Consumer Reports is testifying in front of the FTC on June 11th!!

Sick of fees popping up after you start buying tickets? So are we. They inflate the cost of a concert and really get in the way of taking the family to the ballpark. What's worse: these fees are often downright sneaky.

If you are planning to purchase event tickets of any kind in the next few weeks, will you share your purchasing experience with us? The best way for CR to understand what the process is like for consumers is for you to take us on the (sometimes frusturating) journey with you! The best way to do that is by taking screen shots of the actual process. This lets us track how often and where ticket fees are mentioned throughout your ticket purchase

Step 1: Take a screenshot of the initial price you find when shopping for tickets

Once you've decided what you want to buy, but before you start the purchasing process, take a screenshot of the initial cost. We're trying to make the case that many ticket sites don't tell you up front about the price you eventually pay.

Not sure how to take a screenshot? Download our screenshot guide here.

Step 2: Take a screenshot of the actual amount

Take a second screenshot, this one after you've completed the purchase. We want to capture the amount that you end up paying once you’ve reached the purchase or reservation phase. Be sure to include any fees listed on the bill in your screenshot!

Step 3: Report back

Make notes of the following:

• The product/service you are purchasing
• The company you are purchasing from or through
• The date and time you took the photos
• The amount of fees that were added to your total when you got to the payment screen.

Using your notes plus your screenshots from Step 1 and 2, fill out the First Reporting form:

Go to Form

That's it! Thanks for your work, and for your contribution to making the ticket buying process fairer and more transparent! We'll be in touch if you've submitted a hidden fee.

Not planning to buy a ticket within the next few weeks?

That's ok. You can commit to filling this out once you do purchase a ticket. Just keep Consumer Reports in mind, and check back here!