Having a locked offer on your Ticketmaster account can be frustrating, especially if it’s for an event you really want to attend. Locked offers typically occur when there is high demand for tickets to a particular event. Ticketmaster will place a hold on some tickets to give you a chance to complete your purchase before others can claim them. However, there are a few things you can try to get your locked offer unlocked so you don’t miss out.
Understanding Locked Offers on Ticketmaster
A locked offer on Ticketmaster means you have tickets reserved for a short period of time to complete your purchase. This gives you an advantage over other customers who don’t have a locked offer in their cart. Here are some key things to know about locked offers:
- Locked offers are only valid for a limited time, usually around 5-10 minutes.
- The countdown clock on your offer page shows how much time you have left to complete the transaction.
- If you don’t complete the purchase before time runs out, the hold on those tickets will be released back to the general inventory.
- Other customers can then purchase the tickets you had on hold.
- Locked offers are used for very popular events where tickets are in high demand.
So in summary, a locked offer gives you a short window of exclusivity to buy tickets before they become available again to other shoppers. You have to act fast to complete your order before the time limit is up.
Refreshing the Page
The most common way to unlock a locked offer is to refresh your Ticketmaster page. Here are the steps:
- Copy the Ticketmaster URL for the offer page that shows the event tickets in your cart.
- Refresh or reload this page before your time limit runs out.
- The refreshing process will unlock the hold on the tickets, making them available again in your cart.
- Complete the purchase immediately before another user can claim the tickets.
Refreshing gives you an opportunity to start the checkout process over with those same tickets back in your cart. Just make sure to act fast, as you typically only get one extra chance by refreshing.
Trying a Different Browser or Device
If refreshing the page doesn’t work, try accessing your Ticketmaster account from a different web browser or device. For example:
- Switch from Chrome to Firefox or Safari.
- Use your mobile device instead of your desktop.
- Clear cookies and site data before signing into your Ticketmaster account on the new device.
Changing browsers or devices essentially gives you a clean slate with the Ticketmaster website. It forces your account to reverify the locked offer, which may remove any glitches if the hold isn’t lifting on your other device. Just don’t logout of your Ticketmaster account or the offer could be permanently removed.
Contacting Ticketmaster Customer Support
If you still can’t seem to unlock your locked offer after refreshing and switching devices, your last resort is to contact Ticketmaster customer service for assistance. Here are some tips for getting help from a Ticketmaster agent:
- Locate the Ticketmaster customer service phone number and call during their operating hours.
- You may need to be transferred to a specialist for ticket purchases and locked offers.
- Be prepared to provide your full name, Ticketmaster account email, and order number.
- Explain your situation – that you have a locked offer about to expire that you can’t complete.
- An agent may be able to directly unlock the hold on the tickets from their end.
Keep in mind that availability can change frequently for hot events. So there is a chance customer service may not be able to reinstate your exact ticket selection if too much time has passed. But it’s still worth contacting them to see if they can assist you in any way.
Using Ticketmaster’s Official Unlock Page
Ticketmaster has an official “Unlock My Offer” page you can try as well. Here’s how it works:
- Go to https://www.ticketmaster.com/unlock
- Enter the email address associated with your Ticketmaster account.
- Click “Unlock My Offer.”
- This will attempt to remotely reset the hold placed on tickets in your cart.
- You can then rush back to complete the transaction if it was successful.
This official process takes some of the guesswork out of trying to get a stubborn locked offer to refresh. Keep the Unlock My Offer page bookmarked in case you ever run into this issue with future events.
Acting Quickly When the Lock Resets
The most important thing is being ready to jump on purchasing the tickets as soon as that locked offer resets. Here are some tips:
- Have your payment details saved to your Ticketmaster account to check out faster.
- Save your event page with the tickets pre-selected so you can rapidly click through to checkout.
- If you unlocked via customer service, stay on the phone until your order is placed.
- Be ready and waiting on the Ticketmaster site before your time limit expires.
You typically only get one shot after refreshing or switching devices to complete your order. So be prepared to instantly purchase the tickets before that lock re-engages on that specific seat selection. With high demand events, every second counts!
Can Multiple Browsers Help?
You may wonder if having multiple browsers open improves your odds of getting a locked offer unlocked. The answer is maybe, but it really depends. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros of Using Multiple Browsers
- Gives you backup options if your main browser encounters an error.
- Running two separate devices doubles your chances.
- Other browsers may possibly reset the lock where the first one failed.
Cons of Using Multiple Browsers
- No guarantee any other browser will unlock the tickets.
- Can be difficult tracking multiple windows before time expires.
- Inventory could be gone before switching to another browser.
- Too many browsers may overwhelm your internet connection.
The best practice is probably keeping two browser windows open as a Plan B. But don’t get your hopes up too much that another browser will suddenly free up the locked tickets if refreshing fails. Focus your efforts on completing the purchase in your primary window first.
Should I Use Multiple Devices?
Similarly, you may wonder if using multiple devices could help unlock a stubborn offer. Here are some things to consider:
Pros of Using Multiple Devices
- One device may work if the other encounters technical glitches.
- Connecting from a different IP address sometimes resets locked offers.
- Unique device IDs can force Ticketmaster to re-verify the offer.
Cons of Using Multiple Devices
- No way to easily coordinate devices before time expires.
- Jumping between devices wastes valuable time.
- You could get unexpectedly logged out of your Ticketmaster account.
- Changing IP addresses looks suspicious to Ticketmaster.
The better option is probably sticking to one mobile and one desktop device at most. Quickly switching between more than two logged in devices typically won’t boost your odds with a stuck lock. Prioritize whichever device gives you the fastest purchasing ability.
Can a Different Card Unlock the Offer?
Some Ticketmaster users have reported switching payment methods suddenly allowed a locked offer to process. There are a few reasons this may work in some cases:
- A new card resets the entire transaction process.
- Different cards have varying anti-fraud protocols.
- Forces Ticketmaster to re-preauthorize and validate the order.
However, there is no guarantee that trying a new debit or credit card will suddenly make your locked tickets purchasable again. It likely depends on the specific reason your transaction failed in the first place. But it’s worth running through a new card if you have several easily available as a last resort.
Best Payment Methods for Ticketmaster
These tend to be the most reliable payment options for unlocking stubborn offers on Ticketmaster:
- Visa Credit Cards – Widely accepted with fast processing.
- MasterCard Credit Cards – Similar fast processing as Visa.
- American Express – Good option for concierge service if issues arise.
- Discover Credit Cards – Less commonly used than Visa/Mastercard.
Avoid these lower-success payment methods if possible:
- Debit Cards – More risk of holds and slower authorizations.
- Third-Party Services – Can interrupt transaction flow.
- Gift Cards – Often need customer service to force through.
Using your fastest-processing credit card is wise when battling a nearly-expired lock. Debit cards and gift cards add extra steps that can allow your hold to expire in the process.
What Causes Locked Offers on Ticketmaster?
There are a few common causes of locked offers failing to process on Ticketmaster:
- High traffic overload – Too many orders flooding the system.
- Conflicting orders – Someone else claimed the held tickets.
- Unexpected errors – Site glitch or crash.
- Anti-fraud protection – System flags an abnormal order.
- Payment processing failure – Card declines, expired, etc.
With so many users rushing for hot tickets, it’s not uncommon for these types of issues to pop up. Technical problems or fraud protections activating can also suddenly block an offer without much warning. Understanding the root cause can help you try the right solutions to get your order through.
Are Bots Grabbing the Unlocked Tickets?
Unfortunately, ticket-buying bots are becoming an increasing problem when popular events go on sale. As soon as your locked hold expires, bots can automatically snap up those tickets faster than any human can complete checkout. Here are some signs bots may be defeating you on unlocking offers:
- Tickets vanish instantly when timers expire.
- Stock seems to disappear and reappear randomly.
- Captchas and order verifications don’t slow the buying process.
- Many tickets end up relisted at inflated prices.
Bots are difficult to counter, as Ticketmaster has limited ability to detect and stop them. Your best bet is being ready the absolute second your offer reset goes through. Have your payment ready and smash the purchase button before bots have a chance.
Does Clearing Cookies Help?
Clearing your browser cookies and cache is unlikely to have any effect on unlocked locked offers. Here’s why:
- Ticketmaster locks offers server-side, not based on cookies.
- Your Ticketmaster login credentials verify your identity.
- Cookies are more for tracking site interactions and ad preferences.
- Refreshing has the same effect as clearing cookies anyway.
It takes more significant measures like trying a new device or contacting support to get locked holdings reset. Cookies are generally irrelevant when it comes to your cart and order status on Ticketmaster.
Can I Get Refunds if it Doesn’t Unlock?
Unfortunately, Ticketmaster does not issue refunds if a locked offer expires before you can complete the purchase. Their policies state:
- Holds are only valid for the specified time period (usually under 10 minutes).
- Expired carts and unlocked offers cannot be reclaimed or reimbursed.
- Refunds are only eligible on completed orders within 30 days of purchase.
- Locks ending is a normal part of the high-demand ordering process.
It can be very frustrating to lose hot tickets due to an expiring lock. But keep in mind it’s just part of how Ticketmaster facilitates fair ordering for in-demand events. Make sure to keep trying if you really want seats, as inventory fluctuates.
Is Ticketmaster’s System Rigged?
Some unhappy customers complain that Ticketmaster deliberately rigs the system to void locked offers. However, there’s no evidence Ticketmaster does this unethically. Explanations for expiring locks include:
- Truly high traffic overwhelming ticket availability.
- Random technical errors disrupting transactions.
- Anti-bot measures inadvertently flagging some orders.
- Legitimate fraud protection protocols being activated.
- Conflicting purchases grabbing the same held tickets.
Ticketmaster wants to sell tickets just like you want to buy them. But high demand for hot events naturally leads to complications. While Ticketmaster’s methods aren’t perfect, there’s no proof they void locks deliberately beyond the normal course of business.
Is There a Trick to Beating the Locks?
With so many factors involved, there is no foolproof trick to guarantee you can beat Ticketmaster locks every time. Your best bet is:
- Use a solid internet connection on a modern device.
- Have fast payment methods ready on your account.
- Keep trying if your lock expires to get new tickets.
- Refresh before your time limit is almost up.
- Contact support if you encounter error messages.
Persistence and preparation will boost your chances. Understand that high competition means you may not always win out. Keep trying and don’t hesitate to complete purchases that do make it through successfully!
Are Third-Party Resellers Better?
Third-party ticket resellers like StubHub can appear to be a way to avoid dealing with Ticketmaster locks. However, they introduce other downsides:
- Huge markups – Prices are often inflated 2-3X over face value.
- No guarantees – Sellers can still cancel if they don’t get their tickets.
- Scams – More fraud risk from untrustworthy sellers.
- Fewer protections – Resellers offer less customer service.
Ticketing resale markets basically function as scalpers online. There are deals, but you sacrifice reliability, buyer protections, and pay massively inflated rates. Dealing with locks on Ticketmaster directly is usually better than alternatives.
How Can I Avoid Locks in the Future?
Getting ahead of locks from happening in the first place is the best approach. Here are some tips:
- Buy early during presales to get better inventory.
- Use Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan system for popular events.
- Make sure your internet connection is fast and stable.
- Set up your account ahead of time with payment details.
- Use a desktop instead of mobile if possible.
Planning ahead helps avoid the last-minute rush when ticket demand peaks. Locks are hardest to deal with at the moment an event first goes on sale. Being ready early is your best bet.
Conclusion
Having a locked offer expire before you can buy tickets is frustrating. But don’t give up hope. Keep trying refresh pages, switch devices, contact support, and prepare your payment. Persistence and speed are key to beating the locks. With some diligence, you should be able to successfully unlock your held tickets in most cases. Just stay calm, act fast, and get ready to enjoy the show!