After I ranted about Ticketmaster a couple of days ago , I received a nice response from a guy called David Cameron-Pryde, who is something called the Customer Services Communicator at Ticketmaster UK.

"With regards to the problems you have been having with gift cards, may I first apologise, and inform you that they are only at the moment redeemable via phone bookings." Aha I would have thought, if I hadn't already been contacted by the helpful email helpdesk clerk who apologised that she couldn't be of more help.

David continued. "However, later this year they will be able to be used online also, as we recognise that a lot of customers like to purchase with us in this manner, and are working towards adding the gift cards to the online booking system." Fine.

And then, the killer blow made me slightly red-faced: "There are actually two sections on the backing card that say - 'only redeemable via telephone' and a phone number, but it would depend on whether this has been passed onto you by the person giving the gift." Right, yes, I've got that bit. Oops. Still, David's unexpected email aside, I must commend Ticketmaster for its email helpdesk, who emailed me within a few hours. If only all online companies could boast the same efficiency.