The term "convenience charge" sounds like they are helping you out for a little extra money.  But are they really?  If I had another option, then surely it makes sense.  Purchase online, pay an extra dollar or two (for what reason, I still do not know), but come down and buy it in person, get it for face value.  Of course, the Phillies didn't give that option (or at least they didn't publicize it).  So, I, along with thousands of other naive fools, purchased our playoff tickets, paying the "convenience charge" without thinking about the side effects of the Phillies not making the playoffs.

Of course, they didn't make it, and they refunded our ticket money minus the "convenience charge."  That comes out to 4 dollars a ticket and for my 8 tickets, that turned out to be 32 bucks.  That is 75% of the cost of one regular season game (with my 2 tickets in the outfield).  That is a small charge to pay to go to the game, but a big charge to pay when they don't even make it.  

While I did agree to the fine print, I had no choice and I think it is a sad state of affairs that they would charge it anyway.  A concert is pretty much sure to occur.  So is going to see a show or the circus.  The playoffs are a crap shoot and the ONLY ones to blame for them not making it are the Phillies.  They screwed up down the stretch, but reward MY faith in them by keeping my 4 dollars per ticket for playoffs THEY failed to make.  I am shocked by the audacity of this.  To make matters worse, they sent me an email that they didn't make the playoffs.  I got a bit snippy with them and here is the exchange:

Their Original email:

--- seasonmvp@phillies.com wrote:

Dear ME:

Throughout the entire season, you faithfully supported the Phillies. On behalf of the team and front office, thank you for your loyal support during the exciting 2006 season.

As previously requested, your 2006 postseason payment has been refunded. You should either receive a refund check or a credit to your credit card this week. The refunds were processed automatically and there is no need to return any tickets. Please call the Sales Office at 215-463-5000, if you have any questions concerning your account.

We look forward to 2007 with great optimism as Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels and Brett Myers lead the way.

Go to www.phillies.com for all the latest Phillies information including the 2007 schedule!

Thank you once again for your fantastic support. We look forward to seeing you in 2007.

Sincerely,

John S. Weber
Director, Sales
--------------

My snarky response:

-----Original Message-----
From: ME
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 12:50 PM
To: seasonmvp
Subject: Re: Phillies 2006 Postseason Refunds

Do I get a refund on the 4 dollar handling fees, or do I just lose out on that too?
------------------

Their unexpected reponse:

--- seasonmvp <seasonmvp> wrote:

ME:

Thank you for your email. As stated in all correspondence regarding postseason tickets the  4 per ticket fee was non-refundable.

Bill Wilson
Manager, Sales Operations
--------------

My second snarky response:

--- ME wrote:

Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2006 13:43:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: ME
Subject: RE: Phillies 2006 Postseason Refunds
To: seasonmvp <seasonmvp>

I figured as much. At least the Phillies benefit from not making the playoffs...
------------

(To which there was no reply)

Now, I obviously didn't expect anything back, but the fact that he had the nerve to write back anything at all about how they told me in advance that my money was gone for good really irritated me.  Yeah, I know you are keeping my money for nothing, no need to remind me of that.  If they didn't hold the tickets to the team I want to see, I'd never do business with them again.