My Experience Buying Tickets from AXS UK & Ticketmaster – Event Ticket Sellers in the UK 

AXS vs Ticketmaster  | ticket seller experience

When it comes to purchasing event tickets in the UK, AXS UK and Ticketmaster are two of the most well-known platforms. Both have established themselves as leaders in the ticketing industry, but my personal experience with these platforms has varied significantly. While AXS has become my go-to for ticket purchases, I’ve encountered several issues with Ticketmaster that have led me to avoid it altogether. This article delves into an overview of the two platforms and my personal experiences using them.

Introduction to AXS UK and Ticketmaster

AXS UK

AXS UK is part of AXS, a global ticketing company known for its user-friendly interface and transparent pricing. It allows fans to buy tickets for concerts, sports events, and theater shows. AXS also provides features like ticket insurance and mobile ticketing, making it a convenient choice for event-goers.

Despite its advantages, AXS isn’t without flaws. Common complaints include glitches in its mobile app, inconsistent ticket delivery timelines, and limited customer support options, such as relying solely on live chat for assistance.

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticketing platforms globally and has a near-monopoly in some markets due to its merger with Live Nation. It sells tickets for various events, from concerts to sports games. However, Ticketmaster has been widely criticized for its dynamic pricing system, high service fees, and perceived lack of customer-centric policies.

My Personal Experience with AXS UK

Why AXS UK is My Favorite

AXS UK has become my preferred platform for buying tickets. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and here’s why:

• Transparent Pricing: Unlike other platforms, AXS doesn’t burden you with excessive fees. The total cost feels fair and transparent.
• Ticket Insurance: AXS offers the option to purchase ticket insurance, providing peace of mind in case plans change unexpectedly.
• Smooth Process: From browsing events to receiving tickets, the process is seamless.

For example, when I purchased tickets for a concert recently, everything went smoothly. The app made it easy to manage my tickets, and I appreciated the ability to transfer them to friends if needed.

Challenges with AXS

That said, AXS isn’t perfect. Here are a few issues I’ve noticed or heard from other users:

1. Mobile App Glitches: While the app is convenient, it can sometimes be unreliable. For instance, the QR code feature failed for a fellow concertgoer I met, though the issue was resolved by verifying their purchase with the credit card used for payment.
2. Delayed Ticket Availability: For some events, tickets are only accessible closer to the event date, leaving buyers anxious about their purchase.
3. Customer Support: AXS primarily relies on live chat, which can be frustrating during urgent situations.

Despite these drawbacks, AXS remains my preferred platform due to its overall reliability and customer-friendly approach.

My Experience with Ticketmaster

Why I Avoid Ticketmaster

My experiences with Ticketmaster have been disappointing, to say the least. Here’s why:

1. Dynamic Pricing: On one occasion, I attempted to buy pre-sale tickets for a concert. The initial price was £45, but by the time I logged in, it had skyrocketed to nearly £200 due to Ticketmaster’s algorithmic pricing system. This system adjusts ticket prices based on demand, often making tickets unaffordable for many fans.
2. High Fees: On top of inflated ticket prices, Ticketmaster adds excessive service fees, making the final cost significantly higher than advertised.
3. Lack of Alternatives: The Ticketmaster-Live Nation monopoly means many venues only sell tickets through them, limiting consumer choice.

Monopoly Concerns

One of my biggest frustrations with Ticketmaster is its dominance in the market. If Ticketmaster is banned, fans are often locked out of Live Nation-owned venues, which account for a significant portion of major event locations in the UK. This creates a dilemma for fans who want to boycott Ticketmaster but have no other options for certain events.

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