Ripped off—and now a consolation prize of 20 euros? What's behind the Eventim settlement

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When the concert dream bursts—and the money (partly) too

Corona not only ruined the festival summer and prevented many people from seeing their favorite bands, it also cost them money. According to the consumer advice center, those who had purchased tickets through Eventim often did not receive a full refund when events were canceled. Instead, the ticket giant is said to have quietly retained fees. More than 5,000 angry customers joined a class action lawsuit in the hope of getting justice.

A report from the consumer advice center indicates that instead of a ruling, there has now been a settlement. And what is the outcome? A $20 voucher. No cash. No refund. Redeemable only at Eventim—the very provider that caused so much annoyance in the first place.

20 euros – regardless of how much was overpaid

In plain language: Anyone who has registered for the lawsuit by January 9, 2026, can obtain this voucher online at eventim.de/campaign/musterfeststellungsklage. To do so, you will need your name, the order numbers, and the reference number from the Federal Office of Justice. The voucher is then valid until the end of 2029—but only for new tickets on Eventim.

It doesn't matter whether someone overpaid by 5 or 50 euros back then. There is a flat rate of 20 euros. Cash? No way. At least those who redeem the voucher waive any further claims. So the deal is "take the voucher and keep your mouth shut."

No verdict, no clarity, no signal effect

Important: This settlement does not mean that Eventim has admitted wrongdoing. Nor has there been a court ruling that would provide clarity for future cases. It therefore remains unclear whether the retention of fees was lawful or not. For other ticket buyers who are not involved in the lawsuit, this deal means nothing.

The Federation of German Consumer Organizations nevertheless speaks of a "profitable settlement for all parties concerned." However, those who had hoped for transparency, consequences, and genuine customer rights are likely to be disappointed.

Comment: A voucher does not make up for injustice.

A $20 voucher as compensation for losses that are in some cases significantly higher? That's more like damage control à la Eventim – but not a real step toward fairness. The settlement feels like a delaying tactic, with the company polishing its image without venturing onto legally thin ice. A real decision would have been more courageous – for customers, but also for consumer protection as a whole. This leaves a bad taste in the mouth: those who have enough patience and money for lawyers can sit out whatever they want. Everyone else gets a voucher.

Source: vzbv.de