Scalping tickets refers to the reselling of event tickets, often at prices higher than their original face value. This practice occurs frequently for popular concerts, sports games, and other high-demand events where tickets sell out quickly. Though legal restrictions vary by jurisdiction, scalping is generally legal in the United States with some regulations. St. Louis, Missouri has its own local laws regarding ticket scalping that residents and visitors should understand before attempting to buy or sell tickets.
Is it legal to scalp tickets in St. Louis?
Yes, ticket scalping is legal in St. Louis and the state of Missouri. However, there are some regulations in place:
- Tickets cannot be resold within 500 feet of the event venue.
- Scalpers must have a tax identification number in order to sell tickets.
- Tickets purchased with the intent to resell cannot utilize special rates, such as student or senior discounts.
As long as scalpers follow these rules, they are within their legal rights to resell event tickets at market prices in St. Louis. The 500 foot boundary is intended to prevent last minute hassling of fans as they approach venues. The tax ID requirement allows ticket sales to be tracked for taxation purposes. And the restriction on special rate tickets maintains the integrity of those discounted rates for the intended customers.
Where can tickets legally be resold in St. Louis?
Scalpers have a few options for where they can legally resell tickets under St. Louis regulations:
- Online platforms such as Craigslist, eBay, StubHub, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Designated areas just outside the 500 foot radius of venues.
- Their own physical ticket broker office or storefront.
- By walking around and approaching potential buyers outside the 500 foot zone.
Online resale platforms provide broad exposure but they do charge fees and commissions. Having an office provides a more official presence but comes with overhead costs. And trolling just outside venues reaches fans last minute but is time consuming. Most scalpers utilize a combination of these methods.
What penalties apply for illegal scalping?
If scalpers attempt to sell tickets within the 500 foot boundary or conduct sales without a tax ID number, they can face the following consequences in St. Louis:
- Fines up to $1,000 per violation.
- Up to 1 year in county jail.
- Seizure of unlawful ticket sales revenue.
- Seizure of unlawfully scalped tickets.
These penalties are imposed and enforced by St. Louis law enforcement. Unwitting out of town scalpers may be the most likely to have violations since they are unfamiliar with the local laws. But even experienced local scalpers can make mistakes, so all resellers need to be careful when operating close to venues.
Does ticket scalping happen frequently in St. Louis?
Yes, with major sports teams like the Cardinals and Blues as well as big concerts and shows at venues like Enterprise Center and the Dome at America’s Center, scalping happens routinely in St. Louis. Some of the most commonly scalped tickets include:
- St. Louis Cardinals games
- St. Louis Blues games
- Concerts at Enterprise Center – stars like Elton John, Lady Gaga, etc.
- Major shows and conventions at America’s Center – Comic Con, gun shows, etc.
There is high demand and limited supply for hot events like playoff games and big concert tours. Fans who don’t act fast enough buying directly from the box office are willing to pay premium prices. With the right timing and location, scalpers can make big profits.
Who are the major scalpers in St. Louis?
Some of the best known local ticket brokers and scalpers in St. Louis include:
- Redbird Tickets
- Arch City Tickets
- Saint Louis Box Office
- Stl Cardinals Tickets
- Blues Hockey Tickets
These companies sell tickets year round through their own professional offices and websites. They employ teams of scalpers to work high traffic areas on site during peak events. Being locally based, they have a strong grasp of the market and loyal customer base.
Out of state national brokers like StubHub and Vivid Seats also operate extensively in St. Louis and employ local scalpers as well. Their massive online inventory and brand recognition keep them popular.
Tips for buyers and sellers
Here are some useful tips for both buyers and sellers when navigating the ticket scalping scene in St. Louis:
For Buyers:
- Shop around online and compare prices across multiple sites.
- Read seller reviews carefully before purchasing.
- Sort by “Best Value” on Stubhub to find deals.
- Avoid buying right at the venue to steer clear of scammers.
- Make sure tickets are valid and guaranteed before paying.
For Scalpers:
- Sell only outside the 500 foot zone to avoid fines.
- Display tax ID number clearly in ads and postings.
- Unload extra inventory online before event dates.
- Accept credit cards to enable chargebacks for fraud protection.
- Cultivate repeat customers by providing excellent service.
Conclusion
In summary, ticket scalping is common practice in the busy St. Louis event market, though resellers must follow certain regulations. Buyers should use caution and wisdom in purchasing tickets, while sellers need to understand the local laws. When done legally and ethically, scalping provides a beneficial secondary market for fans seeking tickets. Both buyers and sellers can have satisfactory experiences as long as they conduct their business smartly.