The advertised price must include all amounts you have to pay to purchase tickets for shows or for sporting and cultural events, except taxes. In short, you must be able to purchase a ticket at its advertised price.

Service and delivery fees

The advertised price must include all service or administrative fees as well as mandatory fees linked to the ticket’s delivery. For example, if the minimum amount you must pay for delivery is $4, the ticket office must include that amount in the ticket’s price.

If you choose a delivery option that is more expensive than the one included in the ticket price, the difference may be charged to you. If you are offered the option of picking up the tickets at the ticket counter for free but choose to have them delivered via an express courier service for $15, the ticket office can charge you this additional amount.The ticket office can also choose to advertise prices according to the delivery option. For example, a ticket that is picked up in person can be advertised at $50, whereas a mailed ticket can be advertised at $54.

Taxes

Some amounts can be added to the sale price upon payment. Those amounts are required under the provisions of a government act or regulation and must be collected and given to a public authority, and they include:

  • the Quebec sales tax (QST);
  • the goods and services tax (GST).

If there is a problem

If the advertised price is not the one invoiced to you, you are entitled to demand paying the advertised price.

If you discover a ticket seller does not abide by the pricing regulations, you should file a complaint with the Office de la protection du consommateur. The Contact us page provides the ways to reach us.

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Last update : May 3, 2021

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The information contained on this page is presented in simple terms to make it easier to understand. It does not replace the texts of the laws and regulations.