Background
The Basingstoke Comic Con ran from 10th to 12th May 2024 in Basingstoke, UK. The event was marred by numerous serious issues, including long queues, overcrowding, and poor organisation. Many attendees were unable to access the event or enjoy the activities due to these problems. As a result, some attendees are seeking refunds for their tickets.
No blame is being put on the talent who attended the event, nor the majority of individual staff members who worked hard to make the event a success. Stories of individual acts of kindness and professionalism have been shared by attendees.
The purpose of this website is to provide information on how you may be able to obtain a full or partial refund for your ticket(s). It is not legal advice. It is not affiliated with the organiser. It is not responsible for any refunds or lack thereof. It will be updated with more information where possible.
Key information
The company who ran the event is KTEG Limited, a private limited company registered in England. Their official website address is http://www.kteg.co.uk/. Company information, including addresses, financials, the sole owner and director and more can be found at the official UK Companies House website here.
Obtaining a refund
In the first instance, you should attempt to obtain a refund by contacting the event management directly. Evidence showing you tried to engage with and obtain a refund through direct channels will be required for further action. Link to their refund page.
However, given the complete lack of accountability and responsibility you may likely have to progress to a chargeback.
Credit / debit card chargebacks
All banks and issuers of credit and debit cards must follow the corresponding dispute chargeback processes when a customer initaites a complaint.
Each bank / issuer will handle how they receive these chargeback requests differently. If you search "[your bank] chargeback process" it will give you the steps you need. If you cannot find it online, contact your bank / issuer card helpline and ask to perform a chargeback on the transaction(s) related to your purchases. They might process this over the phone, but it would be better to email or write to them in order to lay out the facts in an easily understood way.
Visa and MasterCard both have similar but different rules and guidelines when it comes to chargebacks (also known as cardholder disputes). By quoting their own rules and terminology in your complaint, it will greatly increase the chance your bank / issuer decides in your favour.
When writing your chargeback complaint, be matter-of-fact and non-emotional. State clearly how you did not receive what you paid for and/or how the service was not of an acceptable level of quality. Provide evidence where possible. Photos and social media can be helpful.
Visa chargeback rules
Link to 'Visa Dispute Management Guidelines' PDF.
You will most likely be claiming under one of two Conditions:
'Condition 13.1 - Services Not Received'
This may be the best rule to claim under if you did not recieve most or all of what you paid for. When writing your complaint, add as much detail and evidence as possible. Photos and social media may be helpful to provide context.
'Condition 13.3 - Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services'
This may be the best rule to claim under if you did receive some of what you paid for but the services were not performed to an adequate level of quality. When writing your complaint, add as much detail and evidence as possible. Photos and social media may be helpful to provide context.
MasterCard chargeback rules
Link to the 'Chargeback Guide Merchant Edition' PDF.
You will most likely be claiming under one of two categories:
'Goods or Services Were Either Not as Described or Defective'
This may be a better rule to claim under if you received some or all of your purchased services, but because of quality and misrepesentation, it could be described as 'defective'.
In order to be eligible for a chargeback under this rule you must have:
- Contact or attempt to contact the merchant (BSCC) to resolve the dispute.
- The merchant (BSCC) refused to fully or partially refund (depending on your circumstances and request).
- Services (event) did not conform to its description OR merchant did not honor the terms/conditions including written promises.
You will need to provide some or all of the following:
- Letter/email/message describing the complaint in detail
- Documentation that supports your assertion about the level of quality or misrepresentation (photos and social media may be useful here)
or
'Goods or Services Not Provided'
This may be a better rule to claim under if you did not receive any or most of the services you purchased.
In order to be eligible for a chargeback under this rule you must have not received what you paid for.
You will need to provide some or all of the following:
- Letter/email/message describing the complaint in detail
- A specific description of the services purchased