Concierge services?

[significance]

I've used the concierge service associated with Westpac Earth Platinum a few times in the past, for things like booking hotels and finding and getting quotes for new appliances. Yesterday, for the first time, I tried using them to book some theatre tickets. Normally, I'd just book myself, but it was after business hours and I wanted tickets to four separate shows at three different theatres, so I thought I'd ask them to book them for me. To my surprise, I was told they couldn't do this! They could check availability and let me know how to book them myself, and they could set up conference calls to facilitate my buying tickets myself, but they couldn't just purchase the tickets on my credit card. The concierge told me they didn't have access to my credit card details and could not make purchases on my behalf, for security reasons.

Is this new?

The terms and conditions say their services include "Sourcing, purchasing, and delivery of tickets for
theatre shows, concerts, and sporting events." Later detail indicates that "The Cardholder will be informed of the cost and options, if available before any booking or purchase is made on behalf of the Cardholder. Platinum Concierge Services will not incur costs on behalf of the Cardholder unless his/her prior consent has been received. Any ticket purchases once authorised and confirmed by the Cardholder will be deemed non-refundable on non-exchangeable items." To me, this strongly suggests that they *can* purchase tickets. What do you think? Has anyone here used them to purchase tickets before?

 

[thewinchester]

I can't say I've used these services before, but let's just say there's quite a lot they will do.

I refer to the following blog article, how to make Visa obey your every wish. Possibly the funniest and best review of a credit card concierge service* I've ever read.

* Warning: Contains liquid cheese.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I refer to the following blog article, how to make Visa obey your every wish. Possibly the funniest and best review of a credit card concierge service* I've ever read.

* Warning: Contains liquid cheese.

Thanks thewinchester, that article is hilarious
Inspires me to give them a try

 

[significance]

Yes, I've been quite pleased with what they will do. I'm just startled that booking theatre tickets is something they won't do!

Requests they've helped me with in the past:

• "I'm in Brisbane this afternoon and need a hotel room in the city tonight: please find and book me the best room under $150."
• "I need a new washing machine and Choice recommends brand X, model Y. Can you please find the cheapest one available in Canberra?"
• "I'm looking for a romantic B&B in the Lamingtons for my honeymoon: can you find me a nice one?"
• "Can you book me a table for 4 tonight at 7pm at restaurant Y?"
• "I'll be in Sydney on the weekend: what theatre shows can I see on Saturday night?"

Requests they've not done so well with:

• "Can you get me three quotes for a 3.5kW solar panel system?" (not their fault: the solar providers all wanted to talk with me directly to get more info).
• "I'm looking for a venue that can host a wedding reception for 80 people in the Civic or Belconnen area of Canberra on 10 April" (they sent a few options, but some of them were in Sydney and none in Civic or Belconnen)
• "Can you book me 2 tickets to the next show at the Street Theatre?"