In the world of live music, Oasis is more than just a band; they’re a cultural phenomenon. When rumours of their reunion tour started circulating, fans were understandably thrilled. But the excitement quickly turned to outrage when tickets went on sale, and people saw not just the high ticket prices, but the exorbitant fees attached to them. The controversy that followed was not just about the cost of seeing a beloved band but highlighted a much larger issue around unjustifiable fees that has been frustrating consumers for years.
When the initial wave of Oasis tickets hit the market, fans were prepared for steep prices—after all, this was the reunion of one of the most iconic bands in modern music. What they weren't prepared for was the avalanche of fees that turned an already expensive night out into a borderline unaffordable one. Ticket prices themselves were high, but the additional service fees, convenience fees, and processing fees tacked on during checkout often added up to 30% more to the final price, let alone the ‘dynamic pricing’ (one for another day).
This isn’t a new problem. For years, concertgoers have been battling these hidden costs. The frustration stems from the lack of transparency—consumers often don't see the true cost until they are deep into the purchasing process, at which point they may feel committed or pressured to complete the purchase.
The Oasis ticketing controversy is just one example of how industries capitalise on additional fees. These fees are pervasive, cropping up in everything from event tickets to online shopping, travel bookings, and even everyday financial transactions.
The root cause? A combination of industry practices, monopoly power, and consumer complacency. In many industries, a few major players dominate the market, allowing them to impose fees with little fear of losing customers. For example, in ticket sales, companies like Ticketmaster control a significant share of the market, making it difficult for consumers to avoid these extra costs.
Additionally, the lack of regulation around these fees means companies can charge almost whatever they like, often under the guise of covering administrative or processing costs. But as many consumers and industry insiders point out, these fees are often disproportionate to the actual costs incurred by the companies.
In the midst of this frustration, there is a growing demand for change. Consumers are increasingly aware of these fees and are seeking out alternatives. Enter VibePay, where we continue to do what we can to help consumers in the payment processing space with our bold pledge: no fees on payments.
VibePay itself was born out of the frustration around ticket pricing, touts, fees and re-seller market, with a space for fans to buy and sell tickets at face value. This then focussed the attention of the team on to a wider societal issue regarding payments and the fees attached.
VibePay’s approach is a direct response to the frustrations many people feel about hidden fees. By eliminating fees on payments, VibePay is positioning itself as a consumer-friendly alternative in a market saturated with companies that often take advantage of their customers. This no-fees pledge is not just a marketing gimmick; it’s a statement about fairness and transparency in financial transactions.
What VibePay is doing is part of a larger trend towards more ethical business practices in the financial tech industry. Consumers today are more informed and more vocal about their expectations. They want transparency, and they want to know that the companies they do business with are not taking advantage of them. By removing fees, VibePay is aligning itself with these consumer values and setting a new standard for others to follow.
The Oasis ticketing controversy is likely to fade with time, but the broader issues it has highlighted will not. As more consumers become aware of the true cost of fees, the demand for transparency and fairness in payments will only grow.
Companies that continue to rely on hidden fees may find themselves increasingly at odds with their customers. On the other hand, those that embrace transparency and consumer-friendly practices, like VibePay, could set a new standard for the industry.
In the end, the lesson from the Oasis ticketing debacle is clear: consumers are tired of being blindsided by fees. They want fair pricing, and they want to know upfront what they’re paying for. The companies that understand this and adapt to it will be the ones that succeed in the long run.
As the landscape of payments and fees continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how many more companies follow VibePay’s lead and prioritise the customer experience over short-term profits. If there’s anything to be learned from the uproar over Oasis tickets, it’s that the demand for change is real, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
