Whether or not all tickets for an event sell out during the presale period is a common question for music fans. There are many factors that determine if this happens, and the answer can vary widely between different concerts, artists, venues, ticket platforms, and more. In general, it is rare for absolutely every ticket to an event to sell during presales, but certain high-demand shows may come close to selling out completely.
What is a presale?
A presale is an advance ticket sale before the general public on-sale. Presales give certain groups access to tickets before everyone else. Some common presale groups include fan club members, credit card holders, Spotify listeners, venue email list subscribers, VIP packages buyers, etc. Artists and event promoters use presales as a way to reward loyal fans and strategic partners. Presales also generate buzz and hype for an event.
Do all tickets sell during presales?
In most cases, no. It is very rare for 100% of tickets to an event to sell out during presales alone. However, for extremely high-demand concerts like major pop stars or classic rock reunions, it is possible to have all or nearly all tickets sell out during presales. Beyoncé’s 2016 Formation World Tour had several shows with hardly any tickets left after presales. U2’s 2017 Joshua Tree reunion tour sold out many stadium shows primarily via presales. Swift’s 2018 Reputation tour also sold out several arena dates entirely during presales.
Still, even for superstar acts, selling out completely during presales is more exception than norm. Most of the time, the percentage of tickets sold during presales ranges anywhere from 30-90% of the total ticket inventory. Major factors like artist popularity, venue size, number of presales, and size of allotments impact how many are purchased during presales.
Why don’t all tickets sell during presales?
There are several reasons why presales rarely sell out an entire event:
– Inventory Split – Only a portion of total tickets go on sale during presales. The rest are held for the public on-sale. The artist, promoter and venue determine the presale/public on-sale split.
– High Ticket Demand – The most popular acts can sellout huge stadiums and arenas based on presales alone. Many other shows simply don’t have that level of demand.
– Limits on Number of Tickets – Presale ticket limits prevent resellers from buying up all inventory. Limits range from 2-8 tickets. Public on-sale has higher or no limits.
– Challenging Presale Access – Getting presale passwords or codes can be difficult for more casual fans. The fan club presales have the most limited access.
– Saving Tickets for Public On-Sale – A percentage of seats are purposely not made available to give everyone a fair shot.
So the combination of controlled inventory allotments, high demand requirements, ticket purchase limits, and restricted access makes a 100% presale sellout very uncommon. Most shows, even very popular ones, have tickets leftover after presales end.
When Do Presales Typically Happen?
Now let’s take a closer look at when you can expect presales for concerts and live events to take place:
Artist Fan Club Presales
– Timing: 1-7 days before public on-sale
– Access: Official artist fan club members only
The artist fan club presales typically happen first. Fan club members will get an email with the presale password or code 1-7 days before the public on-sale. These presales offer the most exclusive access. Signing up for the official fan club is usually the only way get the password.
Venue and Promoter Presales
– Timing: 1-3 days before public on-sale
– Access: Venue and promoter email lists, sometimes special codes
The venue or event promoter will often have their own presale for email list subscribers and social media followers occurring 1-3 days before the public on-sale. These presales are easier to access compared to fan club ones. Simply signing up online for the venue’s email list may be enough to get a presale code.
Partner Presales
– Timing: 1-2 days before public on-sale
– Access: Requires having specific credit card, mobile carrier, streaming service, etc.
Partner presales provide access for certain brands, companies and services. Examples include American Express, T-Mobile, Spotify, or Live Nation mobile app users. Having the right credit card, phone carrier, or music streamer typically unlocks these presales occurring 1-2 days before the general public.
VIP Presales
– Timing: Same timeframe as other presales
– Access: Purchasing VIP ticket packages and upgrades
Buying more expensive VIP ticket packages will include access to the presales. This allows fans to get general admission tickets before the public on-sale. The VIP packages could offer meet and greets, premium seating, merchandise, and other special perks.
General Presales
– Timing: Day before public on-sale
– Access: Join email list, use special presale code
Right before the public on-sale, there is sometimes a general presale. These are open to anyone who signs up for the artist or venue’s email list. Generic presale codes are relatively easy to find online. General presales give last minute access before the public.
Do Presale Tickets Sell Out Faster or Slower?
Beyond when presales occur, another key question is how quickly they sell out compared to the public on-sale. Here’s a breakdown of why presales tend to sell out faster:
Fewer Presale Tickets Available
Since presales only get a portion of total ticket inventory, there are less seats to go around. Less supply means tickets sell quicker.
High Demand from Superfans
The biggest fans jump at the first chance to buy tickets during presales. Casual fans don’t necessarily seek presale codes, so demand concentrates among passionate superfans.
Fewer Purchase Restrictions
Presales tend to have lower ticket limits like 2-8 per person. Public on-sales might have 6-12 ticket limits, or no restrictions at all in some cases.
Less Competition
With only fan club members or select groups eligible for presales, there is less competition to buy tickets before the general public.
Buying Early for Best Seats
Fans want to buy early during presales to secure the best possible seats before inventory is gone. This motivates quick purchases.
So in summary, the combination of scarce presale inventory, superfans buying first, lower purchase limits, restricted buyer pools, and securing the best seats leads to presales selling out faster on average compared to public on-sales.
Best Practices for Presales
Here are some top tips for navigating the presale process to score tickets:
Join Fan Clubs and Email Lists
Sign up for an artist’s official fan club, along with venue and promoter email lists. This provides access to most presales. Having the login info ready speeds up the ticket buying process.
Follow Social Media Announcements
Presale info is shared across an artist’s social media pages and by the venues. Turn on notifications so you don’t miss any presale announcements.
Use Presale Code Aggregators
Sites like Presale Password list codes and passwords found through fan forums and groups. This reveals hard-to-find codes for different presales.
Be Ready Right at Presale Start Time
Log in to ticket sites in advance and pull up the event page. Refresh at the exact presale start time to be among the first in line. The fastest fingers score the best seats.
Have Backup Payment Cards Available
Have multiple credit cards or payment options handy in case your initial purchase attempt gets declined or times out.
Use Multiple Devices
Try buying tickets on a computer and mobile device. If one gets stuck or crashes, you have the other as a backup to get through checkout.
Act Fast Once Tickets Are Found
Work through checkout immediately after claiming tickets. Don’t hold them in your cart. Another fan might grab them if you wait too long.
Following these presale best practices will greatly improve your chances of getting tickets before the public on-sale. The key is being prepared, vigilant and fast.
Conclusion
In closing, all tickets selling out during presales alone is very rare, but does occasionally happen for the most in-demand concerts and artists. Most shows have anywhere from 30-90% of their seats sell during various presales in the 1-7 days leading up to the public on-sale. Presales give the most passionate fans first access. Strategic inventory splits, high demand requirements and purchase limits prevent 100% of tickets from selling during presales. Following some key best practices improves your presale success odds so you can score amazing seats to your favorite events!