Real-Life Communication
Congratulations! The local newspaper wants to run a story about
your business. As a sidebar, you've been asked to write a short blurb about
the differences between scalping and ticket brokering. You want to make sure
you write everything right, so you turn to your "official" definitions of
"ticket broker" and "scalper" for reference.
Read the following definitions.
Then, in your own words, describe the key differences between ticket brokers
and scalpers.
Ticket Scalpers
Ticket scalpers are usually
found outside stadiums before large events. Illegal in most places, scalpers
capitalize on scams, theft and deception. Many times, a ticket purchased from
a scalper will be counterfeit. When the purchaser finds out and is denied
entry into their cherished event, they have no legal recourse -- their money
is simply gone.
"It's becoming more and more of a problem," admits
Barry Lefkowitz, executive director for the East Coast Ticket Brokers Association.
Furthermore, ticket scalpers revel in the "bait and switch" technique. They'll
sell you a hot ticket for a premium and promise "great seats." The night of
the concert, you find yourself squarely behind a large pillar -- and you can't
see a thing. Again, there is no recourse. These people are out to scam you.
Ticket
Brokers
Ticket brokers are legitimate businesspeople. They carry
a wide variety of tickets for a number of events and work with individual
and corporate clients. They are customer service experts, searching for the
best seats and the latest tickets.
As an added bonus, what you buy
is what you get. You'll never have to worry about a "bait and switch" or a
bogus ticket. As a one-stop ticket shop, brokers will keep you informed of
the hottest events, show you venue seating charts and track elusive "sold
out" tickets.