
Unfortunately due to [work obligations/travel/prior commitment, etc] I am unable to attend the new rescheduled date of [new date]. As per the refund policy I reviewed at time of purchase, I am eligible for a full refund on the original tickets.
Please advise on how I should go about obtaining this refund owed to me in the amount of [total ticket cost]. Let me know if you need any additional information from me when processing this refund request. I have included copies of my original ticket purchase receipt as reference.
I look forward to your prompt assistance so I may obtain my entitled refund. Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification. I can be reached at [email and phone number]. Thank you for your help regarding this matter – I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,
[Your name]
Potential Roadblocks to Anticipate
While you are eligible for a refund for a postponed concert, there can be some potential roadblocks:
Long wait times
Due to high volume, refund requests can take weeks or months to process. Follow up regularly for status updates but be patient. Try to plan ahead in case there are delays.
Pushback from seller
Some ticket sellers resist giving refunds and may claim the postponed date policy does not apply. Politely stand your ground, keep communicating, and escalate it to a supervisor if needed. Reference the policy and your rights.
Proof of purchase issues
Having your original order number, receipt, ticket copies etc is key. If you lack those, you may need to provide additional proof of purchase which can draw things out. Keep all documentation.
Non-refundable tickets
Some tickets are sold as non-refundable or have strict no refund policies. You have less recourse in these cases unless tickets were bought under false pretenses. Read policies carefully before purchasing.
Bank/credit card delays
Even once approved, it takes time for refunded amounts to process through banks and credit card companies. The entire refund procedure can take up to 2-3 billing cycles in total. Budget accordingly.
Resolving Disputes over Refunds
If you and the ticket seller cannot agree on a postponed concert refund, there are ways to resolve the dispute:
File a complaint
File a formal complaint with agencies like your state attorney general’s office, consumer protection bureau, and the Better Business Bureau. They can contact the company regarding the issue.
Leave reviews
Leave truthful reviews about the refund experience on sites like Yelp, Google, Consumer Affairs, etc. This applies public pressure on the company to rectify the situation.
Contact media
For high profile concerts, you can contact media outlets and reporters who may be interested in writing about postponed concert refund struggles. This shines a spotlight on the issue.
Consult a lawyer
As a last resort, you can have a consumer protection lawyer send a demand letter requesting the refund. If that does not work, legal action may be pursued, but talk to a lawyer first about viability.
Negotiate compromise
If you have some leverage, try to negotiate a partial refund or future concert credit even if you cannot get everything back. Getting some money returned or saved on a future event is better than no refund at all.
Key Takeaways
– Check the concert ticket fine print for the refund policy related to postponements and know your consumer rights.
– Contact the seller promptly and submit documentation on why you cannot attend the new date. Follow up regularly on the request.
– If you do not get assistance, try disputing the charge or complaining to relevant consumer agencies.
– Keep all paperwork and proof of purchase. Be patient but persistent in seeking your entitled refund.
– Consider using the refund for a different concert experience if you have no luck getting the money returned.
Concert postponements can be disappointing, but being prepared with how to get a refund provides peace of mind. Know the policies in advance, act quickly after a postponement occurs, and politely but firmly demand the refund you are eligible for. With persistence and documentation, you can get your money back and either attend another show or reuse the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I purchased concert tickets as a gift?
If you purchased the tickets specifically as a gift for someone else, let the recipient know about the postponement and refund policy details. They will likely need to submit the request since the tickets were intended for their use. Provide them documentation proving it was a gift purchase.
Are rescheduled concerts eligible for refunds?
Yes, a concert that is outright rescheduled to a different date is grounds for a refund request if you cannot attend the new date. A postponement and a rescheduling are treated the same in terms of refund eligibility.
What about refunds for canceled concerts?
If a concert is completely canceled with no plans to reschedule, you are almost always entitled to a full refund automatically. The ticket seller should process canceled concert refunds once the event is called off. If not, request one immediately.
Can I get a refund for other costs like travel or hotels?
Unfortunately concert ticket refund policies do not apply to things like non-refundable flights and hotel costs. You would have to consult those vendors directly. Travel insurance can sometimes help recover some of those expenses if purchased.
Am I still eligible for a refund if I already downloaded my tickets?
Yes, you can still get a refund for a postponed concert even if you already accessed and downloaded your digital tickets. You typically just need to surrender any ticket downloads when you submit the refund request.
Conclusion
Getting a refund for a postponed or rescheduled concert requires knowing your rights as a ticket holder, acting promptly, providing documentation, and patiently working through the process with the seller. If faced with roadblocks, you can raise complaints or even explore legal options to resolve the dispute over the entitled refund. With persistence and preparation, you can get your money back and put it towards another show or concert experience.