There are a few key factors to consider when selling tickets below face value on Ticketmaster:
Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use
Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use explicitly prohibit reselling tickets at prices above face value. However, there is no clear prohibition against reselling tickets below face value. So technically, it is not against Ticketmaster’s policy to resell tickets for less than face value.
Event Organizer Policies
While Ticketmaster may allow below face value resales, many event organizers prohibit this practice in their ticket terms and conditions. As the original ticket issuer, event organizers have the ability to set restrictions on ticket transfers and resales. Make sure to check the event’s policies before reselling tickets below face value.
Risk of Cancellation
There is a risk that tickets resold below face value could be cancelled by the event organizer or Ticketmaster. This generally occurs when it appears tickets are being resold primarily to profit from demand. However, cancellation is less likely if you are selling tickets at a slight discount to face value.
Reselling Tickets Below Face Value on Ticketmaster
If you want to resell tickets below face value on Ticketmaster, here are some tips:
Use Ticketmaster’s Official Resale Marketplace
Rather than selling tickets through third-party sites, use Ticketmaster’s official resale marketplace. This helps show you are making a good faith effort to resell unused tickets.
Disclose the Original Face Value
Make sure to disclose the original ticket price when reselling below face value. This shows you are not trying to improperly profit.
Avoid Drastically Discounted Prices
Only lower prices slightly below face value. Large discounts may look suspicious and prompt cancellation. A 5-10% discount is reasonable.
Explain Your Reasons for Reselling
In the sale listing, explain why you need to resell the tickets below face value, such as illness or schedule conflicts. This helps establish the tickets are being resold in good faith.
When Reselling Tickets Below Face Value is Risky
There are certain situations where reselling tickets below face value is riskier and more likely to prompt cancellations:
High Demand Events
Ticket resales will face more scrutiny for major events where demand exceeds supply. This includes playoffs, concerts by major artists, etc.
Shortly After Sellout
Reselling tickets shortly after an event sells out looks suspicious, even if priced below face value. It may appear to be arbitrage based on demand.
Large Blocks of Tickets
Attempting to resell large blocks of tickets below face value is risky, as it can look like an effort to profit from volume.
Far Below Face Value
Resale prices drastically below face value often result in cancellations. Discounts of 50% or more will attract scrutiny.
Safest Approaches for Reselling Below Face Value
Here are some tips for minimizing the risk of cancellation when reselling tickets below face value:
Resell at 5-10% Below Face Value
Only discount tickets slightly below face value, such as 5-10% lower. Significant discounts are risky.
Resell Individual Tickets or Small Groups
Avoid large blocks of tickets. Instead, resell tickets individually or in pairs.
Wait to Resell Closer to the Event
Reselling tickets closer to the event date draws less scrutiny. Listings immediately after purchase are riskier.
Be Transparent in Your Listing
Explain why you are reselling below face value to establish good faith intentions. This helps reduce risk of cancellation.
Alternatives to Reselling Below Face Value
If reselling tickets below face value seems too risky, here are some alternative options:
Sell at Face Value
Consider reselling unwanted tickets at face value. This avoids any risk of cancellation while letting you unload unused tickets.
Donate Unwanted Tickets
Donating extra tickets to charity is a great way to avoid cancellation risks. Many reputable charities accept ticket donations.
Swap with Friends and Family
Offer unused tickets to friends and family if schedules change. This is usually allowed by event policies.
Eat the Cost
If tickets become unusable late in the game, it may be best to simply eat the cost. Trying last minute resales often results in cancellation.
Conclusion
Reselling Ticketmaster tickets below face value is allowed by their policy, but carries risks:
– Event organizers may prohibit discounted resales
– There is risk of cancellation, especially for high demand events
– Discounted prices significantly below face value often get cancelled
To minimize risk, resell through Ticketmaster at modest discounts below face value, in small quantities, close to event dates. When possible, avoid resales below face value entirely by selling at face value, donating, swapping, or eating the cost of unused tickets. Carefully review event policies before reselling tickets below face value.