The countdown is on for those last minute Olympics shoppers. If you are thinking of coming to Vancouver-Whistler for the upcoming Games make sure you use caution when buying tickets from non-official sources.
“Past experience shows that consumers need to be vigilant when searching for tickets,” said Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Unauthorized ticket resellers and online classifieds may either not have the supply or they don’t have legitimate tickets. Consumers need to realize that Olympic officials reserve the right to void a ticket if it was not purchased through the official channels.”
During past Olympic Games such as, Salt Lake City and Atlanta, there were significant increases in the number of complaints regarding ticket purchases. Often tickets were either fraudulent or the ticket seller could not meet the demand.
BBB suggests the following advice to avoid ticket mishaps:
Buy tickets from authorized sources. Winter Games fans from around the world can visit the 2010 Olympics web site, www.vancouver2010.com. Organizers have "fan-to-fan" sales in addition to provide a safe way to buy tickets posted by other fans. There is a 20 percent commission for VANOC on each ticket re-sale (a 10 percent service fee will be charged to both buyer and seller). Tickets can be picked up at ticket centres in downtown Vancouver (Robson Square) or Whistler (Whistler Medals Plaza). Don’t forget to bring your photo ID!
VANOC, the official Olympic organizers, are also conducting online auctions for some of the remaining tickets. According to VANOC, tickets will be listed at a small percentage above the regular face value. There is no cap on bid amounts but depending on the session, increments will be as low as $10.
Those living outside of Canada may still be able to purchase tickets through the official ticket agent for their country. For example. ticket sales for the US are through the authorized U.S. ticket reseller, www.CoSport.com.
Avoid shopping for tickets through online classifieds. If you are shopping on sites like Craigslist or eBay there are no guarantees that the tickets you purchase will be legitimate or will ever even show up. The Vancouver Police have already been alerted to fraudulent sales that resulted in Olympic fans being out up to $12,000 with no tickets to show for it. VANOC has the ability to cancel illegitimate tickets, such as those they know have been illegally sold by sponsors (which would be a violation of their sponsor contracts), by canceling the bar codes printed on them.
If you're buying from a private party.
Verify tickets are real. Only buy tickets from someone you trust or from an authorized source – vancouver2010.com or an authorized ticket seller (“official ticket agent”) for another country. Buying hard tickets from someone you don’t know carries a great risk – tickets may be counterfeit but may also be authentic tickets that have either been claimed stolen or lost. Legitimate resellers should have purchased their tickets originally from an authorized source. Ask to see a receipt or paperwork showing where the tickets came from. If the tickets were purchased from VANOC or CoSport, the original buyer can log onto his/her web account at any time to print out a proof of purchase. If the seller does not provide this, then this is a red flag.
If you choose to buy online, you could get ripped off. Many major ticket resellers may claim to have Olympic tickets, but they may not be able to meet the demand. If you go this route, do your research and choose major companies that have a lengthy business record -- and those that sell a broad range of tickets, not just 2010 Games tickets. Beware of websites hastily manufactured just to sell Vancouver Games tickets. Check out company reports at www.mbc.bbb.org.
Check the schedule at vancouver2010.com/tickets. Some ticket brokers have been know to sell tickets for events that don’t even have tickets – for example, one ticket for a short track speed skating session includes up to three events but some online brokers have been selling each event separately despite the fact that there is no such ticket.
Ask questions. Buying tickets for Whistler events? Ask to see the ticket first as tickets have been sold to Sea to Sky residents that will not allow you to ride the Olympic bus network to your event – in fact, they say “No Olympic bus network access” right on the ticket. Unauthorized ticket sellers will not be able to answer questions around transportation to a venue so it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re buying a ticket that you can use. TravelSmart2010.ca is an informative resource, as is the helpful online spectator guide at vancouver2010.com.