Purchasing concert tickets as a gift for someone else is a common scenario. Often, you may want to surprise a friend or loved one with tickets to see their favorite musician. Or you may live far away from the person you want to take to a show. In these cases, it’s perfectly fine to buy tickets for another person – you just need to take a few extra steps to make sure it all goes smoothly.
Can you legally buy concert tickets for someone else?
Yes, there are no laws prohibiting you from purchasing concert tickets for another person. The tickets are the property of whoever holds them, regardless of who originally bought them. As long as you buy from an authorized ticket seller, it is completely legal to buy tickets and give them to someone else.
Many people buy concert tickets as gifts for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. As long as you provide the recipient with valid tickets, there is no issue with buying them tickets to an event you do not plan to attend yourself.
Are there any restrictions on transferring tickets?
Most of the time, tickets can be freely transferred unless explicitly restricted. However, there are some cases where transfers may be limited:
- Some tickets are will-call only and require the original purchaser to pick them up with an ID and payment card.
- Tickets may have the original purchaser’s name printed on them and require ID verification at the venue.
- A few events have policies that restrict transfers to combat scalping.
If you plan on buying tickets for someone else, be sure to check the fine print when purchasing. Look for any verbiage about transfers, will-call policies, or ID requirements. This information may be listed during the ticket buying process or on the venue/event website.
Can you buy tickets as a gift if they require a credit card?
Often, major concerts will require the credit card used to purchase tickets to be presented when picking them up. This helps cut down on scalping and ensures the original ticket buyer is the one attending. But you can still buy non-transferrable tickets as a gift in most cases using these methods:
- Buy the tickets with your credit card but have the recipient pick them up – you would need to provide your card.
- Contact the box office ahead of time to explain you are gifting the tickets and see if they can make an exception.
- Buy ticket insurance that allows someone else to use them in case you can’t attend.
As long as you communicate with the ticketing agent or box office beforehand, they can often accommodate gifts or extenuating circumstances. But be aware that non-transferrable tickets do add a complication when buying for others.
How can you safely purchase tickets for someone else?
To ensure a smooth transaction when buying tickets as a gift or for a friend, follow these tips:
- Confirm whether the tickets allow transfers or have any additional requirements before purchasing.
- Only buy tickets from official sources like the venue website, band website, or authorized resellers.
- Avoid scalpers or secondary markets, as the tickets may be fraudulent.
- If buying online, have the tickets delivered to the gift recipient rather than yourself.
- For will-call tickets, coordinate with the recipient on pickup and provide any necessary payment cards or IDs.
- Print or email the ticket delivery confirmation as a gift message so they know to expect tickets.
- Follow up to confirm they received the tickets and can attend. Offer to help if any issues arise.
As long as you do your research beforehand and buy from reputable sources, purchasing tickets for others is a thoughtful gesture. Just be sure to communicate clearly with them throughout the process.
What information do you need to provide when buying for someone else?
Here are the key details you’ll want to have on hand when purchasing tickets for another person:
- Their full legal name – This is required for will-call and other transfer-restricted tickets.
- Contact information – Email and phone number so you can share details and delivery updates.
- Delivery address – Where tickets (or e-tickets) should be shipped if not doing will-call.
- Payment information – Your payment card if the tickets require credit card verification upon pickup.
- Photo ID – Some tickets require the cardholder’s ID; have a photo or copy to provide.
You may also want to get the recipient’s seating preferences, if available, and budget parameters. This ensures you get tickets they’ll enjoy within your price range. Communicating early reduces the risk of any problems down the line.
Can you buy tickets for a group or just individuals?
Most ticket sellers allow you to purchase any quantity of tickets in a single order. So you can easily buy tickets for a group like a family, set of friends, or church group all at once. Here are some tips for buying tickets for a group:
- Verify how many people are attending and the total number of tickets needed. Get full names if required.
- Ask if they want to sit together or prefer separate rows/sections. Buy according to their preferences.
- For large groups, call the box office directly to choose seats all together. Online maps may split large quantities.
- Distribute e-tickets or ticket details to each individual recipient.
- Have a plan in case some members cancel so tickets aren’t wasted.
Buying as a single order saves time and ensures seats together. You can even often get discounts on group sales of 10+ tickets. Just coordinate with everyone on details and delivery.
What if tickets you purchase for someone get lost?
Mistakes sometimes happen and gift tickets get lost in the mail or incorrectly delivered. Don’t panic, just take the following steps if tickets go missing:
- Contact the ticket seller/venue immediately and explain the situation – they can sometimes reissue new tickets.
- Check if you purchased ticket insurance that covers replacements. File a claim if so.
- See if the ticket company can cancel the original tickets and quickly buy new ones.
- For e-tickets, have the email containing the ticket link/barcodes resent.
- Offer to pay for replacement shipping if needed to get new hard tickets sent out in time.
Act quickly if an issue occurs, as shows sell out. Reputable ticket sellers will work with you to ensure tickets get in the right hands in time for the show. Just be ready to provide order details and proof of what happened.
Can you buy tickets if the event is sold out?
If an event is listed as sold out from the primary ticket seller, it becomes very difficult to still purchase tickets. Your options are limited in that case:
- Join the waitlist on the event website – additional tickets may be released later.
- Check directly with the venue box office – they sometimes hold back tickets.
- Look for official fan club or artist presales – these give fans early access before the general public.
- Purchase re-sold tickets from a trusted secondary market site – prices will likely be higher.
- Consider VIP/premium packages that bundle extra perks with top-tier pricing.
Beware that buying from scalpers or unofficial resale sites has risks when events are sold out. Fraud and counterfeit tickets abound. Thoroughly research the seller and use payment methods with buyer protection.
Can you buy tickets as a surprise gift?
Purchasing tickets as a surprise gift is certainly doable with some extra planning:
- Confirm the person’s interest before buying – nothing worse than wasted money on unwanted tickets!
- Know their schedule to ensure they are actually available that day.
- Buy early before it sells out – no spoiling the surprise by asking them later.
- Send to yourself first before gifting if hard tickets.
- Hide e-tickets in a gift message until day of; don’t forward too soon.
- Offer to go with them if you want to share the experience.
- Have a backup gift ready just in case they can’t make it after all.
Giving surprise tickets takes thoughtfulness but is often extremely appreciated. Just don’t spring last-minute plans on someone unless you know they are free. And be gracious if they simply can’t go after all – you can always take someone else.
Conclusion
Buying tickets as a gift or favor for someone else is a generous way to share great experiences with those you care about. While most events freely allow transfers, just take care to follow all policies and keep communication open with the recipient. Verify details, only use authorized sellers, confirm delivery, and handle any issues promptly. Concerts, shows, games, and performances are meant to be enjoyed in community with others. So feel confident in your ability to safely and legally buy tickets for family, friends, or maybe even your future new concert buddy.