StubHub, the popular ticket resale marketplace, generally stops selling tickets for an event right up until it starts. However, the exact cutoff time can vary depending on the event type, venue policies, and other factors.
When Does StubHub Stop Selling Tickets?
In most cases, StubHub will continue allowing ticket sales on their platform until just a few hours before an event’s scheduled start time. This allows last-minute buyers to still purchase tickets, while also ensuring there is enough time for the seller to transfer the tickets to the buyer electronically or for the buyer to receive mobile tickets before entering the venue.
Some key points about StubHub’s cutoff times:
- For events in the United States, StubHub typically stops sales 3 hours before the event starts.
- For events in Canada, sales are stopped 4 hours prior.
- In the UK and European Union, the cutoff is 6 hours before start time.
- For other international events, it can vary between 2-12 hours based on factors like time zones, venue policies, and type of event.
So if you are buying or selling through StubHub, keep these general cutoff times in mind. However, it’s always best to check the specific event listing for exact end-of-sale information.
Why Does StubHub Stop Sales Before Events?
There are a few key reasons why StubHub enforces these cutoff times:
- To allow time for ticket transfer – Many StubHub tickets are transferred electronically from the seller to the buyer. Stopping sales several hours before events ensures there is enough time for this process.
- For mobile tickets – If the tickets are mobile tickets, the buyer needs time to receive and download them to their phone before entering the event.
- To prevent fraudulent sales – Cutoff times reduce the risk of fake sellers listing tickets right before an event that they don’t actually have.
- Due to venue policies – Some venues enforce their own resale cutoff times, which StubHub must comply with.
So while eager buyers may want StubHub to sell up until the last second, these cutoff times are in place to ensure a smooth, reliable experience for all users.
Factors That Influence StubHub’s Cutoff Times
While the general guidelines are 3-6 hours before an event, a variety of factors can influence when exactly StubHub stops selling for a specific event. These include:
- Venue or event policies – Some venues enforce strict resale deadlines that StubHub must adhere to. This may lead to earlier or later cutoff times.
- Anticipated demand – For very high-demand events where tickets are scarce, StubHub may end sales earlier.
- Weekday vs. weekend – Weekend events often have earlier deadlines, as weekend traffic can slow down ticket transfers.
- Mobile vs. print tickets – Mobile tickets tend to have earlier deadlines than paper tickets that can be printed at home.
- Time zones – For international events, time zones are considered to allow proper delivery time.
If an event has unusual cutoff times, StubHub will indicate that clearly on their listing. So buyers should always double-check the specific event page for exact end-of-sale information.
What Happens If You Miss The Cutoff
If you attempt to buy or sell tickets on StubHub after the posted cutoff time, here is what will happen:
- As a buyer, you will not be able to complete the ticket purchase. The listings will be removed or closed off after the cutoff time passes.
- As a seller, you will not be able to create a new listing for the event on StubHub after the deadline.
- Any pending sales will be canceled and refunded if the cutoff time passes before the transaction is completed.
- StubHub’s customer service team can provide guidance if any issues come up around cutoff times.
It’s important to act before the stated deadlines to ensure your transactions can be completed. And be aware that tickets bought right before the cutoff may involve special transfer requirements, like picking up tickets at will call.
How To Check StubHub’s Cutoff Times
To see exactly when StubHub ticket sales will end for an upcoming event you plan to attend or sell tickets for, follow these steps:
- Go to StubHub.com and search for the event.
- View the main listing page for that event.
- Scroll down to the “Buy and sell safely” section.
- Here you will see the exact end-of-sale time, displayed as “Tickets sold by X” with the time and date.
- This will inform you of the precise cutoff policies for that specific event.
StubHub may also display reminders about the sales deadline as it approaches, such as “Tickets stop selling in X hours” shown prominently with the listings.
Examples of StubHub Cutoff Times
To illustrate how these cutoff times work in practice, here are some examples for different types of events:
Concert at Madison Square Garden
- Event: Bruce Springsteen concert on Saturday, Nov 5 at 8:00pm
- Cutoff time: 5:00pm on Saturday, Nov 5
- Reason: 3 hour cutoff for US event on weekend night
Football Game at Wembley Stadium
- Event: NFL football game on Sunday, Nov 6 at 2:00pm
- Cutoff time: 8:00am on Sunday, Nov 6
- Reason: 6 hour cutoff for event in UK on weekend
Theater Show in Toronto
- Event: Book of Mormon on Tuesday, Nov 8 at 8:00pm
- Cutoff time: 4:00pm on Tuesday, Nov 8
- Reason: 4 hour cutoff for Canada event on weekday
As you can see, cutoff times adapt to the location, day, and type of event taking place. Always check StubHub for the specific end-of-sale time for your situation.
Last Minute Purchases
While StubHub shuts down sales hours ahead, some buyers may still want or need tickets at the very last second:
- If you need last minute tickets, you can check other resale sites like VividSeats that may have different cutoff policies.
- Another option is scalpers or ticket brokers outside the event selling extra inventory.
- Buyers can also take the risk of waiting at the box office right before the event for potential ticket releases.
However, there is no guarantee of availability using these methods. StubHub offers the most convenient and reliable way to buy resale tickets, as long as you purchase before their clearly stated cutoff time.
Selling Tips To Avoid StubHub Cutoff
As a seller, here are some tips to make sure your StubHub sales close on time:
- List tickets as early as possible. This provides maximum selling time.
- Set your prices competitively based on current market rates.
- Respond quickly if you have an interested buyer and complete sales fast.
- Transfer tickets to buyer electronically as soon as sale is complete.
- If transferring paper tickets, use expedited shipping so they arrive in time.
Careful planning and prompt action as a seller will ensure you can close sales before StubHub’s deadline hits.
Conclusion
While every event will have its own specific cutoff time, StubHub typically stops selling tickets 3-6 hours prior to the event start, depending on the location, date, and other factors. Buyers should always confirm the precise end-of-sale times on the event listing page to ensure they can purchase and receive their tickets before sales close out. Similarly, sellers should be aware of deadlines and act fast so pending sales can be completed before the cutoff hits. With some planning and preparation, both buyers and sellers can have successful ticket transactions on StubHub before the clock runs out.