Michael Chugg: How Viagogo’s “gouging” costs the industry and fans millions of dollars

As online ticket reseller Viagogo is set to answer accusations in the Federal Court on breachesof consumer law, the local industry has responded in unison to the efforts of the consumer watchdog.

Moshtix chief Harley Evans described the secondary ticket market as “the most topical and damaging development in our industry, while Evelyn Richardson, CEO of Live Performance Australia commended the ACCC for “making it clear that ticket resale platforms must abide by the ACL”.

Speaking with TMN, prominent Australian promoter Michael Chugg shares a like minded stance on the move, calling attention to the role the Australian media has played in raising awareness around the issue.

“Seeing the support from Australian media, seeing them pick up the baton as well and proliferate the message, will help fans understand what they need to do to avoid being ripped off.”

One of the main gripes for event promoters like Chugg, who co-founded Frontier Touring Company before establishing Chugg Entertainment, is the “fear of missing out” approach employed by Viagogo and other similar services.

Consumers are regularly baited into purchasing tickets (often fraudulent) from these platforms as they create a sense of urgency fear of being excluded from events due to low amounts of available tickets. This cost, as Chugg says, is also shared by fans.

“It has been very pleasing to see that after months of pressure from our industry, the State and Federal Governments are now moving on unauthorised ticket resellers, which are gouging millions of dollars from fans worldwide.

“Hopefully all the pressure now coming down on Viagogo will help to educate the ticket-buying public about purchasing through official ticketing agencies or promoter websites.

“The UK Government has now launched against Viagogo as well, and in Italy there have even been people sent to jail.”