Reselling football tickets online has become a popular way for fans to recoup costs on games they can no longer attend. With the rise of online ticket marketplaces like StubHub and Vivid Seats, reselling tickets online is easier than ever. This guide will provide tips on how to effectively resell football tickets online.
Why Resell Football Tickets?
There are a few key reasons fans look to resell their tickets online:
- Can’t attend the game anymore due to schedule changes or other conflicts
- Want to make back some money on an expensive ticket
- Have extra tickets they don’t need anymore
Reselling provides a way for fans to recoup some of the money they’ve already spent on tickets to games they can no longer attend. It also gives them a way to safely transfer tickets to other fans looking for seats.
How the Resale Market Works
The online ticket resale market operates as a secure secondary marketplace linking buyers and sellers. Sellers list tickets for upcoming games and set their own prices. Buyers can browse tickets for sale and purchase them directly through the resale site.
The major resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats act as intermediaries in the transaction. This provides security and legitimacy to the marketplace. Sellers are required to guarantee valid tickets and buyers are assured their tickets will work. The sites also handle the transfer of money.
Tips for Reselling Football Tickets
Here are some key tips for having success reselling football tickets online:
1. Shop Around Different Resale Sites
While StubHub and Vivid Seats dominate the market, there are other options like SeatGeek, Ticketmaster and more. Compare fees, listings and prices across multiple sites to get an idea of the going rates for tickets. This helps you optimally price your seats when listing them for sale.
2. Time Your Sale
In general, the earlier you list tickets for sale, the higher price you can command. As it gets closer to game day, prices tend to drop as sellers have more competition. For big rivalry games or homecomings, list early to get top dollar. For less in-demand games, you may want to wait closer to game day for more buyers.
3. Price Your Tickets Competitively
When selecting your ticket price, make sure to research what other sellers are listing comparable seats for. Price your tickets in line with current market rates for that particular game and section. If your tickets are priced higher than similar offerings, they are less likely to sell.
4. Provide Detailed Listings
Include important details like exact seat location, row and section number. Specify if the seats are aisle, bleacher or bench seats. List any conveniences like proximity to concessions or restrooms. The more details you provide, the easier it is for buyers to make informed decisions.
5. Utilize High-Quality Photos
Use clear, well-lit photos showing the view from the seats if possible. Avoid photos that are dark, blurry or misleading. Quality photos help buyers feel confident they know exactly what they’re getting with your tickets.
6. Highlight Desirable Features
Emphasize positive attributes like 50-yard line seats, seat backs, home side, shade cover, parking passes, etc. Buyers are willing to pay more for conveniences and advantages like these.
7. Be Responsive to Questions
Make sure to check for questions from potential buyers and respond promptly. Providing quick answers builds trust and confidence in you as a seller. Being unresponsive leads buyers to look elsewhere.
8. Follow Through Quickly on Sales
Once tickets sell, transfer them to the buyer immediately. Have your tickets ready in your account before listing. This prevents delays that can cause frustration.
9. Accept Secure Payment Methods
Choose payment methods like credit cards and PayPal that provide buyer/seller protections. Avoid risky payment types like wire transfers. Let the resale site handle payment processing whenever possible.
Where to Sell Football Tickets
The top online marketplaces for reselling football tickets include:
Site | Features |
---|---|
StubHub | Largest selection of listings, loyal buyer base, robust tools for sellers |
Vivid Seats | Competitive pricing and seller commissions, rewards program |
SeatGeek | Integrated mapping and deal score rating system |
Ticketmaster | Primary ticket source, large buyer reach, verified tickets |
Gametime | Last-minute discounted tickets, mobile focused |
These major online marketplaces offer high visibility of listings to large buyer audiences. Their secure platforms provide protection for both buyers and sellers during transactions. Make sure to compare features across a few sites to decide where you want to list tickets for sale.
Pros of Reselling Football Tickets Online
Reselling tickets through online marketplaces offers many benefits:
- Large buyer reach – Sites have millions of users browsing for tickets
- Better prices – Buyers may pay more than face value for in-demand games
- Secure transactions – Payments processed safely through resale sites
- Convenient transfers – Tickets electronically transferred to buyers
- Control over pricing – Sellers get to name their price
The combination of broad buyer demand, price competition, safety, and convenience make online resale sites an attractive option for selling unwanted tickets.
Cons of Reselling Football Tickets Online
While there are many advantages, some potential downsides exist as well:
- Fees – Resale sites charge sellers fees that cut into profits
- No guarantees – There is no guarantee your tickets will sell
- Ticket limits – Some sites cap how many tickets an account can sell
- Delayed payment – Have to wait for game date for payment in some cases
- Cancellations – Buyers may cancel orders prior to event
Sellers have to weigh fees charged by resale platforms that can eat into profits. There is also the risk of tickets not selling at all. These are tradeoffs to consider when deciding to resell tickets online.
Alternatives to Online Resale Sites
A few other options exist for reselling tickets outside of major online marketplaces:
Ticket Exchange Groups
Specialized ticket swap groups on Facebook and other platforms let local fans buy and sell directly. Great for getting tickets to buyers in same geographic area.
Classified Listings
Listing tickets on classifieds sites like Craigslist allows selling without fees, but reduces visibility and security.
Outside the Venue
Fans sometimes show up early to games to sell extra tickets in person for cash. This works best for very high-demand games where buyers take the risk.
Friends and Family
Selling to people you know eliminates fees and uncertainty, but greatly limits potential buyer pool.
While alternatives exist, large online marketplaces still offer the biggest reach and protections through secure transactions and guarantees. This makes them the best option in most cases for reselling football tickets.
Conclusion
Reselling football tickets online is a great way to safely transfer unused tickets while recouping some costs. Large resale marketplaces like StubHub and VividSeats make it easy to list and sell tickets to buyers across the country.
Carefully research your ticket listing prices, provide detailed seat information, and utilize high-quality photos to effectively showcase your seats. Transfer tickets immediately upon sale and let the resale site handle secure payment processing.
While reseller fees and sale uncertainty exist, the advantages of broad exposure, better prices, and secure transactions make online ticket resale marketplaces the best option for selling football tickets you can no longer use. With some smart preparation, you can seamlessly resell your tickets online and put some money back in your pocket.