Online ticket prices now include unavoidable costs thanks to ACM

Prices of online tickets for concerts, theatre shows, and festivals are now displayed with all unavoidable costs included. This has been established by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) after an assessment of the major online providers of tickets for concerts, theatre shows, and festivals. They had been given until 1 October to adjust their prices. Previously, customers were often confronted with additional costs during the booking process, such as administrative costs or print costs. The law stipulates that providers must include all unavoidable costs in the base price. A similar rule applies to any mandatory costs that are incurred per order (so not those per ticket). These costs should already be displayed at the start of the booking process.

Bernadette van Buchem, Director of ACM’s Consumer Department, explains: “ACM has established that the sector has turned a corner. Trade organizations have played a positive role in that process. Consumers are now able to see at the start of the booking process what a ticket will cost them, including all unavoidable costs. This will enable them to compare prices better. Providers are able to compete more fairly on price.”

All unavoidable costs in the base price

Online providers of tickets for concerts, theatre shows, and festivals had had until October 1, 2017, to make sure their prices complied with the rules. After its assessment, ACM established that most providers display their prices including all unavoidable costs. A limited number of parties had not yet adjusted their prices or had not sufficiently done so. They are now in the process of making the final adjustments. After that, ACM will impose sanctions on those that have not made adjustments or have not sufficiently done so. ACM welcomes consumer indications about ticket prices that do not include all unavoidable costs.

‘Clear prices and conditions’ is one of ACM’s key priorities. The basic principle is that prices for consumers include all unavoidable costs. These rules apply to all providers. With transparent prices, consumers are able to compare prices more easily. This promotes fair competition between businesses.