stopcrazypp
Well-Known Member
Yeah, Hong Kong is experimenting with measures (like name registration) to prevent scalping and the response is a mixed bag. The venues are skeptical as it might reduce demand. The performers and fans usually are supportive. Ticket holding for VIPs and guests as you describe was also an issue raised. Maybe a hybrid system will work where a portion uses control measures would work out.Scalpers stay in business because they make life easier for businesses.
Take your typical music concert. (I worked in this business) Depending on the performance contract, a box office manager communicates with the promoter and gm and they figure out the prices, seat layout, and revenue. When it goes on sale, the big name 'scalpers' will have their computers buy up vast swaths of seats. People logging in do get some. A smart box office manager also knows to hold seats aside for VIP, family, etc and also for the people waiting in line on sale day. Some box office managers will purposely hold back sections, let the computers buy up the seats that day, and then quietly put the rest out for sale.
The building or the tour don't really care how they go. There is a convenience in knowing 'all' the tickets are gone within an hour and their money is in the bank. Some acts obviously get bent out of shape about fans having to pay more, some shows like Disney want more control... so tickets could be your credit card that you directly paid with. What they find with this control is that not as many tickets sell, and certainly not as quickly.
The ticket resellers provide free advertising and take on the risk.
Hong Kong boy band concert tickets to require real-name registration to combat ticket scalping - Hong Kong Free Press HKFP