Buzz
Remember how you were sure 2020 would be your best year yet? You bought tickets to festivals, concerts, and sporting events, thinking you'd have the time of your life. But then the coronavirus came along and put a stop to nearly every large gathering.
Now, not only are your plans ruined, but your money’s also stuck with Ticketmaster or the platform where you bought your tickets.
If you’re anxious about losing your money and missing out on the event you were excited about, here’s what you can do.
Start by reaching out to your ticket vendor
Whether it's the venue where the event was supposed to take place or a ticket marketplace like StubHub, the company you bought your tickets from is your go-to source for information.
You may receive an email detailing the company's policy automatically, but if not, simply log into your account or visit the venue’s homepage.
For example, StubHub sent out an email with a 'super chill offer': 'If you buy tickets on StubHub to a canceled event, you can choose to receive a coupon worth 120% of your original order for a future live event within the next year, or opt for a full refund (including service and delivery fees) to the original payment method.'
If you bought ticket insurance through a partner (by checking a box and adding a few extra bucks during checkout), be sure to review the terms of the policy. Most policies won’t refund you if you change your mind—like if your concert isn’t canceled but you decide you don't want to be around 3,000 people.
If you encounter difficulties with your tickets,
It might be time to reach out to the credit card provider you used to purchase your tickets. Your card issuer could assist you in disputing the charges. “The success of your claim will depend on the specific details of your case, including the charge amount and your relationship with the card issuer,” explained Ted Rossman, an industry analyst for CreditCards.com. “Approach the situation with courtesy and persistence,” he advised.
Don’t overlook the other arrangements tied to your plans.
It’s important not to forget about the additional bookings related to your event, such as the hotel stay for a music festival or the flight tickets for a sports tournament. While airlines and hotels have generally been accommodating with cancellations and refunds (or credits), Rossman cautioned that policies may differ. Reach out as soon as possible to clarify your options regarding these reservations.
Although it can be frustrating to have your plans and finances uncertain, it's essential to remain patient. Many venues are still updating their policies for canceled events, so it might take a few days to understand what actions to take next. Keep an eye on the event’s webpage or venue updates, and stay calm and composed when reaching out for more information.
