Warning over Clapton touts

Mission Concert operations manager Garry Craft had two words for people contemplating buying Eric Clapton tickets after yesterday's record sellout buying frenzy - "Buyer beware".

The last of the available 25,000 tickets were snapped up within four hours of going on sale at noon yesterday, but even before that tickets popped up on the Trade Me website.

"It was extremely frustrating to see that," Mr Craft said. "Many people who genuinely wanted to see this concert would have missed out, and there were these people profiteering from it."

However, on one picture of ticket receipts accompanying a $1000-for-two-ticket "deal", Mr Craft and Mission Estate Winery chief Peter Holley noticed the identification numbers had been blocked out. The receipts appeared to be for tickets which had not been issued at that stage. People could easily end up buying worthless copies, Mr Craft said.

"If you can't get them personalised to you, be wary."

Another offer was for two reserved seating tickets, bought for $185 each, which bidding had pushed to $2300.

Mr Craft said while Sport and Entertainment expected solid demand he was astounded at the response.

"The demand exceeded that for Rod Stewart. "

Concert Club members who missed out were advised to check the site.

Tickets set aside for promotional and other purposes may be made available if not required. The January 27 concert will be Clapton's only New Zealand appearance on his world tour.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY