It depends. Ticketmaster has restrictions in place regarding the resale of tickets that have been transferred to you. Here is a quick overview of Ticketmaster’s transfer and resale policies:
Can tickets be transferred on Ticketmaster?
Yes, Ticketmaster allows ticket transfers in certain cases. If the original ticket purchaser chose “Transferable Ticket” when buying the tickets, they have the ability to electronically transfer tickets to someone else through their Ticketmaster account.
What are some key things to know about transferred tickets?
- The original ticket purchaser must initiate the transfer – you cannot request a transfer.
- Tickets can be transferred electronically to the recipient’s Ticketmaster account. Tickets cannot be reprinted in the recipient’s name.
- The recipient must accept the transferred tickets in their Ticketmaster account for the transfer to be completed.
- Once transferred, the recipient takes over ownership of the tickets.
Can I resell tickets that were transferred to me?
It depends on the event. For many major concerts, sporting events, and live entertainment events, Ticketmaster prohibits the resale of transferred tickets. This restriction is usually printed on the tickets themselves.
However, for some events, Ticketmaster does allow recipients to resell transferred tickets. This is more common with smaller, local events. The tickets will indicate if resale is allowed after transfer.
Why does Ticketmaster restrict resale on many transferred tickets?
There are a few reasons why Ticketmaster implements these restrictions:
- To discourage scalping – Ticket brokers often use mass transfers to skirt around ticket purchase limits and hoard tickets for resale at inflated prices.
- At the request of event organizers – Sports teams, musicians, and other event organizers can require Ticketmaster to prohibit resales on transferred tickets as part of their arrangement.
- For consumer protection – The restrictions make it harder for scammers to sell fraudulent transferred tickets to unsuspecting buyers.
What happens if I resell non-transferable tickets?
If you resell tickets that have been explicitly marked as non-transferable or non-resale after transfer, here are some potential consequences:
- The tickets could be canceled and invalidated by Ticketmaster without notice.
- You could have your Ticketmaster account suspended or terminated for violating the resale policy.
- For high-profile events, you may even face civil or criminal penalties for ticket scalping in some jurisdictions.
The buyers of the illegally resold tickets also risk being denied entry to the event and losing the money spent on invalid tickets.
Can I give transferred tickets to friends or family?
In most cases, yes – Ticketmaster allows you to give away transferred tickets for free to friends or family. This is considered a gift, not a resale.
However, if the tickets are marked as non-transferable, giving them away could still result in the tickets being canceled or your account restricted. Check the specific event’s ticket transfer policy to be sure.
When can I safely resell transferred tickets?
You can safely resell tickets transferred to you when:
- The tickets explicitly state resale is allowed after transfer.
- The tickets are for a small local event without major restrictions.
- You receive written permission from the original ticket purchaser authorizing resale.
If in doubt, it’s best to reach out to Ticketmaster customer service and ask about reselling restrictions before listing the transferred tickets for sale.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s transfer and resale policies vary across different venues, events, and ticket types. While you can typically always transfer tickets electronically, stricter rules often prohibit reselling transferred tickets without permission. Checking your specific tickets for any printed resale restrictions and abiding by Ticketmaster’s terms are crucial for avoiding canceled tickets or account consequences. When in doubt, reach out to customer service before attempting to resell any tickets transferred to you on Ticketmaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a ticket to be transferable on Ticketmaster?
A transferable ticket on Ticketmaster means the original ticket purchaser has the option to electronically transfer the ticket to someone else through Ticketmaster. The recipient must have a Ticketmaster account and accept the transfer.
How does transferring tickets work on Ticketmaster?
The original purchaser can select the transfer option in their Ticketmaster account and enter the recipient’s email address or Ticketmaster account username. The recipient will receive an email notification and must accept the transfer for it to be completed.
What are Ticketmaster’s fees for transferring tickets?
Ticketmaster charges a standard transfer fee when tickets are transferred electronically. The fee amount varies based on the event but is usually around $5-$10 per ticket transferred.
Can paper tickets be transferred on Ticketmaster?
Only electronic “mobile” tickets can be officially transferred through Ticketmaster’s systems. Printed paper tickets cannot be electronically transferred. The original purchaser would need to physically hand over printed tickets.
Is it safe to buy transferred event tickets on Craigslist or Facebook?
