Ticketmaster Prices Take a Much Needed Dip In ‘09
Despite the huge economic losses that took place throughout 2008, the concert industry somehow managed to post record sales. Ticketmaster being one of these majestic companies states that in spite of last years glory, prices will be going down for 09. CEO Sean Moriarty states that with the economy reducing peoples disposable income, the market has to curve their prices too. However, the economy isnt the only reason Ticketmaster is lowering their prices.
The departure of Live Nation from Ticketmaster is reducing the monopoly that Moriartys company controlled. With Live Nations own in-house ticketing service, Ticketmaster wont be able to get away with the ridiculous fees and charges that they hoisted on the public.
All in all, Ticketmaster doesnt feel as if the world is coming to an end, but believes that they will simply have to come up with competitive prices that will enable to public to relax and enjoy the entertainment that they love. The economy is forcing people to gain some smarts and not fling their money around on greedy service fees and such. I believe that Ticketmaster will survive 09 with no problem, but in turn they will have to compete with others prices rather than dominating their own market.
I don’t understand all this talk about Ticketmaster coming up with competitive prices. TM is a ticket agent i.e. agent for the principal the show owner who sets the prices.
TM is the middleman, that adds some unreasonable surcharges to the price to the consumer and charges the show owner inside fees as well.
Remember TM was taken to Congress by Pearl Jam for ‘trying’ to dictate prices that Pearl Jam could charge. Pearl Jam may have lost the battle, but it does not change the fact that the agent does not set the ticket price.