Consumers continue to have a choice in resale platforms following Ticketmaster’s commitments to ACM
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has accepted the commitments made by Ticketmaster, with which competition for the resale of mobile tickets continues to be possible. As a result, consumers will thus continue to be able to choose a resale platform that meets their needs. Ticketmaster already made commitments in June, after ACM had launched an investigation into possible anticompetitive concerns regarding the resale of mobile tickets. Following responses from market participants and discussions with ACM, Ticketmaster decided to expand the previously made commitments.
Martijn Snoep, Chairman of the Board of ACM, explains: “As a result of the commitments, other platforms, too, continue to be able to compete for the resale of mobile tickets of Ticketmaster. Consumers thus have more choice when reselling tickets. Increased competition leads to reduced costs, better conditions, and better service to consumers.”
Investigation into the resale of tickets
ACM conducted an investigation into potential restrictions related to the resale of mobile tickets through a resale platform other than Ticketmaster. Mobile Ticketmaster tickets are tickets that can only be transferred using Ticketmaster’s system. According to Ticketmaster, the purpose of using mobile tickets is to prevent fraud. In connection with ACM’s investigation, Ticketmaster in June made commitments to ACM, ensuring that other resale platforms continue to be able to compete with Ticketmaster with regard to the resale of mobile tickets.
Ticketmaster supplements the commitments following responses from market participants
After ACM had handed down the commitment decision, market participants were able to respond. Three interested parties did so. They explained what issues other resale platforms encounter in practice, and what risks they see. Following discussions with ACM, Ticketmaster expanded the previous commitments:
- Ticketmaster makes it clear to other resale platforms if and when they can resell mobile tickets. That is because the resale of tickets is not possible for all events, since some artists do not always want this. This often also applies to Ticketmaster’s own resale platform.
- In addition, ACM can check whether, in practice, Ticketmaster makes an unjustified distinction between its own resale platform and third-party resale platforms. This will allow ACM to see whether competition from third-party resale platforms continues to be possible.
- In addition, the expanded commitments prevent problems with the resale on other resale platforms using Ticketmaster’s transfer system, for example by clarifying the communication to ticket buyers regarding the ticket to be transferred.
ACM accepts Ticketmaster’s commitments, and will monitor compliance therewith, for example, by monitoring reports filed by other platforms and consumers.