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Buyer Beware: Ticket scalping is costing consumers in KC

Posted at 5:55 PM, Sep 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-30 22:14:04-04

Last year, when the Kansas City Ballet revamped its Nutcracker performance, the box office anticipated tickets would be in high demand.

They did not, however, anticipate how many ticket brokers would buy to resell for double and triple the original price.

“It just became more noticeable. People started buying and realizing they were overpaying, calling us demanding some sort of compensation and we are powerless,” said Jeff Bentley, the executive director of the Kansas City Ballet.

It’s something that happens not only for the ballet but for shows, concerts, sporting events and performances across the country.

“There’s a pattern,” said Bentley. “The same number of tickets, usually 10, will be sold in sequence. In the same day, within the same time period on a regular basis. It’s a red flag.”

41 Action News found the same thing is happening again this year. Tickets for this year’s Nutcracker that sold for as low as $29 are being sold online for $452 each, not including service fees either.

The problem—the ballet cannot prevent ticket sales because it is legal.

Missouri law doesn't allow cities, counties and other entities to prohibit ticket resales and service fees. This means anyone can resell a ticket in the state for whatever amount they would like to and charge whatever service fee they want.

Kansas leaves it up to each city to determine scalping rules.

How to get legitimate tickets for a fair price

The best way you can ensure your ticket is legitimate and is being purchased for a non-inflated price is by buying tickets through “official websites.” For example, buying tickets for the Nutcracker through the Kansas City Ballet website.

Another way is making sure reselling websites are certified and guarantee your money back.

“On most websites you will get to the checkout page and you think you got this great deal. All of the sudden there is this great big service fee at the end. At Tickets for Less that never happens,” said Dan Rouen, president of the company.

Tickets for Less is a local reselling company certified by the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB). 

Looking for sites certified by the NATB is another way to guarantee your ticket is legitimate.

“There’s a strong code of ethics we adhere to and so you know you’re going to get exactly what you’re purchasing,” said Rouen. 

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Ariel Rothfield can be reached at Ariel.Rothfield@KSHB.com.

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