There are days in which I feel like Jerry Seinfeld. There are days in which I feel like George Costanza.
Today, a battle with Ticketmaster had all the makings of a Costanza moment (irritation leading to frustration culminating in indignation), but fortunately ended more Seinfeldian (total bemusement while enjoying the absurdity of life).
It started when Ticketmaster appeared to mess up a recent ticket order to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
On Saturday, I ordered four tickets to see the Boss in Nashville, opting for the paperless ticket option. In truth, I had no choice but to use paperless ticketing, as it was the only option available for general admission tickets to the show. Note: this is important.
It was at this point that my Costanza rage started to bubble.
Yesterday, Ticketmaster sent me an email saying the printing of my tickets had been delayed but I could rest assured they would be delivered on time. Odd, I thought, seeing how I hadn’t picked any delivery method for my tickets. I checked the receipt, and sure enough, it said I had picked UPS Second Day Air for $18. Considering that I a) would never pay $18 for two-day delivery, let alone for a show two months away; b) for $18, Bruce Springsteen himself would have to personally hand deliver the tickets; c) it was paperless ticketing, so therefore wasn’t an option; and d) IT WAS PAPERLESS TICKETING AND THEREFORE WASN’T AN OPTION, I had no choice but to contact Ticketmaster to see what was the what.
I explained to the first customer service rep the situation. She did not seem to understand my concerns. I explained again. Her response puzzled me: “Oh, OK, you’ll need to talk to customer service.”
“But I thought this was customer service.”
“It is, but you’ll need to talk to another part of customer service.”
The Dude knows what’s what.
They put me on hold, punishing me by making me listen to The Eagles. It was neither a peaceful nor easy feeling.
Another rep finally got on the line, and I had to recap. My discussion included double-checking to make sure that no general admission tickets were available in any other option other than paperless ticketing. He assured me there were no other options.
“So, you can understand my frustration then when I see I’m being charged not only for delivery but for two-day delivery?”
“Yes, sir,” he replied, and I started thinking I was finally getting somewhere.
Oops.
“So, if I understand correctly,” he said, “you want to switch this to standard mail.”
“There’s nothing to mail! It’s paperless ticketing! Are you going to mail me air.”
To his credit, he laughed then said, “I guess that wouldn’t make much sense.”
In the end, Ticketmaster refunded the money, and I’m cleared to go to the show without any hassle. It also gave me an excuse to share one of my all-time favorite Seinfeld moments. I’m fair with that trade-off.
So ... there I was 
My Dad also ordered online ( paperless tickets too ) from Ticketmaster for a ( faux) Fab Four concert… We got tickets instead, and after 2 mos ! ! ( and after so many calls too )
This sounds like the type of customer service calls I have. I really like the ones that they promise me some type of credit, refund or a gift card and then I never receive.
As always, this makes me smile.
LOL – firstly we love Seinfeld so could picture this entire post as if it were an episode! Secondly, glad that you got the refund & that guy you spoke to, actually understood your joke!! 🙂
Thanks for the kind words — glad you enjoyed the post. There’s still been some major confusion with Ticketmaster, but I received a note yesterday that my tickets have printed. This all feels like it’s being overseen by Kramer.