Having an access code or presale code does not guarantee you will get tickets. Presale and access codes simply give you early access to purchase tickets before the general public. There is still a limited number of tickets available during the presale, so they can sell out before everyone with a code has a chance to buy.
Why do access codes not guarantee tickets?
There are a few key reasons why presale and access codes do not guarantee you will get tickets:
- Limited ticket inventory – There are only a certain number of tickets allocated for the presale, based on the venue’s capacity. This inventory can sell out before all code holders have a chance to purchase.
- High demand – Popular shows and events often have very high demand during the presale, with more code holders trying to buy tickets than there are available. The tickets can sell out extremely quickly.
- Bots and scalpers – Unfortunately, many tickets end up in the hands of ticket brokers and scalpers who use bots and automation to buy up inventory. This further reduces the number of tickets available to real fans.
- Duplicate codes – Codes are often shared or duplicated, meaning more people are trying to buy from the same presale inventory pool.
Essentially, the presale allows code holders early access before the general public onsale, but does not reserve tickets specifically for each code holder. It’s first-come, first-served, and tickets are limited.
Tips for improving your chances with an access code
While a presale code doesn’t guarantee tickets, there are some tips to improve your chances of getting seats:
- Get online early – Be logged in ahead of the presale start time and refresh right at the start to get into the queue or ticket selection process as early as possible.
- Have backup codes – If buying for a group, try to have a code for each person. This gives you multiple opportunities to purchase tickets.
- Be flexible – Have multiple browsers/devices ready and don’t be picky about seat location. The best seats go quickly.
- Use Ticketmaster Verified Fan – For very popular events, Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system can help filter out scalpers and bots.
- Avoid resale sites – Don’t pay inflated prices to scalpers as this encourages the practice.
While following these tips can help, there is no foolproof method to guarantee tickets from a presale code. Persistence and luck also play a role.
When are access codes required vs. optional?
Access codes are either required or optional depending on how the presale is being managed:
- Required codes – This means an access code is mandatory to unlock and access the presale. Only people with a valid code will be able to enter the purchase process. Codes are required to limit and control access.
- Optional codes – Presales that only “suggest” a code or make it optional fall into this category. Anyone can access the presale, but having the code gives you a jump in the queue. Codes are optional so they can be widely shared.
Promoters, artists, and ticket sellers determine which policy to follow for each presale. Bigger, high-demand tours and events typically require mandatory codes to control access. Smaller presales often have optional codes to allow more fans in.
Where do access codes come from?
Access codes for ticket presales come from a few main sources:
- Artist fan clubs – Many bands and musicians have official fan clubs that members can join to get presale code access.
- Venues and promoters – Signing up for venue or promoter newsletters can provide codes for shows at their locations.
- Credit cards – Specific card brands like American Express provide presale codes for some events to cardholders.
- Ticket sellers – Ticketmaster, AXS, etc. may provide codes to their customers via newsletters or loyalty programs.
- Radio stations – Local radio partners of touring acts will often distribute presale codes over the air and online.
- Sponsors – Corporate tour sponsors may provide codes as a promotional perk to customers and employees.
In many cases, the event, artist, or venue determines which sources can provide the presale codes and how they are distributed. Codes are usually tied to an existing relationship like being a fan club member or credit card holder.
Should you pay for access codes?
Never pay money solely for access codes or guarantees about tickets. Many shady ticket brokers try to profit from presales by selling “guaranteed” code access for inflated prices. Avoid these scams.
Legitimate presale codes will come from official artist, venue, or promoter sources. If there is a cost involved, like a fan club membership, you are paying for the membership as a whole, not just codes. Paying purely for presale codes breaks the terms and conditions of most presales.
Are access codes tied specifically to each buyer?
Access codes are rarely tied to a specific buyer or identity, unless it is a unique loyalty program code. In most cases, presale codes can be shared and used by anyone who obtains them:
- Generic codes – Most presale codes are generic and can be used by anyone who enters them.
- Non-transferable – Some codes say they are “non-transferable” but there is no identity verification, so they can still be shared.
- Unique codes – Very rarely, each recipient may get a one-time-use unique code tied to them.
Since codes are typically generic, it is common for people to share them among friends and family to increase chances of getting tickets.
How has online ticket buying changed with access codes?
The internet and mobile ticketing have drastically changed ticket buying in both positive and negative ways:
- More convenient – Online and mobile ticketing makes it much more convenient to buy tickets anytime, anywhere.
- Greater accessibility – Broader online access opens up tickets to those unable to line up at box offices.
- Higher demand – The huge growth in online ticket buying has massively increased demand and competition.
- Bot programs – Unfortunately, technical bots are often able to buy up tickets before real fans can.
Presale and access codes were implemented as a way to give an advantage back to real fans over bots and scalpers. However, code sharing and continued use of bots means the playing field still isn’t completely level.
Are third-party reseller codes different from primary access codes?
Yes, there is an important distinction between primary access codes and reseller codes:
- Primary codes – These come directly from the original source like the artist or venue. Primary codes grant access to the initial presales before tickets reach resellers.
- Reseller codes – Reseller sites like StubHub or VividSeats may offer codes to buy from their inventory. These are for resold tickets posted for above face value.
Primary access codes are more valuable as they allow you to buy tickets at original prices before they sell out and are resold. Reseller codes simply provide access to their existing markup inventory.
Are auto-filled codes as effective as typed codes?
Typed access codes generally work better than auto-filled codes, but both have pros and cons:
- Typed codes – More secure against bots, but slower for humans to enter manually.
- Auto-filled codes – Faster for humans, but also easier for bots to fill automatically.
Many ticket sites are moving towards manually typed codes as an extra bot protection. Auto-filled codes save time but are vulnerable. A mix of both methods across different sites is most effective for humans and prevents bot dominance.
How has mobile ticketing affected access codes?
The rise of mobile ticketing has interacted with access codes in a few key ways:
- More flexibility – Can use codes easily on mobile without needing a desktop.
- Faster presales – Mobile apps may provide an even faster path than websites.
- Tighter transfers – Mobile tickets tied to the buyer make resale and transfers harder.
- More bot usage – Bots unfortunately take advantage of mobile APIs just as much.
Mobile ticketing makes access codes more convenient for real fans. But the same technical challenges around bots and transfers remain. Presale codes on mobile don’t guarantee tickets.
Conclusion
Access codes provide a valuable opportunity for fans to buy event tickets at face value and bypass scalpers. However, the limited nature of presales means codes do not guarantee you will get seats. Persistence, planning ahead, using bots protection measures, and not paying inflated code fees all help improve your chances. But ultimately there are no shortcuts and no guarantees in the competitive ticket buying landscape.
Example Tables
Access Code Source | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Artist Fan Clubs | Direct from artist source | May require paid membership |
Credit Cards | Free perk for cardholders | Only specific cards qualify |
Venues/Promoters | Local source for area shows | Only works for certain venues |
Code Type | Example | Features |
---|---|---|
Generic Codes | PRESALE1234 | Shared openly, no ID verification |
Unique Codes | XH73619KDO | One-time use, tied to individual |
Non-Transferable | VIP876 | Can still share, but not allowed |
Mobile vs Desktop Access Codes
Channel | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Mobile | More convenient, often faster | Smaller screens, apps can glitch |
Desktop | Bigger screen, more browser options | Less portable, older technology |