Will call is a service offered by many companies and venues that allows customers to pick up tickets, packages, or other items at the venue on the day of an event rather than having them mailed or shipped ahead of time. This convenient option allows you to avoid delivery charges and the risk of lost tickets, giving you peace of mind knowing your items will be waiting for you when you arrive.
What is will call?
Will call refers to a reserved ticket or item that is held for a customer to pick up on-site prior to an event. Rather than sending tickets through the mail, the host organization holds onto them at the box office or a designated will call booth. When patrons arrive, they need to present their order confirmation number and a photo ID that matches the purchaser name to claim their tickets and any other items from will call.
Will call serves as a secure, hassle-free alternative to printed tickets sent by mail. It prevents the customer’s purchase from being lost or stolen and provides an extra layer of protection against counterfeit or fraudulent tickets. Additionally, will call allows tickets to be distributed at the last minute for events that are sold out or need to be rescheduled. Overall, it provides flexibility and convenience for both the venue and its patrons.
Why use will call?
There are several key reasons why customers may choose will call when purchasing tickets or items for an event:
- Avoid shipping charges – By picking up your purchase on-site, you skip delivery fees and service charges.
- Prevent lost or stolen tickets – Having your tickets held eliminates the risk of them being lost or stolen in the mail.
- Added security – Will call requires an ID check, preventing counterfeit/fraudulent ticket use.
- Convenience – Don’t have to worry about receiving tickets on time through the mail.
- Flexibility – Allows venues to distribute tickets at the last minute if needed.
- Peace of mind – Customers can rest assured knowing tickets will be waiting upon arrival.
Additionally, venues and event organizers may prefer will call for reasons like minimizing shipping overhead costs, maintaining tighter control over ticket distribution, and reducing the capacities for counterfeiting or scalping.
How does will call work?
The will call process involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth experience:
- Purchase tickets – When buying tickets online or over the phone, select “will call” as your delivery method.
- Receive confirmation – The vendor will email you a confirmation number to reference when picking up tickets.
- Bring ID and confirmation – On the day of the event, bring your photo ID matching the ticket buyer name and the confirmation number.
- Pick up items – Proceed to the box office or designated will call booth and provide your ID and confirmation to claim tickets.
- Verify purchase – The representative will verify your identity and confirmation code to ensure you are the ticket purchaser.
- Collect tickets/items – After verification, you’ll receive your tickets, vouchers, or other items from will call.
Some key tips for utilizing will call include:
- Arrive early – Give yourself plenty of time in case there is a wait at will call.
- Know the location – Confirm where the will call booth is located before arriving.
- Bring proper ID – Make sure your photo ID matches the ticket purchaser’s name.
- Have your confirmation – Double check you have the correct order confirmation number.
- Know your items – Verify what exactly is being held for you at will call.
Where is will call located?
The specific will call location can vary between different venues and events. In general, here are some common will call pickup areas:
- Main box office – Often will call is handled right at the main ticketing booth or box office.
- Side/secondary box office – Larger venues may have a separate box office dedicated to will call.
- Near main entrance – Many will have a will call tent or booth positioned near the main access point.
- Off-site – For some larger events, will call may be located off-site for traffic control.
When purchasing tickets, the website or vendor should indicate the exact on-site location to pick up from will call. This information may also be printed on your confirmation email for handy reference. Be sure to look up a venue map in advance to find where will call is situated in relation to parking lots and entry points.
In general, look for will call signage upon arriving at the venue to point you in the right direction. If unsure, you can always ask guest services or box office representatives where the will call booth is located.
What do you need for will call?
To retrieve your tickets or items from will call, you will need:
- Valid photo ID – This must be an official government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, bearing your photo and matching the name on the ticket order.
- Order confirmation – The order confirmation code, reservation number, or other verification provided by the vendor to reference your purchase.
- Payment (optional) – In some cases, you may need to provide the original payment if there is a balance due on the order.
Make sure to have these necessary credentials handy when you arrive to make the will call process quick and easy. Keep your confirmation email or text accessible, bring proper ID, and settled any outstanding balances ahead if possible. Having all your information ready will get you through will call and into the event without hassle.
How early should you arrive for will call?
When factoring in time needed at will call, it’s recommended to arrive at the event at least 45-60 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. This helps account for:
- Lines – Allow extra time in case there are long queues at will call.
- Parking & traffic – Give yourself a buffer for finding parking and navigating any traffic near the venue.
- Entry lines – You may need added time to then make your way through security lines and get into the venue.
- Orientation – Arriving early lets you get your bearings to find your seats, locate amenities, etc.
Build in some cushion so you don’t feel rushed getting your tickets and making your way inside. Events that expect large crowds or have complicated parking and foot traffic patterns especially warrant extra time allotted. Aim to arrive an hour before showtime whenever possible.
Pros of will call
Choosing will call over traditional mail delivery offers several potential advantages:
- Convenience – Don’t have to worry about lost, stolen, or undelivered tickets.
- Security – ID verification prevents counterfeiting and fraudulent ticket use.
- Flexibility – Venues can distribute tickets on short notice if plans change.
- Manageable distribution – Limits challenges of mailing large volumes of tickets.
- Cost savings – Avoids fees and labor for shipping and handling.
- Environmentally friendly – Reduces paper waste without printed tickets being mailed out.
Will call provides a smooth, reliable ticketing experience for both consumers and event organizers when handled properly.
Cons of will call
However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to weigh with will call:
- Time commitment – Requires arriving early enough to accommodate will call lines.
- Inconvenience – Forces patrons to pick up on-site vs. delivery to their home.
- Multiple steps – Adds extra verification processes compared to presenting pre-printed tickets.
- Technical issues – Problems with confirmation numbers or ID checks can complicate pickup.
- Long lines – Large crowds can cause lengthy waits at will call windows.
- Off-site hassle – Some events position will call away from the venue for traffic control.
There are ways to minimize these drawbacks through strategic planning by the venue and allowing ample time as the consumer. But will call does present some natural logistical challenges compared to standard ticket distribution.
Key takeaways
In summary, here are some key tips on making the most of the will call experience:
- Select will call during checkout to skip delivery.
- Note your confirmation number to bring to pickup.
- Ensure your ID matches the ticket buyer’s name.
- Locate will call ahead of time and arrive early.
- Have your confirmation and ID ready to speed verification.
- Build in extra time for parking, lines, and entry.
- Know what items are being held for you at will call.
With proper preparation, will call can provide a smooth, convenient ticketing experience. Allowing ample time, having the right credentials, and understanding the process will get you your tickets and inside the big event with no hassle.