My husband and I recently spent lots of money on Paul Simon tickets – seated ones, in the “stalls”. We’ve always loved his music and looked forward to the occasion, but not long after he started, the people in front of us stood up, forcing us to do the same. It was very annoying. What’s the point paying for seats if you can’t use them?
I don’t know your age, but I suspect you’re showing it here. The people in front of you were simply after a great night out. They wanted to dance to the music, party up, embrace the atmosphere – that’s what pop and rock concerts are all about.
Paul Simon himself would want that. If that’s not your style, you should buy tickets higher up. Not only will they be cheaper, but people are less likely to stand and block your view – at least, not until near the end. Either that or restrict your concert-going to gentle or classical performances.
I suppose in an ideal world, concert venues would have “mosh pits” that were actually pits – lowered dance areas by the stage that those seated could see over. I’m sorry to be so blunt and that your night out was spoilt, but I bet this would never have been an issue when you were both crazy young things, grooving to the rhythms at a great Simon & Garfunkel concert. You would have been madly in love, arms wrapped round one another, enjoying the intimacy and totally unaware of anyone else.
Do you have a consumer question for Kevin? Email [email protected], or post to Weekly Consumer, PO Box 90119, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
A FAIR PRICE TO PAY
I’m quietly keeping an eye out for a car on Trade Me. A lot of the dealers’ ads say the price listed excludes “on-road costs”. Can you tell me what that means and how much extra I should expect to pay?
Often dealers who import second-hand cars into New Zealand charge on-road costs – they’re perfectly legitimate. On-road costs (ORCs) are what a dealer has to pay to make the vehicle legal on New Zealand roads. These costs include an up-to-date WOF, Motor Vehicle Registration and at least three months valid vehicle licence. If it’s a diesel, it needs to have at least 1000km of Road User Charges. These are the basics, though sometimes, depending on the type of vehicle, there may be other legal requirements to allow it on the road. The cost of all this should be around the $350 mark. Make sure the dealer doesn’t try and charge you for the regular costs of bringing a car up to standard for sale. I’ve heard of dealers who have tried to include a refill of oil into the on-road costs. Another one wanted to include new wiper blades. The cost of making a vehicle fit for purpose falls squarely on the dealer and should be included in the sale price. One dealer tried to include so much that the buyer faced an added bill of nearly $1000. This is – quite simply – nothing short of a rip-off.
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