Ticketmaster is a major ticket sales and distribution company that charges fees on top of the base ticket price for events. One of the most common fees that Ticketmaster charges is a handling fee. The amount of the Ticketmaster handling fee can vary depending on the event, ticket price, and other factors.
What is the Ticketmaster Handling Fee?
The Ticketmaster handling fee, sometimes called a service fee or convenience fee, is a charge added to the base price of each ticket purchased. It is essentially an extra cost to the customer for Ticketmaster processing and handling the ticket transaction.
The handling fee goes to Ticketmaster and is not passed on to the event organizer or venue. It is Ticketmaster’s charge for providing the ticketing services that allow customers to buy tickets online or by phone through their platform.
Why Does Ticketmaster Charge Handling Fees?
Ticketmaster charges handling fees to cover the costs of operating their ticketing platform and services. This includes:
- The technology and software needed to power their website and process ticket orders
- Staffing for customer service agents and support teams
- Inventory management and ticket tracking services
- Fees and costs associated with online ticket sales
- Marketing and advertising costs to promote events and ticket sales
The handling fee helps Ticketmaster generate profit from ticket sales. Without it, they would have to recover costs through other means.
How Much Are Ticketmaster Handling Fees?
Ticketmaster does not have a standard handling fee amount. Fees can vary greatly based on:
- The event or venue – Popular and high-demand events often have higher fees.
- Ticket price tiers – Fees are typically higher on more expensive tickets.
- Number of tickets purchased – Orders with more tickets may have a higher total fee.
- Sales channel – Fees can vary for online, phone, box office, and resale orders.
- Promotions and discounts – Fees are sometimes waived or reduced for presales or special deals.
To give an idea of the range, here are some typical Ticketmaster handling fees:
- Between $5-$20 for lower-priced tickets under $100
- $15-$25 for mid-range concert and theater tickets costing $100-$500
- $25-$40 for expensive tickets over $500 for premier events
For very high profile events like playoff games or major rock concerts, fees can sometimes reach $50+ per ticket.
Factors That Influence Handling Fee Amounts
Some key factors that contribute to the specific handling fee amount for an event include:
- Artist/team popularity – In-demand performers and teams can negotiate higher fees.
- Venue size and location – Larger and more prominent venues may have bigger fees.
- Production costs – More complex touring shows and sets can mean higher handling costs.
- Ticket demand – Extremely popular events with scarce ticket inventory command higher fees.
- Ticket resale – Resale listings through Ticketmaster carry higher fees than original sales.
Essentially, the more desirable an event is and the higher the ticket price, the more handling fees Ticketmaster can charge on each order.
Comparing Fees Across Order Channels
Handling fees also differ depending on how and where customers purchase tickets. Here are some guidelines:
- Online – Web sales generally have lower fees than other channels.
- Phone – Talking to a ticket agent usually means higher per ticket fees.
- Box office – In-person sales at venue box offices have minimal or no handling fees.
- Resale – Fees for resale tickets are very high, up to 25% of the ticket cost.
Online ticket sales allow Ticketmaster to process orders in high volume at lower costs. Phone, box office, and resale involve more staffing and resources, driving fees up.
Additional Charges Beyond the Handling Fee
Along with the basic handling fee on each ticket, Ticketmaster transactions can also incur:
- Delivery fees for mobile tickets, print-at-home tickets, or hard copy mailed tickets
- Facility fees and service charges imposed by the venue or event organizer
- Order processing fees on the total transaction checkout
- Taxes on the ticket amounts and associated fees
All of these extra charges get tacked on to the final price paid by the customer. For major concerts or sporting events, an order can rack up $20-$30 in additional fees quite easily.
Strategies to Reduce Ticketmaster Handling Fees
While handling fees are unavoidable, customers can employ some strategies to try to minimize the fees on their Ticketmaster orders:
- Buy tickets online instead of by phone to avoid higher call center fees
- Purchase tickets directly through original sales, not reseller marketplaces
- Buy tickets well in advance of events to get lower pre-sale prices and fees
- Look for ticket discount codes and fan club promos to save on fees
- Buy tickets at the venue box office to potentially avoid handling fees
- Avoid extra charges like shipping and insurance by using mobile entry
While fans may dislike Ticketmaster’s fees, the convenience and reliability of their service makes them a dominant player in ticket sales. By understanding how their handling fees work, savvy customers can try to reduce the extra costs on their ticket purchases.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s handling fees range widely based on the event, ticket price, number of tickets, and sales channel. Typically fees are $5-$40 per ticket, with higher charges for premium events and resale tickets. While handling fees are frustrating for many customers, they allow Ticketmaster to cover the costs of providing its ticketing services and inventory management. By buying early, online, and directly, fans can try to minimize fees and get the best deal on tickets.