Selling Lions tickets can be a great way to make some extra money if you can’t attend a game. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best price and avoid scams. Here are some tips on safely and effectively selling your Detroit Lions tickets.
Use Reputable Ticket Resale Sites
The best option for reselling tickets is to use reputable ticket resale marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or Ticketmaster. These sites offer safe transactions and give you access to thousands of eager buyers. Here are some benefits of using resale sites:
- Large buyer base – Popular resale sites have a massive user base of ticket buyers
- Secure transactions – Your payment is held in escrow until after the event to protect both buyers and sellers
- Electronic transfer – Tickets are transferred electronically, no need to meet up with strangers
- Fair market pricing – Prices are set by supply and demand, so you get true market value
- Buyer guarantees – Many sites offer buyers 100% guarantees on valid tickets
To sell on these sites, you simply list your tickets at your desired price and wait for a buyer. The sites handle all the financial transactions. You just transfer the tickets after you get paid.
Be Careful With Craigslist and Facebook
Avoid selling tickets on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or directly to strangers. These methods come with a much higher risk of scams, fraud, and non-payment. With no guarantees or accountability, you could easily get ripped off and lose both the tickets and your money. If you do choose these risky routes, take precautions like:
- Require payment by secure methods like PayPal. Never accept wire transfers or checks from strangers.
- Only meet in safe, public places to exchange tickets. Avoid private meetups.
- Verify the tickets before exchanging money. Don’t get scammed with fake or invalid tickets.
- Use your best judgement on every buyer. Don’t feel pressured or rushed into a sale.
Check the Official Ticket Transfer Options
Before selling your tickets elsewhere, see if the Detroit Lions offer an official ticket exchange or resale platform on their website. Here are the benefits of using it:
- No fees – The Lions likely don’t charge transfer fees like third-party sites
- More secure – You deal directly with the team, not unknown third parties
- Easy transfer – The team can electronically transfer purchased tickets between accounts
- Set your price – You dictate the ticket resale price, not the market
- Wider distribution – The Lions can promote the resale platform to all ticket holders
The main downside is you are limited to the pool of existing Lions ticket holders instead of the entire ticket buying market. But it costs nothing to list your tickets on the team resale platform. If they don’t sell, you can always move to a public resale site.
Sell at Face Value if Allowed
Some teams with high demand allow season ticket holders to sell at or below face value directly to friends and family. The Lions may have such a policy. This method bypasses all fees and lets you easily transfer tickets to people you know at original cost.
However, you sacrifice the chance to profit above face value. Weigh whether the convenience of quickly selling at cost to friends is worth forgoing potential higher profits on resale sites or unofficial exchanges.
Price Your Tickets Competitively
Research current ticket prices on resale sites to gauge fair market value. Pricing too high means it will take longer to find a buyer. When first listing tickets:
- Check similar seat locations to see current sales prices
- Factor in fees the buyer will pay on top of your sale price
- Consider the teams’ records, rivalry game, day of the week, etc that impact demand
- Remember better deals typically sell first
If your tickets aren’t selling, gradually reduce the price until they move. You can always relist for more later if demand increases. Getting some money is better than no money if you can’t attend the game. Consider timing price drops around key dates leading up to the event to spark buyer interest.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Ideally, you want to list your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance of the game. This gives buyers time to browse options, arrange travel, and complete ticket transfers.
Listing too close to game day means you’ll be stuck taking lower bids, dealing with last minute buyers, and competing against others slashing prices. Avoid losing your tickets for nothing by putting them up for sale as soon as you know you can’t attend.
Complete the Ticket Transfer Securely
Once you finalize a sale and receive payment, it’s time to safely deliver the tickets to the buyer. Make sure to:
- Use the resale platform’s official transfer method, if available
- Only send tickets electronically, never paper tickets by mail
- Upload and send tickets immediately to the buyer’s account
- Keep records of sales in case any issues arise
Avoid at all costs sending screenshots or PDFs of tickets, mailing paper tickets, or handing off tickets in person. Only use official secure electronic transfer methods.
Obey All Applicable Laws and Regulations
When reselling tickets, you must follow all applicable state and federal laws, as well as rules set by the Detroit Lions. Here are some key policies to keep in mind:
- No reselling above face value on Lions controlled exchanges
- No reselling within 1,000 feet of Ford Field under Michigan state law
- Disclose details of obstructed view or partial view seats
- Don’t exceed price ceilings or fee caps imposed by law
- Use designated resale platforms, avoid unauthorized exchanges
Violating ticket resale laws can result in civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Check all applicable rules before listing tickets for sale.
Research All Resale Restrictions
The Lions or specific ticket conditions may impose other restrictions:
- Season tickets may not be split up and resold individually
- Reselling may be prohibited completely for certain high demand games like playoffs
- Tickets may be non-transferable and tied specifically to the original purchaser
Study the fine print and ask questions to the Lions ticket office to avoid violations that could cause tickets to be cancelled or get you banned from future purchases.
Consider Taxes on Your Income
Making money by selling tickets is taxable income that generally must be reported. Here are some key points on taxes:
- You must report income over $600 earned from selling event tickets
- The profit is calculated from the sale price less your original purchase price
- The income is typically considered a capital gain reported on Schedule D
- Keep detailed records of your cost basis and sale prices for taxes
- You may receive a Form 1099-K from the resale platform if sales exceed $600
Consult a tax professional to properly account for ticket resale income on your annual tax return. Keep track of the necessary figures throughout the year.
Deduct Any Related Expenses
You can deduct any reasonable expenses incurred in reselling the tickets against the income:
- Listing fees charged by ticket resale platforms
- Credit card processing fees on ticket sales
- Mailing or delivery costs to transfer tickets
- Advertising costs to market and promote ticket listings
Keeping detailed records of deductible expenses lowers the tax bite on your ticket resale profits.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Here is a table summarizing the key pros and cons to consider when reselling Lions tickets:
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Conclusion
Selling Detroit Lions tickets can be rewarding but also challenging at times. Following the tips in this guide helps minimize stress and maximize profits. Use secure reputable resale platforms, price competitively, transfer tickets safely, obey all laws, and track income and expenses. With the right approach, reselling tickets lets fans monetize unused tickets and opens up games to new audiences. It’s a win-win for both sellers and buyers.