QPAC Issues Caution on Purchasing Tickets via Unauthorised Online Sales Channels

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), and qtix, QPAC's ticketing entity, are warning the public to be cautious when purchasing tickets for events via alternative online channels.

Reseller sites such as Viagogo, eBay and Gumtree are not authorised sales channels for tickets to events at QPAC. Patrons should only purchase tickets from an authorised seller, otherwise they are at risk of purchasing an invalid ticket.

The recent emergence of online reseller channels of event/entertainment tickets is impacting ticketing agencies, the live performance industry nationally and internationally and, importantly, patrons.

Some of these sales channels are competing for event related search engine keywords to entice consumers to their sites to purchase tickets, often at highly inflated prices and with few authentication processes to ensure the validity of tickets being sold.

The risk for purchasers is that these reseller channels are being utilised by scammers who are potentially re-selling the same ticket/seat to several consumers, sometimes making the original purchase with a stolen credit card. This can result in tickets purchased being seized or cancelled without refund or exchange and patrons refused entry to the performance.

QPAC is working with industry counterparts and the industry body, Live Performance Australia, in addressing relevant updates to the ticketing code of practice as well as implementing processes that educate consumers about the risks involved with purchasing tickets from a reseller or an unauthorised ticketing channel.

QPAC is recommending the best way to protect your rights as a consumer when purchasing tickets online for all events at QPAC is via www.qpac.com.au or an authorised seller. In the instance of major musicals or touring productions, authorised sellers can be confirmed by visiting the event presenter's official website for each production.

QPAC recommends consumers always check the terms and conditions of the sales channel from which they are purchasing a ticket for events at QPAC. If a consumer believes they have purchased an invalid ticket from an unauthorised sales channel, QPAC recommends lodging a complaint to that sales channel directly. If no response is received, and depending on the circumstances related to the ticket purchase, a consumer can contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Office of Fair Trading or the police.