Ticket ‘scalping’ a matter of property rights

By Mark J. Perry | for Michigan Capitol Confidential

Personal property rights are the very foundation of our country’s economic system. When you buy something, you own it. Period.

And when you own something as your personal property, you have the right to use it, lend it to somebody, give it away or sell it as you decide.

These property rights apply to houses, cars, shares of stock, furniture, personal possessions and just about anything you can imagine — everything, that is, except for sporting event or concert tickets bought and sold in Michigan.

Unfortunately for consumers in Michigan, we live in one of the few states that impose an outright ban on the resale of event tickets above face value. Some call this “scalping,” but it really is nothing more than a voluntary market transaction between two consenting parties.

at Michigan Capitol Confidential.