I've posted before saying that I've had success using the concierge for tickets. That's still true, for events that haven't yet gone on sale where I just want the concierge to pounce on them right when they become available.
However, for tickets that are already available, I've found the service to be miserable. Example: I wanted to get tickets to an NFL game, and was hoping to avoid the absurd StubHub or NFL Exchange fees. A few emails and it looked like they had stuff for about the same price, but lower fees, though not in the sections I wanted.
Finally got time to call in, and the guy was literally saying to me, "Well, hold on, the ticketmaster site is having trouble loading." He said nothing was available in my desired sections...it was then that I loaded ticketmaster myself and realized what they were quoting me via email was simply just the seats that were still available for regular purchase directly from the venue, just without the $2 ticketmaster processing fee. I asked him if he could check secondary market tickets, and he proceeded to tell me he would load up StubHub, where he quoted me the exact same things I could get for myself, fees and all. Didn't even attempt their ticket broker (and I didn't push for it as I'd heard their prices were absurd).
I guess it's still worth the occasional email because I know sometimes Amex has a few tickets reserved that can be snagged after the generally available ones are gone, but lesson learned - if you can do it yourself on StubHub/Ticketmaster, just stick with that and avoid the hassle.
Originally Posted by
FlyerTalkUserName
Maybe "Forced" is too strong of a word. "Pretty, pretty, pretty please" might be more like it. Or maybe he just called and snagged their standing 8:15 AmEx reservation? I really don't know but I find it hard to believe AmEx is putting on much of a show about reservation availability. Honestly I'd be more impressed if they would have just had one without calling.
The rep was just trying to show off. I'm 99% certain this is just a restaurant that has a protected reservation time specifically for Amex, negotiated through their Fine Dining program or whatever they're calling it these days. All the concierge needs to do is call in and say they have someone that wants it, and it's done. No coercing or begging necessary.
In exchange, that restaurant likely ends up at or near the top of the recommendations list anytime someone calls and asks for a nice place to eat in Tampa.