Selling Ticketmaster tickets you can no longer use is a great way to recoup some of the money you spent on them. However, Ticketmaster has rules in place to protect ticket buyers and prevent scalping. Here are some tips on the best way to sell your Ticketmaster tickets within their guidelines:
Make Sure the Tickets are Transferable
Before trying to sell your tickets, first check if they are transferable. Most tickets sold on Ticketmaster are transferable, but some may not be based on the event or venue policies. You can check your ticket listing on your Ticketmaster account to see if transfer is allowed. If transfer is not allowed, you unfortunately cannot sell the tickets.
Sell Through Ticketmaster’s Official Resale Platform
Ticketmaster has its own verified resale platform where season ticket holders and other fans can resell tickets they can no longer use. This is the safest and most legitimate way to sell your Ticketmaster tickets. Here are the steps:
- Go to ticketmaster.com and click on “Sell Tickets”
- Select the event, date, and seats you want to sell
- Choose the price you want to sell them for
- Ticketmaster charges a service fee to sellers of around 10-20%
- Once sold, they will transfer the tickets to the buyer and send you the profits
Selling through Ticketmaster itself ensures the tickets remain verified and you get paid securely.
Use An Authorized Ticket Resale Site
There are some authorized secondary ticket marketplaces that Ticketmaster allows ticket transfers through. StubHub and Vivid Seats are two of the largest and most reputable options. These sites offer buyer and seller protections. Steps to sell tickets on these platforms:
- Create an account on StubHub or Vivid Seats and list the tickets for sale
- When they sell, the site will facilitate the ticket transfer and take a commission fee
- The site will pay you the remainder of the sale price
Make sure to set a fair market price based on current ticket values. Also note that the transfer may take a few days to process through these resale sites when the tickets sell.
Avoid General Marketplaces Like eBay and Craigslist
While you can list tickets on sites like eBay and Craigslist, these general marketplaces are risky for buyers and sellers. There is a higher likelihood of scams, counterfeit tickets, and issues with transferring tickets properly. It’s best to only use Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform or an authorized resale site.
Step-By-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to selling your Ticketmaster tickets:
1. Check if Your Tickets are Transferable
Log into your Ticketmaster account online or via the app and find your ticket order. Check the details to confirm transfer is allowed. If transfer is not permitted, you unfortunately cannot sell the tickets.
2. Select a Resale Platform
Your options are to sell through Ticketmaster Resale, StubHub, Vivid Seats, or another authorized resale marketplace. Avoid general sites like eBay and Craigslist due to higher risk.
3. List Your Tickets For Sale
On your chosen resale platform, create a seller listing for your tickets. Make sure to note details like section, row, seat numbers, parking passes, etc. Price them fairly based on current market value for that event.
4. Complete Ticket Transfer
Once a buyer purchases your tickets, complete the ticket transfer process through Ticketmaster. This keeps the tickets verified and valid.
5. Get Paid
The resale platform will collect payment from the buyer, take their commission fee, and pay you the remainder via your chosen payout method.
6. Review Buyer Feedback
Leave positive feedback for buyers who complete their purchase smoothly. This will build up your seller rating on the resale site.
Tips for Selling Tickets
Follow these tips to maximize your chances of selling your tickets quickly and securely:
Price it Right
Research current resale prices for that same event in that seating section. Price it competitively to attract buyers.
Include All Relevant Details
Note the exact seat numbers, row, section, parking passes, gate entrance, etc. This helps attract buyers.
Sell Early
List the tickets as far in advance of the event as possible. This gives you a wider pool of potential buyers.
Avoid Scams
Never send tickets before payment. Only communicate through the resale platform. Beware of any outside offers.
Provide Proof of Purchase
Have a copy of your Ticketmaster receipt handy to reassure buyers the tickets are valid. Hide any personal information first for privacy.
Offer Express Delivery
On StubHub and Vivid Seats, you can provide express electronic or overnight shipping for an extra fee. This appeals to last-minute buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell Ticketmaster tickets?
It is legal to resell most Ticketmaster tickets as long as you use Ticketmaster Resale or an authorized secondary ticket marketplace approved by Ticketmaster. These keep the tickets verified and valid. Avoid general resale sites.
What happens if I sell tickets already sold on Ticketmaster?
If you attempt to resell the same tickets on multiple platforms, only the first buyer will get valid access. The duplicates will be canceled once scanned at the venue. Make sure to only list the tickets for resale on one site.
Can I sell tickets at any price I want?
Ticketmaster does not impose price limits. But if you price much higher than similar tickets, buyers are unlikely to purchase them on the secondary market. Research current prices before listing.
What fees do I have to pay to sell tickets?
Ticketmaster Resale charges sellers a service fee of around 10-20% of the resale price. StubHub, VividSeats and other secondary sites also charge commissions on ticket sales. These fees get deducted from your payout.
How long does it take to get paid for sold tickets?
On Ticketmaster Resale, payouts are usually sent within 5-7 business days after the event. Secondary sites like StubHub pay sellers 1-3 business days after sale. Payment methods include PayPal, check, ACH transfer, etc.
What if my tickets don’t sell?
If your tickets do not sell on the resale platform, you will still retain ownership of them and can attend the event yourself or try relisting them. There is no guarantee tickets will sell.
Conclusion
Selling unwanted tickets through official resale platforms is the best way to recoup costs while ensuring smooth transfers and avoiding scams. Make sure the tickets are transferable, price them competitively, include all details, and allow time for them to sell. Avoid general resale sites and transactions outside of the platform for security. With proper planning, you can securely sell your extra Ticketmaster tickets.