Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows and more through their website and mobile apps. With millions of customers purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster every year, a common question is whether they offer a shopping cart for purchasing multiple tickets in one transaction.
The short answer is yes, Ticketmaster does have a shopping cart, but it functions differently than a typical online shopping cart. When buying tickets on Ticketmaster, you don’t add tickets to a persistent cart and check out all at once. Instead, you purchase tickets for one event at a time, complete that transaction, and then move on to buy tickets for the next event if needed.
There are some good reasons why Ticketmaster’s process works this way which we’ll explore in more detail. We’ll also provide tips on how to efficiently purchase tickets for multiple events if you’re planning things like a concert weekend or getting group tickets for a season of shows.
Why doesn’t Ticketmaster have a traditional shopping cart?
The main reason Ticketmaster doesn’t offer a conventional shopping cart experience is the nature of event ticketing. Purchasing event tickets is very different from buying typical retail products online. Some key differences include:
Tickets are limited inventory
There is only a set number of tickets available for any given event. Popular shows will often sell out quickly. If Ticketmaster allowed customers to sit with tickets in a cart, inventory could sell out while someone is still browsing. By requiring customers to finish one transaction before moving to another, it helps ensure availability for all shoppers.
Prices can fluctuate
Ticket prices are not always set in stone. Event organizers will sometimes adjust pricing in response to demand. If tickets were allowed to sit in a cart indefinitely, the price could change before checkout. Requiring immediate purchase avoids this scenario.
Time sensitivity
Good seats for hot shows sell fast. Lingering too long in a shopping cart could mean missing out on prime spots. Ticketmaster’s transaction-by-transaction process rewards speed and decisiveness. Customers who know what they want and act quickly get the best selection.
How to buy tickets for multiple events
While Ticketmaster doesn’t have true shopping cart functionality, there are still ways to efficiently purchase tickets for multiple events in one visit:
Plan ahead
Having a plan of attack before purchasing is key. Make a list of all events you want tickets for along with quantity and seating preferences. Research inventory levels and prices so you know if availability is limited. Being prepared will streamline the buying process.
Use separate browser windows
Open a separate window or tab for each event you want to buy tickets for. Once finished with one transaction, proceed to the next window/event without losing your place. This allows smooth movement between purchases.
Utilize account features
Log into your Ticketmaster account before purchasing. This securely stores payment information and contact details for faster checkout. You can also save events to a wishlist for easy access later.
Leverage concessions
For very popular shows, take advantage of fan club or credit card presales when available. These often give early access before the general public sale. Priority can mean better selection.
Pro Tips
Use these additional professional tips for the best experience purchasing multiple tickets on Ticketmaster:
Act fast once tickets go on sale
Have accounts created, pages loaded, and payment ready when tickets officially go on sale to the public. Delaying even a few minutes can make tickets vanish. Pounce immediately for best results.
Be ready to move down seating options
For very hot events, you may not get your exact preferred tickets. Have back-up seating selections in case initial choices get grabbed up. Something is better than nothing!
Watch out for dynamic pricing
Some events now use “dynamic pricing” which means prices can rise for high demand. Buy early before possible price increases.
Note ticket limits
Many events now set ticket buying limits. Make sure to check rules before purchasing so you don’t go over allowable amounts. Trying to buy too many can get orders canceled.
Double-check order totals
Carefully review all final checkout amounts before completing transactions. With no shopping cart, it’s easy to lose track and get overcharged accidentally.
Shopping Cart Alternatives
While Ticketmaster itself doesn’t offer full shopping cart functionality, there are some other options that provide a similar streamlined purchasing experience:
Service | Highlights |
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VividSeats |
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SeatGeek |
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RazorGator |
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Ticket Club |
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These reseller marketplaces and ticket clubs bypass Ticketmaster’s single transaction structure. They aggregate inventory from multiple sources and let shoppers combine orders for simplified checkout.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster itself does not offer full shopping cart functionality, customers can still easily purchase tickets for multiple events in one visit. Some planning ahead, using browser tools effectively, and leveraging account features allows smooth navigation between transactions. For an experience closer to conventional online checkout, some Ticketmaster alternatives do provide aggregated cart capabilities. With the right preparation and techniques, fans can secure seats for all their desired shows.