Don’t Be a Dick Consumer

Don’t be a dick consumer, know your rights before parting with your cash or before you go barreling into a fight you MAY already be set to lose.

How many of us willingly part with well-earned cash for a race entry because it’s the MUST DO event of the year? Or see a new event on the scene and want to give it a fighting chance of surviving against the gateways into OCR that are Spartan and Tough Mudder? After all, it’s a savage time for OCR businesses right now.

How many of us actually think about protection before we hit that ‘pay now’ button? I can honestly say — I never really have. However, I do know certain rights that I have as a consumer.

Here’s a little guide:

1. Check BOTH terms and conditions! Most companies will direct you to a ticket selling site such as Active, Eventbrite, Ticket Source, etc. This means that both the event and the ticketing company will have their own version of Ts&Cs. What are their refund policies?
2. Check to make sure there are valid contact details for the event organiser. We live in a social media age people, most RD’s will be available on Facebook, if the profile is new, or you can’t find a way to make contact — be wary!
3. If the event is new, check out how many other events have been set up for them. Ask yourself how they could possibly put on so many — OCR ain’t cheap!
4. You are better protected using a credit card to pay for your events (if £100 or more) due to section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act — particularly useful if the event company goes bust or does a runner. If you’re in a deadlock with your credit card provider, hit up the Financial Ombudsman.
5. If you do use a debit card (or credit card for £100 or less), you MAY be able to get a refund under the chargeback scheme — this is not a guarantee though and may differ between providers (Visa, Maestro, American Express). You have 120 days from buying to do so.
6. NEVER EVER TRANSFER FUNDS!!! You will not be protected.
7. The long-arsed way to claim can be through the small claims court but again, no guarantees.
8. Know that in general, if the event is cancelled, rescheduled, or has changed location — you are entitled to a refund! Note though, fees do not always apply to this and if the ticket has become discounted, it’s the discounted price you’ll get.

Here’s what you need to know about what your rights DON’T cover:

1. If you decide or realise you cannot go to the event, you are NOT entitled to a refund.
2. If you cannot make it to the event (i.e. weather chaos) but it’s not cancelled, you are NOT entitled to a refund.
3. Note that some events offer insurance during your registration. This can cover for injury, travel issues, pregnancy, which is more than likely to only be £5.00. If there’s an issue, it’ll even cover your travel plans (hotels, car hire). Don’t be cheap, TAKE IT!!!
4. If the event closes an obstacle, guess what…you are NOT entitled to a refund. It’s like going to Glastonbury because Eminem is headlining then they swap him out for Britney — you bought the ticket for Glastonbury NOT one particular artist.
5. Your rights do NOT cover you to defer to another date. This is a courtesy given by the race organisers. Most will charge you because guess what? Your registration has already paid for the race you were meant to be going to. How do you think the next race will be paid for? Harsh but, please think about that before hitting up social media with a gripe about having to pay again. Those behind the race are people too.
6. 2020 ADDITION: In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, many events should have clauses within their terms and conditions that give them the legal right not to perform under contract called ‘force majeure’. With the Government currently advising against gatherings of 500 or more or those that require medical teams.

The ‘Force Majeure clause is a provision in a contract that excuses a party from not performing its contractual obligations that becomes impossible or impracticable, due to an event or effect that the parties could not have anticipated or controlled.’

Ultimately — be a smarter and empathetic consumer, and read before you shout. I’m talking empathy because your demand for a refund could mean the end of that race. Covid19 related, do you want to see that race still standing in 2021? If so, DON’T TAKE YOUR MONEY AWAY!

• If anyone knows different or see changes along the way, feel free to update me :)