Ticketmaster Settles $6M Class Action Lawsuit Over Hidden Fees.

Ticketmaster’s controversial pricing practices have led to a major class action settlement, potentially benefiting up to one million Canadians who purchased tickets in 2018. A settlement worth $6 million was approved in Regina's Court of King’s Bench last week, offering affected customers up to $45 in credits for future ticket purchases.

The lawsuit was filed by Crystal Watch, a Canadian plaintiff who accused Ticketmaster of concealing ticket fees through a practice known as "drip pricing." This involves adding additional fees to the ticket price during the checkout process, misleading customers about the true cost of their purchase. While Ticketmaster did not admit to any wrongdoing, the case was settled without going to trial.

Justice Graeme Mitchell, who managed the case, outlined the terms of the settlement. In his ruling, he confirmed that impacted customers would receive up to $45 in Ticketmaster credit. This credit, which can only be redeemed once, is transferable, making it a valuable option for future event-goers.

As the representative plaintiff, Watch was awarded a $25,000 honorarium from the settlement fund for her role in bringing the case forward.

The legal action accused Ticketmaster of unfair business practices under The Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act. Specifically, it was alleged that Ticketmaster's "drip pricing" violated consumer rights, resulting in deceptive ticket pricing that inflated the cost of tickets.

To qualify for compensation, individuals must have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for events held in Canada between January 1 and June 30, 2018. However, customers from Quebec and Ticketmaster employees are excluded from the settlement.

Tony Merchant, the plaintiffs' lawyer, estimated that around 100,000 individuals in Saskatchewan and about one million across Canada would be eligible for the credit. Ticketmaster customers who are entitled to compensation will soon receive an email from the company, including a link to claim their credit.

Those who do not receive the email or need assistance with their claim can contact Merchant’s firm for support.

While the settlement amount is not considered a "mega-settlement," Justice Mitchell highlighted the significance of the case, acknowledging the importance of consumer protection. "Class counsel deserve an economic incentive for pursuing this claim to its successful resolution," the judge noted in his written decision.

The settlement marks a significant win for Canadian consumers who felt misled by hidden fees, and it provides an important reminder of the value of holding corporations accountable for their pricing practices.

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