On-line movie tickets sales ... we have a problem.

Just quickly - On Tuesday I bought tickets (on-line) to Empire Theatre's 3D IMAX screening of Avatar to enjoy on Friday night. Problem was, soon after I realised I had purchased these for Tuesday night. I contacted Empire Theatres via an on-line form, requesting a refund, but as I was desperate not to miss the movie (I was told it often sells out, and I had a baby sitter booked) I purchased tickets (again, online) for the Friday night screening.

I was informed (via email) that I would have to refund my ticket at the theatre no less than 30 mins before the screening. I drove madly out to Bayers Lake to claim my refund, only to be informed I could not get a refund, only a re-issue of the ticket to the same movie. I asked for a gift card/certificate, as I already had purchased tickets for the Friday night screening. "No, sorry as a gift card is considered a refund." I was asked to leave my details for the manager who regularly handles these requests for refunds and was told they they would be in contact.

I was kinda thankful that I wasn't the only person who had made an error purchasing on-line. But, at the same time - it's 2 days later, no call from the manager, no refund to my account, and when you think about it - if Empire Theatres are going to make it so easy to purchase tickets on-line - shouldn't they make it just as easy to get a refund?

I'll keep you posted ...

*** Folllow up: I was contacted by Empire Theatres, who provided me with comp. tickets and $3 off my next popcorn purchase. Still dosen't solve the problem of easy refunds for on-line bookings (they have fraud issues) but I still feel that if I can easily purchase tickets on-line (ie: spend my money) Empire Theatres should have a quick and easy way to refund my money, on line. ***