As ticket prices for live events continue to rise, more and more fans are looking for ways to get tickets at face value prices. One option that has become popular is verified fan presales. These presales allow artists and teams to offer tickets directly to their biggest fans at set prices before the general public onsale. Tickets purchased through verified fan presales are supposed to be for the personal use of the fan who bought them. But can verified fan tickets be resold if you can no longer attend the event?
What are verified fan presales?
Verified fan presales are a way for artists, teams, and venues to offer tickets directly to a band or team’s biggest fans before the general public has access. Fans must register ahead of time and prove they are genuine followers, usually by doing things like following the act on social media or streaming their music. Once verified, these fans get a code that gives them access to buy tickets at face value prices before the general onsale.
The idea is that real fans have first access instead of brokers and scalpers scooping up all the tickets. It also helps limit the number of tickets being resold at higher prices. Artists, teams, and venues want to reward loyal supporters with good tickets at fair prices.
Why can’t you resell verified tickets?
When you buy verified fan presale tickets, you usually have to agree not to resell them. This is to cut down on scalping and keep tickets affordable for fans. There are a few reasons verified tickets often can’t be resold:
- They require the original purchaser to enter the venue – Your name will be printed on the ticket and you’ll need to show ID matching that name to get in.
- They are non-transferable – Reselling is prohibited and any transfers cancelled.
- Limits on number purchased – Fans can only buy 2-4 tickets to discourage mass purchases for resale.
- Cancellation if resold – Many verified tickets will be cancelled if they show up on reseller sites.
These strict limits are so real fans can buy tickets at reasonable prices. If verified tickets were widely resold, it would defeat the purpose of verified fan presales.
When can you resell verified tickets?
There are some limited instances when you may be allowed to resell verified tickets:
- Fan-to-fan transfers – Some teams and artists allow ticket transfers between verified fans at face value prices.
- Official resale platforms – Many have official resale sites for fans to repost tickets at capped prices.
- Emergency reselling – If you can’t attend due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, you may be allowed to resell verified tickets through approved channels.
However, these are exceptions and policies vary between events. The general rule is verified fan tickets are meant to be used only by the fan who purchased them originally. Trying to resell them through unauthorized third-party sites will likely lead to cancellation.
Are verified tickets worth it?
While you lose the option to resell them, verified fan presale tickets come with other benefits:
- Access to tickets before the general public
- Priced at face value instead of marked up
- More likely to get better seat locations
- Limit on number purchased prevents mass scalping
For superfans who are certain they want to attend the event, verified tickets ensure they can get seats at a fair price. As long as you are positive you can go, the trade-off against resale is usually worth it.
Tips for buying verified tickets
If you want to purchase verified presale tickets, keep these tips in mind:
- Register early – Verified fan presales often have limited space. Sign up as soon as they are announced to increase your chances.
- Follow all instructions – Carefully complete all steps to get verified. This may include linking social accounts, sharing event pages, etc.
- Save your access code – Don’t lose the unique code you get to access the presale. Some tours only allow one-time use.
- Get on right at start time – Presales have very limited quantities so log in and buy immediately when they begin.
- Have payment ready – Enter and save payment details ahead of time so you can checkout faster.
- Only buy what you need – Don’t purchase extra with the intent to resell as this may lead to cancellation.
Preparing in advance and understanding the limitations can help you successfully purchase verified presale tickets. Just be sure you are 100% certain you can attend before buying.
Alternatives if you can’t use tickets
If you buy verified tickets but later realize you can’t attend, all is not lost. Here are some alternatives to reselling them:
- Gift them – Many verified tickets can be transferred to friends and family for their use.
- Donate them – You may be able to donate unused tickets to charity so they don’t go to waste.
- Ticket exchanges – Some teams/artists allow exchanging for another date if available.
- Sell at face value – Where allowed, you may be able to relist them at original price on approved resale sites.
While your options are limited, it is usually possible to ensure verified tickets you can’t use don’t go unused. Just don’t try to resell them through unauthorized brokers and scalpers.
The bottom line on reselling verified tickets
The bottom line is verified fan tickets are intended for the original purchaser only. While exceptions exist, reselling verified tickets through unauthorized brokers will likely lead to cancellation. If you may want to resell tickets later, you may be better off buying during general public onsales instead of verified fan presales. But for true fans who are sure they want to attend, verified tickets ensure fair access at face value prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my verified fan tickets if I can’t go?
No, in most cases verified fan tickets cannot be resold as they are non-transferrable and only valid for the original purchaser. Trying to resell them could lead to the tickets being cancelled.
What happens if I resell my verified tickets?
If you resell verified tickets on unauthorized broker sites, the tickets will likely be cancelled and invalidated. The tickets are meant for the fan who originally bought them only.
Is reselling verified tickets illegal?
It is not illegal, but it is usually prohibited by the terms and conditions you agree to when purchasing verified presale tickets. If you resell tickets, they will likely be cancelled by the team or artist.
Can I give my extra verified tickets to a friend?
Sometimes, but it depends on the event policies. Some allow transfer to friends and family if you contact them in advance. But verified tickets are generally meant to be used only by the purchaser.
What if I’m sick and can’t go to the event?
In exceptional cases like illness that prevent you from attending, you may be able to resell verified tickets through authorized fan resale channels at face value prices only. But this is up to the discretion of the event organizers.
Am I guaranteed to get verified tickets if I register?
No, registering for a verified fan presale does not guarantee you will get a code or be able to purchase tickets. These presales have very limited quantities available on a first come, first served basis.
Why can’t I sell my unused verified tickets?
Limits on resales are to prevent mass scalping and keep tickets affordable for fans. Artists and teams want real fans at their events, not brokers reselling at high markups. That’s why unused verified tickets often can’t be resold.
What if I bought verified tickets as a gift but the recipient can’t go?
Ideally gift the tickets to another friend or family member who can attend. If that’s not possible, contact the event organizer to see if an exception can be made to transfer or resell them in limited cases.
Is it safe to buy verified fan tickets from a reseller?
No, buying verified or “verified resale” tickets from unauthorized brokers is very risky. These tickets were likely obtained fraudulently and may be cancelled at any time, leaving you without a ticket. Only buy verified tickets directly from the source.
Conclusion
Verified fan ticket presales are meant to get tickets directly to an artist or team’s biggest supporters at face value prices. While there are some limited exceptions, resale of these verified tickets is strictly prohibited. Fans must be sure they can attend an event before purchasing verified presale tickets. Trying to resell them through unauthorized brokers will likely lead to cancellation. If you may need to resell tickets later, non-verified tickets bought during general public onsales are a safer option.