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Breaking: FTC Bans Hidden Ticket Fees – What Event Organizers Need to Know

Starting on May 12, 2025, the FTC’s new Junk Fees Rule bans hidden ticket fees, requiring all mandatory charges to be disclosed upfront—no more surprises at checkout. At Brushfire, we’ve always prioritized transparent pricing, and we’re here to help event organizers navigate these changes seamlessly.

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Transparency in ticket pricing has been a growing concern for ticket sellers and attendees alike. Hidden fees, unexpected charges, and unclear pricing have long frustrated consumers, making it difficult to compare options and budget accurately. Now, with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new Junk Fees Rule, these pricing practices are being challenged head-on.

But what does this mean for event organizers? Let’s take a closer look at the rule and its impact on the industry.

What Is the FTC’s Junk Fees Rule?

The FTC’s newly announced Junk Fees Rule is designed to eliminate misleading pricing tactics in industries like live-event ticketing and short-term lodging. The rule requires businesses—including event organizers, third-party ticket sellers, and registration platforms—to clearly disclose the total price, including all mandatory fees, upfront whenever they advertise or display a price anywhere online.

For ticketing & registration, this means no more surprises at checkout—attendees will see the full cost before they make a purchase. The goal is to provide a better buying experience, ensuring that consumers aren’t hit with unexpected service, processing, or convenience fees later in the transaction.

How This Affects Ticketing and Event Registration

The impact of this rule goes beyond just consumer protection—it also affects the way event organizers and ticketing platforms present pricing. With the new requirements, event organizers must ensure that the ticketing platform they use provides full price transparency at the point of sale.

Here are the key changes:

  • Total Price Must Be Clearly Displayed – The advertised price must include all required fees, making it easier for buyers to compare options.
  • No Hidden Fees – Event organizers can no longer include mandatory charges at the final checkout step without prior disclosure.
  • Easier Price Comparison – With upfront pricing, customers can make more informed decisions without needing to click through multiple steps.

A Win for Sellers and Attendees

For attendees, this means a more predictable and transparent buying process. For event organizers and sellers, it means a fairer, more competitive ticketing landscape—one where clear pricing builds trust and improves conversion rates.

Brushfire has always prioritized honest, transparent pricing to help our customers build strong relationships with their attendees. As pricing regulations evolve, using a ticketing platform that aligns with these best practices ensures compliance while delivering a seamless customer experience.

The active date of the FTC Junk Fees rule is May 12, 2025.

What’s Next?

To learn more about how Brushfire will be handling these changes and best practices for event organizers, stay tuned. We’ll be diving into what this means for Brushfire customers and how you can prepare for the transition.

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