Fall sports are underway, and whether you’re heading to a hockey game, football matchup or another live event, you want your tickets to be worth the price. Before you hit buy, here’s what to know to avoid unexpected surprises.
That ticket price might not tell the whole story
You’ve found great seats at a reasonable price, but checkout adds unexpected fees. Sound familiar? In BC, businesses selling event tickets must display the total price upfront, including applicable fees, service charges and taxes, with an itemized breakdown. The currency must also be clear.
The Ticket Sales Act doesn’t regulate ticket prices, so costs can still vary, especially for popular games and resale tickets.
Our tip: Check the full price before you buy and compare your options to make sure the tickets fit your budget.
Buying resale? Know what you’re getting
When tickets sell out, resale websites and social media listings can be tempting. But who you buy from matters.
BC’s Ticket Sales Act applies to businesses that sell or resell event tickets, including resale platforms. It doesn’t cover private sales between individuals, such as buying from someone on social media who isn’t in the business of selling tickets.
If you buy resale, check the seat location, terms and conditions, transfer restrictions and original face value of the ticket.
Be cautious of sellers who pressure you to pay quickly, request unusual payment methods or offer deals that seem too good to be true. A screenshot doesn’t guarantee a ticket will get you through the gate, and a visible barcode or ticket code could be copied and misused. Keep your tickets private and make sure you understand how they’ll be transferred to you.
What if the game is cancelled or your ticket doesn’t work?
Sometimes plans change, or you arrive at the venue only to find your ticket won’t get you in. What are your options?
Under BC Ticket Sales Act, secondary ticket sellers and resale platforms must provide refunds in certain situations, including when:
- The event is cancelled before the ticket can be used
- The ticket doesn’t get you admission
- The ticket is counterfeit
- The ticket doesn’t match its description
If an event is rescheduled, buyers must also be given a choice between a refund and accepting a ticket for the new date.
These specific refund guarantees apply to secondary ticket sellers and resale platforms. If you bought directly from the event organizer or another primary ticket seller, check its terms and conditions to understand your options. If you simply change your mind, you aren’t automatically entitled to a refund.
For more information, visit our event tickets page.
If something goes wrong, keep your receipts
Having trouble with your tickets? Contact the business you bought them from and give them a chance to resolve the issue.
Keep your receipt, purchase confirmation, ticket details, original listing and any messages exchanged with the seller. These records can help if you need to take things further.
If you believe a business has broken the rules under BC’s Ticket Sales Act, you can submit a complaint to our office. We’ll review the information to determine whether the issue falls within the laws we enforce and what steps may be appropriate.
Ready for game day?
A little preparation can go a long way. Check the price, read the ticket details and know who you’re buying from so you can spend less time worrying about your tickets and more time enjoying the game.
For more information on ticket sales, visit our event tickets page on our website.
About Consumer Protection BC
We are a not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing certain industries and specific consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will try to offer a referral to a relevant organization, if one exists. Other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Please note, information on our website is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For details, read our website disclaimer.