Woah, there have been a torrent of replies!
I'll clear up the main things here.
Sheffield tram service (until now) has been then only tram service I have used.
I am from Congleton. You can buy a ticket onboard or after the journey on all trains running through Congleton.
The reason I am so used to paying on the train is because the ticket office is almost always closed in Congleton.
No, I did not see the ticket machine and 'try to get a free journey', the tram was waiting at the stop and without hesitation, I jumped on. I would like to add here that I am both used to buses (pay on board) and trains where I pay on board so why on Earth would the thought pop in to my mind that I might have to pay before?
To clarify as well, if I am standing in front of the tram doors before boarding, the ticket machine is in no way close to being visible. Only if I turn to 4 or 5 o'clock would I be able to see it. It truly is in an awkward place unless you know what you are doing.
I had the money to pay for a ticket otherwise I would not have boarded.
Yes I saw the ticket machine, this was once the doors had closed so I must have literally got on as it was about to leave.
I had considered getting off at another station to buy a ticket but two things stopped me:
1. I was assuring myself that I would be able to purchase one on the tram and if not, I would be honest with the guys at the other end and tell them where I boarded to buy one there. Honesty is usually key but apparently this is a simple case of some people ruining it for the rest of us. The 'some people I refer to as the dishonest ones causing this distrust from the company.
2. I was in a hurry to make an interview and as I had never used the trams in Manchester before, I did not want to risk being late. Trains from Manchester to Congleton come once an hour and if trams are in any way similar, I would be screwed.
Finally, if I had walked past a ticket machine, I would have bought one. It really is as simple as that. If any of this has come across a bit rude, I apologize. As you can imagine it is stressful enough without being blatantly accused of lying as well.
You guys have been fantastic, thanks again