West End ticket rip-off probed

AGENCIES that charge 'rip-off' prices for West End shows, pop concerts and sports events face a major crackdown.

The Office for Fair Trading has launched a probe following complaints from customers about exorbitant booking fees that can push costs up 30% above face value.

A string of firms, most based in London, operate the £100m market, largely by forcing people to buy tickets over the phone or internet with debit or credit cards. Such sales allow a large mark-up.

Recent surveys by the Consumers Association found two £45 tickets for the Bombay Dreams musical cost £97.50 through TicketMaster, a profit of 8.3%. But the same tickets through UKtickets.co.uk cost £115.40, a mark up of 28%.

The OFT is anxious to find out the links between the agencies and the events organisers - many of whom do not sell tickets at a box office - to see whether a cartel is operating.

The public have complained bitterly about exclusive deals which mean they can buy a ticket only from one agent. Glastonbury tickets this year were on sale only through See Tickets, a subsidiary of Lord Lloyd-Webber's Really Useful Group.

The OFT said it will be speaking to industry participants and consumer bodies and will publish its findings later this year.

The probe could result in enforcement action to end the practices, a reference to the Competition Commission and even a change in legislationto ban the worst abuses. Phil Evans, a competition adviser to the Consumers Association, said: 'We are delighted by the OFT getting on to this. No one really knows the links between the organisers and the ticket agencies.'

Theatre producer Bill Kenwright said: 'I find all the ticketing fees and charges very worrying.'

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers added: 'It will be a good thing for us and consumers. Our 80 or so members are not the subject of these complaints. The problem is an undermarket in reselling of tickets.'

Nick Blackburn, managing director of Really Useful Theatres' ticketing division, said the average mark-up was 10-12%. He added: 'We have to cover costs for offering a 24-hour service, credit card transactions and sending out tickets.'

Bombay Dreams
Face value of ticket: £45
Ticketmaster.co.uk: booking fee - £3.00; handling charge* - £2.00; total cost = £50; mark-up = 11.11%
Seetickets.com: booking fee - £3.50; handling charge - £1.25; total cost = £49.75; mark-up = 10.56%
1st4LondonTheatre.co.uk: booking fee - £6.75; handling charge - £1.50; total cost = £53; mark-up = 18.33%

Jerry Springer The Opera
Face value of ticket: £35
Ticketmaster.co.uk: booking fee - £4.00; handling charge* - £2.00; total cost = £41; mark-up = 17.14%
Seetickets.com: booking fee - £2.50; handling charge* - zero; total cost = £38; mark-up = 7.14%
1st4LondonTheatre.co.uk: booking fee - £5.25; handling charge - £1.60; total cost = £42; mark-up = 19.57%

Jailhouse Rock
Face value of ticket: £45
Ticketmaster.co.uk: booking fee - zero; handling charge* - £2.25; total cost = £47; mark-up = 5.00%
Seetickets.com: booking fee - £4.50; handling charge - £1.45; total cost = £51; mark-up = 13.22%
1st4LondonTheatre.co.uk: booking fee - £4.50; handling charge - £1.50; total cost = £51; mark-up = 13.33%

*handling charge is per transaction