Test-Achats concludes investigation into payments at music festivals

The Belgian consumer protection agency Test-Achats has released the results of an investigation into payment systems at various music festivals, focusing on the consumer-friendliness of mandatory cashless methods.

According to Test-Achats spokesperson Laura Clays, the organization has expressed concerns regarding the widespread use of digital tokens, particularly when those tokens are difficult to convert back into euros. A survey conducted by the agency found that 64 percent of respondents believe these festival-specific currencies make it more difficult to track their spending.

The report highlighted the pricing structure at Tomorrowland as an example. At that festival, attendees must purchase the event’s currency, known as Pearls, in 20-euro increments. Clays noted that because of the exchange rate, a strawberry matcha latte priced at 4.5 Pearls effectively costs 8.57 euros, while a non-alcoholic beer priced at 2.25 Pearls costs 4.28 euros. The investigation also identified issues regarding the high costs associated with recovering remaining balances and the inconsistent display of prices at food and drink stalls.

In the agency’s ranking of consumer friendliness, the Brosella festival in Brussels and Francofolies in Spa received the highest marks, each scoring 10 out of 10. Les Ardentes in Liège received the lowest score of 2.5. Test-Achats noted that Les Ardentes charges a 1.33-euro fee to activate the payment system and an additional 4-euro fee for festival-goers to retrieve unused vouchers at the end of the event.

Couleur Café received a score of 5.5. Test-Achats stated that points were deducted from the festival’s rating because attendees are unable to purchase food and drink vouchers using cash.

Article source: leuropeennedebruxelles.com | Image credit: The Bulletin