August 16th, 2024

Burners eat big losses in desperate race to sell unwanted Burning Man tickets

Burning Man attendees face financial losses as ticket resale prices drop below $300, prompting frustration and bartering. The organization plans to adjust future sales amid concerns about community dynamics.

Read original articleLink Icon
Burners eat big losses in desperate race to sell unwanted Burning Man tickets

This year, Burning Man attendees are facing significant financial losses as they attempt to sell unwanted tickets, with many selling for far below face value. Traditionally, demand for tickets has exceeded supply, but this year, the event has not sold out, leading to a flooded market where tickets are being offered for as low as $200. Sellers express frustration over the low offers, feeling that the principles of decommodification are being disregarded. Some attendees, like Graham Chapman, have reported losing hundreds of dollars, while others, such as Tess C., have seen their family members lose up to $800. The situation has prompted creative solutions, including bartering for tickets. Despite the losses, some Burners remain optimistic, believing that the influx of last-minute attendees may diversify the crowd. However, others worry that these newcomers may not contribute to the event's community spirit. The Burning Man organization has acknowledged the situation and is adjusting ticket sales for future events to better align with current trends. Overall, the ticket resale market has become chaotic, with many sellers left disappointed and financially strained.

- Burning Man tickets are being resold at significant losses, with prices dropping below $300.

- Many sellers express frustration over low offers and the perceived violation of event principles.

- Some attendees are resorting to bartering as a creative way to offload tickets.

- The Burning Man organization plans to adjust future ticket sales in response to current trends.

- Concerns arise about the impact of last-minute attendees on the event's community dynamics.

Related

Ticketmaster has begun warning customers about data breach

Ticketmaster has begun warning customers about data breach

Ticketmaster notifies customers of a data breach involving personal information theft. 1.3 terabytes of data were compromised and sold on the dark web. Snowflake denies involvement. Ticketmaster enhances security measures.

Scalpers Work with Hackers to Liberate Ticketmaster's 'Non-Transferable' Tickets

Scalpers Work with Hackers to Liberate Ticketmaster's 'Non-Transferable' Tickets

Scalpers exploit Ticketmaster and AXS ticket creation processes, generating and selling "non-transferable" tickets. Lawsuit reveals scalpers' ability to create authentic tickets, challenging platforms' anti-scalping measures. Security researchers demonstrate reverse engineering barcode generation.

San Diego ComicCon May Be Leaving San Diego, Due to Hotel Price-Gouging

San Diego ComicCon May Be Leaving San Diego, Due to Hotel Price-Gouging

Comic-Con International may leave San Diego due to hotel price gouging. Concerns about unsustainable rates, limited block rooms, and accessibility issues prompt considerations for relocating to accommodate the growing audience.

California lawmakers got ticket freebies as they cracked down on Ticketmaster

California lawmakers got ticket freebies as they cracked down on Ticketmaster

California lawmakers accepted over $30,000 in free tickets from interest groups while addressing Ticketmaster's issues. This raised ethical concerns, especially regarding potential conflicts of interest amid stalled ticketing regulation efforts.

Burning Man festival fails to sell out for first time in a decade

Burning Man festival fails to sell out for first time in a decade

The Burning Man festival has not sold out for the first time in a decade, attributed to economic factors and climate issues, with potential benefits for inclusivity and attendance.

Link Icon 7 comments
By @jerlam - 5 months
This article somehow ignores the interesting question of why these "experienced Burners", some who have been going for five to 20 years, not only decided to not go this year, but decided to do so after spending hundreds of dollars on non-refundable tickets. They did so with the full knowledge of last year's mud problems.

I'm certain that most of them were always going to sell their "extra" or "friend's" ticket online for profit, just not willing to admit it online.

By @prpl - 5 months
Witnessing the hangover of the experience economy.
By @jmclnx - 5 months
I still do not understand Burning Man, but I wonder why low ticket sales. Did something change.

Assuming that is somekind of illegal drug fest, could this be because drugs are not considered as bad now.

Or are law enforcement is showing up or was security is beefed up to prevent things not considered safe ?

By @fargle - 5 months
ooof. finding out that market forces are real must really suck when you "don't have the disposable income to spare" but bought those, now, 50% worthless tickets anyhow.
By @xenospn - 5 months
I thought it used to be free? When did that change?
By @ceejayoz - 5 months
> “It sucks, because I don’t have that disposable income to spare,” he said.

Why are you going to Burning Man?!