Wed Feb 05 14:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Ticketmaster Defends Dynamic Pricing Amidst Parliamentary Scrutiny
**London, UK** – Ticketmaster UK Managing Director Andrew Parsons defended the company’s use of dynamic pricing before a UK Parliament select committee, pushing back against accusations of “ripping off fans.” The hearing, part of an ongoing consultation into secondary ticketing and dynamic pricing, followed public outcry over high ticket prices for recent concerts, including Oasis and Harry Styles.
Parsons denied that Ticketmaster manipulates prices algorithmically, stating that prices are set in advance by artists and promoters. He argued that the appearance of price increases at checkout is due to cheaper tickets selling out first, leaving higher-priced options available later. He also emphasized that in many cases, prices actually decrease over time to encourage sales for unsold tickets. He cited data showing that 75% of tickets sold through Ticketmaster are under £35.
While acknowledging the high-profile examples of expensive tickets, Parsons maintained that these represent a small minority of sales. He defended tiered pricing, arguing that it prevents tickets from being immediately bought up by touts and resold at inflated prices on secondary markets. He further stated that Ticketmaster’s average fee is 11% of the ticket face value, and that these fees are clearly displayed.
Parsons welcomed the government’s consultation on secondary ticketing but expressed concern that a proposed 30% resale uplift would still allow touts to operate. He highlighted the issue of misleading paid listings on search engines, which he described as “highly dubious,” directing customers to unofficial sellers. Despite facing questions about fees and concerns raised by musicians like Robert Smith and Neil Young, Parsons maintained Ticketmaster’s transparency and defended the overall fairness of its pricing structure.
First Piper 