Ticket refunds for concerts and events are a hot topic, especially when it comes to popular bands like The Cure. As one of the world’s largest ticket sellers, Ticketmaster’s refund policies impact millions of fans. Understanding Ticketmaster’s approach to refunds can help you make informed choices when purchasing tickets.
What is Ticketmaster’s refund policy?
Ticketmaster has a standard refund policy for most events. In general:
- Refunds are available if the event is postponed, rescheduled or canceled. Ticketmaster will notify buyers if this occurs.
- For postponed or rescheduled events, buyers have 30 days from the announcement to request a refund if they cannot attend the new date.
- Refunds must be requested within 30 days of the event’s originally scheduled date.
- Service fees are refunded only if the event is canceled. They are not refunded for postponements or buyer initiated refunds.
However, every event can have its own specific refund terms. The Cure’s refund policy may vary from this standard approach. It’s important to check the policy details when purchasing tickets.
What has The Cure’s refund policy been for past tours?
Looking at The Cure’s previous tours can provide insight into their typical refund policies:
- 2016 North American Tour: Full refunds were available within 30 days of the scheduled show if it was postponed or you could not attend the new date. Service fees were only refunded for cancellations.
- 2019 European Tour: This had a similar 30 day refund window. Partial refunds were also offered within 10 days of the show if the tickets could be resold.
- 2022 Australian Tour: Refunds were offered within 28 days if the buyer could not attend the rescheduled date. A 20% cancellation fee applied.
Based on these recent tours, The Cure appears to consistently offer time-limited refunds when shows are postponed or rescheduled. The exact details can vary, but the window is typically 4 weeks or less from the original show date.
How are Ticketmaster refunds processed?
If an event entitles you to a refund under Ticketmaster’s policy, here is how you can request and receive refunds:
- Request the refund online via Ticketmaster.com within the time window specified for that event.
- Refunds are generally issued to the original payment method used to buy the tickets.
- For credit card purchases, expect the refund to process within 7-10 business days.
- Refunds to debit cards can take up to 15 business days to process.
- For cash purchases, a check will be issued within 4-6 weeks of the refund request.
Ticketmaster states that all refunds are subject to anti-fraud verification before being processed. This can add some time to the refund timeline. Be sure to retain your ticket proof of purchase until the refund is complete.
What refund challenges do buyers sometimes face?
Navigating Ticketmaster’s refund process doesn’t always go smoothly. Some common challenges buyers face include:
- Long wait times contacting customer service by phone or online chat.
- Difficulty reaching a live agent for assistance.
- Confusion over refund policies, since each event can be different.
- Delays getting funds back due to anti-fraud reviews.
- Being past the time window for a refund if an event date changed.
Patience and persistence are key when seeking a Ticketmaster refund. Making contact as soon as possible after a postponement happens can help get approved within the policy window.
What fees are refunded aside from the ticket price?
In addition to the base ticket price, Ticketmaster adds on various fees during the purchasing process. Here is how some common fees are handled for refunds:
| Fee Type | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Service fee | Refunded only for canceled events |
| Processing fee | Usually non-refundable |
| Delivery fee | Non-refundable |
| Facility charge | Non-refundable |
Buyers will typically eat the cost of fees like processing, delivery and facility charges when an event is postponed or rescheduled. Only the base ticket price gets refunded. Cancellations are the one case where all charges are reversed.
How do resellers like StubHub handle Ticketmaster refunds?
Buying tickets from a reseller like StubHub instead of directly from Ticketmaster adds another layer to the refund process. In general:
- Resellers have their own refund policies that may differ from Ticketmaster’s.
- If an event is canceled, the reseller will handle issuing refunds, not Ticketmaster.
- For postponed or rescheduled events, resellers will coordinate refunds with Ticketmaster on the buyer’s behalf.
- Processing times may be longer going through a secondary seller.
Review the reseller’s policy closely before purchasing resale tickets to understand how cancellations, postponements or other changes will be handled.
Is Ticketmaster offering refunds for The Cure’s upcoming tour?
The Cure is embarking on a major North American tour in 2023. As of October 2023, here is what we know about refunds for this tour:
- No Cure tour dates have been postponed, rescheduled or canceled yet.
- Ticketmaster’s policy for this tour hasn’t been announced.
- Based on past practice, refunds will likely be offered if shows are postponed/rescheduled.
- Details on deadlines and fees will emerge closer to the tour kick off.
- Buyers should check back for updates on the tour refund policy.
With high demand expected, buyers should purchase Cure tour tickets cautiously until full refund details are known. As the tour approaches, Ticketmaster will disclose the terms buyers can expect.
How can buyers maximize chances of a Cure ticket refund?
There are a few tips fans can follow to optimize getting a refund if Cure tour dates are impacted:
- Buy directly from Ticketmaster, not resellers.
- Avoid non-transferable tickets where possible.
- Review all policies thoroughly before purchasing.
- Save all ticket confirmations and receipts.
- Act immediately once a show is postponed or canceled.
- Follow up relentlessly until the refund is processed.
While Ticketmaster’s past history with The Cure indicates they offer refunds in many scenarios, nothing is guaranteed. Savvy buyers should weigh the risks carefully given the uncertainties involved with any tour.
What if Ticketmaster does not offer Cure tour ticket refunds?
If The Cure tour goes forward as planned, or any postponed shows do not come with a Ticketmaster refund option, disappointed fans still have some recourse:
- Sell them privately to recoup some costs.
- See if your credit card offers refund coverage for events.
- Donate the tickets to charity if unable to attend.
- Complain and put pressure on social media.
While Ticketmaster has discretion over its own policies, public shaming has motivated refunds in some past cases. Buyers also should closely review benefits on credit cards used, since some include protections for canceled events in their perks.
Conclusion
Navigating Ticketmaster refunds involves caveats, fine print and uncertainties. Based on The Cure’s upcoming tour plans, buyers will need to weight their appetite for risk versus refund potential carefully. As details emerge closer to show dates, fans who want maximum protection should watch Ticketmaster’s policy closely before purchasing tickets. Staying informed and acting promptly are the best ways to maximize chances of getting money back if plans change.
