BlackMaskX

Do you believe that ticket scalping is ethical or unethical? Why?

EmptyneSs

the real question is does it matter? and who cares? the answer to these questions is both no.

BlackMaskX

Well, obviously, people do care. NFL and other event organizers put a lot of money and time into fighting ticket scalping, and many fans complain that scalping practices are unfair to the "average Joe." I believe some NFL teams actually hire people to snoop online for attempted ticket resales. Then, you have licensed ticket "brokers" and unlicensed ticket "scalpers" who claim that ticket scalping is perfectly ethical and can even benefit both the fans and the organizers of the events.

And, it's not only an ethical matter, it's also a legal one, since ticket scalping is illegal in about 15 states, I think. So yes, it does matter. I'm curious about people's thoughts on the matter.

IPON

Simply put, IMHO both parties (seller/buyer) benefit. The buyer may pay 2-4x or more, but the concept of supply and demand drives the price. No one forced to buy from scalpers, people do it because ticket (or really goods seating) is not available. So while more money is spent they have still benefited by attending the concert, sporting event, etc.

The main problem with scalping is verifying that the ticket you purchase is legitimate. for example there could be 4-5 people that were sold tickets for the same seat(s). The other issue is beyond the seller no one else profits from the increased price of the ticket sale (sport teams, local/federal government, sport complex, ticket sales companies etc).

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osopardo

Also, the reason sometimes tickets are not available is because the scalpers have bought up huge amounts of tickets on spec. This makes the supply/demand an unfair, artificially manipulated situation. It's like having somebody deflate your car tires then offering to sell you an air pump.

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TheBuz

For the most part, ticket scalping is ethical. Everything is scalped: groceries, coffee, travel packages. Products usually go through many hands before they reach yours.

I have a problem with the following situation.
Shakira performed at a FREE benefit concert in Buenos Aires for children in poverty. Tickets were free, but not everyone could obtain one. Therefore, "fans" made a profit off of these free tickets. HORRIBLE. Read the article here:

Shakira performs at a benefit concert | TicketNews

TheBuz

Ticketmaster is in a controversy with Canada. Check out the article it's quite interesting.
Ticketmaster at heart of Canadian ticket controversy | TicketNews