Buying transferred tickets on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or other secondary markets is risky. You have no way to verify if the tickets are legitimate or will be valid for entry. Only buy transferred tickets directly through official Ticketmaster channels for your protection.
Event | Original Purchase Price | Transfer Fee | Total Cost |
---|---|---|---|
New York Knicks Game | $200 per ticket | $10 per ticket transfer | $210 per transferred ticket |
Ed Sheeran Concert | $125 per ticket | $7 per ticket transfer | $132 per transferred ticket |
NBA Finals Game | $500 per ticket | $15 per ticket transfer | $515 per transferred ticket |
Can I transfer tickets I purchased on a resale site like StubHub?
No, tickets purchased on StubHub or other resale sites cannot be directly transferred via Ticketmaster. The original ticket purchaser who bought on Ticketmaster must initiate the transfer.
What if I buy transferred tickets and they end up being fake or invalid?
If you purchase transferred tickets on Ticketmaster that end up being fraudulent or invalid for entry, contact Ticketmaster customer support immediately. They will investigate the issue and may replace invalid tickets if you were not at fault.
Is there a time limit on when transferred tickets can be accepted?
Yes, recipients typically have a limited window of 48-72 hours to accept transferred tickets on Ticketmaster before the transfer offer expires.
Can I resell tickets that I accepted as a gift from someone else?
It depends on the event’s ticket policies, but typically you can resell gifted tickets as long as you do not profit off them. Check with the original ticket purchaser before attempting to resell gifted tickets.
Case Studies on Reselling Transferred Tickets
Attempting to Resell Non-Transferable Broadway Tickets
John purchased 4 tickets to a popular Broadway musical through Ticketmaster. He then electronically transferred 2 of the tickets to his friend Sarah for no charge as a gift. Even though the tickets stated they could not be resold after transfer, Sarah decided to try selling them on Craigslist for a profit. The tickets were sold to a buyer for $200 each. However, on show night the tickets were declined at the door and identified as invalid. Sarah lost the money from the sale and had to apologize to the buyer. Ticketmaster later suspended her account for violating the non-resale policy.
Key Lessons
- Review any verbiage on tickets about reselling restrictions before attempting to sell transferred tickets.
- Assume transferred tickets are not eligible for resale unless expressly permitted.
- Abide by Ticketmaster’s policies to avoid account consequences.
Safely Reselling Permitted NBA Tickets
Amanda had season tickets for her local NBA team. For a few games she could not attend, she transferred tickets to her friend Ryan electronically via her Ticketmaster account. These game tickets stated they could be resold at the recipient’s discretion after transfer. Ryan chose to resell 2 of the tickets on StubHub for $75 each, a price higher than face value. The transfer and resale process went smoothly. The tickets were valid for entry on game night and Ryan was able to collect the resale payment.
Key Lessons
- Check for any verbiage permitting resale after transfer before reselling tickets.
- Make sure to transfer tickets early enough that the recipient has time to resell if desired.
- Use trusted resale platforms when reselling eligible transferred tickets.
Tips for Managing Transferred Tickets
Follow these tips to safely manage tickets that have been transferred to you:
Accept transfers promptly
Complete ticket transfers as soon as possible so you have possession of the tickets. Transfers can expire if not accepted within the time limit.
Review event policies
When you receive transferred tickets, review any event/venue policies on Ticketmaster’s site regarding reselling procedures. This can vary between different sports teams, concert venues, etc.
Check the tickets
Carefully read the verbiage on each ticket for any restrictions after you accept the transfer. This is the definitive guide on if resale is permitted.
Sell only via authorized platforms
If reselling eligible transferred tickets, use official resale marketplaces like StubHub that integrate with Ticketmaster. Avoid direct peer-to-peer sales.
Contact support if issues arise
If transferred tickets end up being invalid or you encounter other problems, promptly contact Ticketmaster support for assistance.
Conclusion
While ticket transfers allow easy sharing of tickets between Ticketmaster users, recipients should take care before reselling tickets that have been transferred to them. Event policies often restrict or prohibit resale after a transfer takes place. Review each ticket’s fine print and abide by any stated terms to avoid canceled tickets or penalties. When permitted, resell tickets only through authorized platforms for a smooth transaction.