Ticket provider Eventim because of a model declaratory action: This is what consumers need to know

Ticket provider Eventim because of a model declaratory action: This is what consumers need to know

According to a report by www.butenunbinnen.de, the ticket provider Eventim has been submitted a model declaratory action due to withheld fees for canceled events. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (VZBV) has initiated this lawsuit, and those affected can now join the lawsuit.

Ticket retailers such as Eventim charge an advance booking fee for every ticket sale, which amounts to between six and 15 percent of the ticket price. Many concerts and events were canceled during the corona pandemic. But instead of refunding the entire ticket price, advance booking fees are said to have been withheld, according to allegations from consumer advice centers.

Eventim defends itself by saying that the advance booking fees are payment for the successful procurement of tickets, even if the event has been cancelled. The consumer advice centers, however, argue that this is an “illegal practice”. They have therefore filed a model declaratory action in order to simultaneously enforce the interests of the affected consumers without each individual having to sue.

In order to take part in the lawsuit, consumers can register in the “lawsuit register” of the Federal Office of Justice. This has been possible online for a few days. The consumer advice centers have already had success with model declaratory actions in the past, for example in the case of the VW emissions scandal.

It remains to be seen how the court will decide in this case. But the model declaratory action shows that consumers have ways to defend themselves against illegal behavior by companies.