Planet Money Everything’s more expensive!! Pet care!! Concert tickets!! (Two Indicators)
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Nov 5, 2025 Rising inflation is tightening wallets across the U.S. Ticket prices are skyrocketing due to reseller bots manipulating the market, causing frustration for fans and venues alike. Meanwhile, pet care costs have surged, driven by unique skills and rising expectations from pet owners, all explained by the Baumol effect. Veterinarians face increasing expenses that push prices higher. Insights into how private equity influences veterinary care show a changing landscape as owner bonding during the pandemic leads to willingness to spend more on pets.
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Musician Pledges Affordable Tickets
- Molly Obamsuin recalled vowing never to charge more than $150 for tickets after seeing prices rise for other bands.
- She wanted to keep concerts accessible and avoid curating an audience by income.
Industry View: Tickets Priced Too Low
- Live Nation CEO Michael Rapinoe says concert tickets are underpriced and have been for a long time.
- The Indicator frames rising ticket prices as part of a complex market issue affecting fans and artists.
Venue Operator Battles Reseller Bots
- Lauren Wayne of the State Theater in Portland, Maine describes spotting bot activity when hundreds of tickets vanish overnight.
- Her staff must manually void purchases and refund buyers when bots wipe out inventory.