Selling tickets from Ticketmaster can be tricky when their policies prohibit resales. As one of the largest ticket providers, Ticketmaster aims to discourage scalping and ensure fairness in ticket access. However, life circumstances sometimes prevent you from attending an event you already bought tickets for. In cases like this, you may still have options for recovering value from unwanted tickets. This article will explore tips for legally and ethically selling Ticketmaster tickets.
Understand Ticketmaster’s Resale Policies
Before attempting to resell Ticketmaster tickets, familiarize yourself with their resale rules. Ticketmaster actively discourages resales through their Terms of Use. Some key points from their policies include:
- Tickets may not be resold above their face value.
- Tickets are non-transferable unless explicitly stated. Transferring tickets may require going through Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace.
- Ticketmaster may cancel tickets suspected of being resold through unauthorized channels.
- Season tickets or bulk ticket orders cannot be resold without permission from the original issuer.
These restrictions are in place to fight scalping and give fans fair access to tickets. Before reselling, make sure you fully understand and follow Ticketmaster’s policies to avoid cancelled tickets or other penalties.
Verify Restrictions on Your Specific Tickets
In some cases, tickets may include additional resale restrictions beyond Ticketmaster’s general policies. When you receive tickets via email, mail, or your Ticketmaster account, look for any language about resells or transfers.
For example, some tickets cannot be resold or transferred under any circumstances. Others may limit prices for resales. Carefully check for any such restrictions before attempting to resell.
Sell Through Ticketmaster’s Resale Marketplace
The safest and most permitted way to resell Ticketmaster tickets is through their Ticket Exchange resale marketplace. Ticket Exchange is an approved resale channel for certain eligible tickets.
To be listed on Ticket Exchange, tickets must be:
- Fully transferable electronically.
- In their original delivery form, without any changes or edits.
- For events where reselling is allowed by the venue and performer.
Ticket Exchange offers a legitimate way to resell at market value. Buyers can shop knowing tickets are verified and valid. Sellers can easily list tickets for sale through their Ticketmaster account. Ticketmaster’s resale policies still apply, so prices are capped at the original face value.
The convenience and protections of Ticket Exchange make it the best option if your tickets qualify. Before listing elsewhere, check if your tickets can be resold through Ticket Exchange.
How to Resell Tickets on Ticket Exchange
Follow these steps to resell tickets on Ticketmaster’s safe resale marketplace:
- Access your active ticket listing in your Ticketmaster account.
- Select the eligible tickets you want to resell and click “Post”.
- Choose the quantity you want to resell and list any notes for buyers.
- Enter your preferred asking price, capped at face value. You can also choose auction-style pricing.
- Select your preferred delivery method for sold tickets.
- Accept Ticket Exchange’s terms and conditions to finish your listing.
Once posted, eligible buyers can purchase your tickets via Ticket Exchange. If a sale occurs, you’ll receive payment (minus a commission) after the event concludes.
Utilize Fan-to-Fan Resale Marketplaces
For tickets ineligible for Ticketmaster’s Exchange, your options are more limited. However, you may still be able to legally resell them through third-party fan-to-fan marketplaces.
Stick to reputable resale platforms that comply with Ticketmaster’s policies. Popular choices include:
- StubHub
- Vivid Seats
- SeatGeek
- Craigslist (for local buyers/sellers)
These sites offer tools to post and manage ticket listings. Look for guarantees, buyer/seller protections, and other indicators of trustworthiness.
Tips for Reselling on Third-Party Platforms
When reselling Ticketmaster tickets on outside platforms, keep these tips in mind:
- Disclose any restrictions upfront so buyers know what they are getting.
- Limit your price to face value or slightly below to avoid scalping accusations.
- Use safe payment methods and delivery to prevent scams or counterfeits.
- Remove your listing if tickets sell on another platform to avoid duplicate sales.
- Follow up with buyers to confirm receipt and satisfaction.
While riskier than Ticket Exchange, third-parties let you recoup some costs. Just take precautions to follow Ticketmaster’s rules and maximize trust.
Alternatives for Completely Non-Transferable Tickets
In some cases, tickets simply cannot be resold or transferred under any circumstance. Events with extreme demand may prohibit all resales to limit scalping. Other tickets have names printed on them or require ID matching the original purchaser.
If your tickets fall into the completely non-transferable category, consider these alternative options:
Gift the Tickets
Gifting tickets to a friend or family member may be permitted, even when outright resale is prohibited. Take advantage of this if you know someone who would enjoy attending in your place. Keep any ticket transfer within your close personal network.
Donate the Tickets
You may be able to donate non-transferable tickets to certain approved charitable organizations. Groups like Make-A-Wish Foundation sometimes accept ticket donations to grant ill children’s wishes. Other options include donating to veterans groups, youth organizations, community centers, and more. Reach out to charities to find ticket donation policies and programs.
Absorb the Loss
If no resale or donation options exist, eating the cost of the tickets may be your only recourse. Look at it as the price of incredible memories you could have had. When possible, avoid buying non-refundable tickets far in advance to limit future losses.
You can also contact the event provider to share your circumstances in case they grant an exception or credit on future events. However, you may just have to accept the sunk cost.
Use Caution to Avoid Ticketmaster Penalties
Despite limited resale avenues, take care to avoid running afoul of Ticketmaster policies. Unlawful resales and scalping through unauthorized channels carry serious repercussions.
Potential penalties for violating Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use include:
- Cancelled tickets
- Bans from future sales
- Financial damages
- Legal prosecution
Avoid resale methods specifically banned by Ticketmaster, such as:
- Selling above face value
- Using external brokers
- Listing on public resale sites
- Transferring tickets without permission
Stick to fully authorized resale channels to stay compliant. Be transparent in all third-party listings about ticket restrictions too. While you may lose out on some money, it beats facing Ticketmaster’s crackdown.
Emphasize Honesty and Ethics
More than anything, focus on reselling tickets in an honest and ethical manner. Avoid trying to profit excessively or mislead buyers about restrictions. Be upfront about ticket details and cancellation policies before any purchases.
Though inconvenient, eat financial losses when required rather than skirting the rules. Karma and goodwill for doing the right thing are more valuable than a few extra dollars.
Conclusion
Reselling Ticketmaster tickets is highly restricted but not always impossible. First exhaust options like Ticket Exchange and fan-to-fan marketplaces to recoup reasonable value. For non-transferable tickets, consider gifting, donations, or absorbing the loss. Unethical reselling methods often backfire through cancellations and penalties. Focus on transparency and integrity instead.
Ticketmaster’s tight control aims to stop scalping and unethical resales. But when life intervenes with your plans, there are still some respectable options to recover value. With creativity and integrity, unwanted tickets can find good homes while avoiding Ticketmaster punishments.