Are sites like zepass.com that resell tickets trustworthy?

Can I be sure that I will obtain a valid ticket for an event if I use a website that resells event tickets? H.B.

If you buy a ticket from an online reseller, as opposed to the original venue, you clearly want to know it will be valid. Essentially, you can feel confident if you go with one of the main names in the sector, such as placeminute.com, zepass.com, shotgun.live and reelax-tickets.com.

More reader questions, answered: do French banks still offer prêt viager hypothécaire loan?

French laws

They all have partnerships set up with event organisers, who are then able to monitor the reselling of their tickets. The sites respect French laws on reselling, which say, for example, that they must not be sold for more than their original value.

At each transaction, the ticket of the original seller is invalidated and a new one is put out for the purchaser. We note, however, that placeminute.com claims to be the only one with a system involving total destruction of the original ticket, thus ensuring the original seller has no copy and has not sold it to anyone else.

Zepass.com is warning people to double- check the event is going ahead, as sales are final and it cannot guarantee reimbursements. Its terms and conditions say event organisers normally reimburse only the original buyer, though they also say sellers of tickets on their sites should promise to help the buyer obtain a reimbursement in case of a cancellation.

Many events are now able to take place again following deconfinement but those attracting more than 5,000 are not expected to start again before September.

French living: a guide to cruising around France: where to go, what to see