Source: BroBible
Summary
Internal messages between Live Nation/Ticketmaster ticketing directors revealed that executives were mocking consumers as “stupid” for paying high prices. The messages, used as exhibits in the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit, showed the executives gloating about raising prices on “ancillary fees” like parking and VIP access. Live Nation is currently facing an antitrust lawsuit filed by the federal government and 39 states. The company has agreed to pay $200 million in damages and has reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name. “Ancillary fees” is just a fancy way of saying “we’re gonna charge you more.” Ticketmaster execs were caught gloating about raising prices on things like parking and VIP access. They even joked about “robbing them blind” and “gouging” customers. The company claims this doesn’t reflect their values, but it’s hard to take that seriously when you’re making bank off of “stupid” consumers. Ticketmaster’s business model is basically just a fancy way of saying “we’re gonna take your money and laugh about it.”
Author: Evan Null
