Online ticket debacle ruins dream trip
The tickets she bought last November were to be a combined birthday and Christmas present for her partner, Noel Hooban, a keen United fan.
But the tickets were cancelled by Online Ticket Express five days before the match. By then, it was too late for Naomi to cancel the flight and hotel booking that altogether cost €900.
Naomi, from Portlaoise, Co Laois, paid €274 for the tickets and what she regrets most is not checking up the online operator before making a large dent in her wallet.
“I did what I should have done from the onset and typed the name into Google. I found many other angry and disappointed Online Ticket Express customers telling of tickets not delivered.
“We will travel to Britain this weekend as planned because the flights and hotel are already paid for, but will have to make do watching the match on TV in a pub,” she said.
Naomi, who bought the tickets on Nov 2, was told by the internet company that they would be delivered before the match.
She became concerned as time went by, and after telephoning and emailing the company several times, was told the tickets would be delivered just five days before the match.
Following more phone-calls and emails, Naomi was assured that the tickets would be sent to the Manchester hotel that she and her partner had booked for the weekend.
However, a few hours later Naomi got another phone call from Online Ticket Express, saying the tickets had been cancelled because there was a problem with their supplier.
“I know that the money might not seem like a lot to some people but it took a lot of work for me to get it together,” said Naomi.
The ticket broker, which has been operating in Europe since 1994, told Naomi it would refund the ticket price. However, other disappointed customers have claimed they were left high and dry.
“It’s desperately upsetting and so frustrating to read that what happened to me has also happened to so many other people,” said Naomi.
“Essentially, they have taken my money and not given me what I paid for and have ruined my trip, shown no remorse and may or may not pay me back in the next six weeks,” she said.
“It’s a hard lesson learned but I fear that there will be many others like me.”
The company, which declined a request to comment, told Naomi her refund would be processed.
Chief executive of the Consumers’ Association, Dermott Jewell, said he believed website companies such as Online Ticket Express must be challenged so that where there are cancellations the additional losses, such as flights and hotel bookings, are taken into account.
Mr Jewell said consumers could pursue internet claims through the EU small claims court process, could also contact her credit card company, which had an equal liab-ility with the retailer to settle the dispute.
The National Consumer Agency said its helpline received queries in relation to online ticket selling sites, including tickets not received, refund problems, and fraudulent tickets.
The National Consumer Agency’s advice for consumers buying from an online marketplace:
- Check site is legitimate before making a deal.
- Do a quick online search for negative feedback about a website.
- Try to buy from a reputable website or from one recommended to you by family or friends.
- If you do buy from an unfamiliar website, make sure you read the terms and conditions before making a purchase.
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