SeatGeek is an online ticket marketplace that allows users to buy and sell tickets for sporting events, concerts, theater shows, and more. The company was founded in 2009 and has grown to become one of the largest secondary ticket marketplaces. However, some buyers have concerns about whether purchasing tickets through SeatGeek is safe and reliable. This article will provide an overview of SeatGeek, examine the pros and cons of using the platform, and help buyers determine if SeatGeek is a trustworthy option for purchasing event tickets.
What is SeatGeek?
SeatGeek is an online ticket resale marketplace where users can buy and sell tickets for live events. The company does not directly sell tickets but rather provides a platform that connects third-party sellers with buyers. Sellers on SeatGeek include professional ticket brokers, season ticket holders, or individuals simply looking to resell extra tickets.
The company was founded in 2009 by Jack Groetzinger, Russell D’Souza, and Eric Xu. SeatGeek has become one of the largest secondary ticket marketplaces, with over $4 billion in ticket transactions processed annually. The platform offers tickets to major sporting events like NFL games, concerts for big-name artists, Broadway shows, festivals, and more. Users can search for tickets, view interactive venue maps to pick seats, and make purchases directly through SeatGeek.
Some key facts about SeatGeek:
– Headquartered in New York City
– Processes over $4 billion in ticket transactions each year
– Offers tickets to major concerts, sports leagues, theaters, etc.
– Works with hundreds of professional ticket sellers
– SeatGeek mobile app available on iOS and Android
– No listing fees for sellers, make commission off each transaction
– Buyer fees depend on event type, seller, etc.
– Over 50 million app downloads to date
So in summary, SeatGeek provides a large online ticket marketplace connecting buyers and sellers. But is purchasing tickets through their platform reliable? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Pros of Buying from SeatGeek
There are several advantages to using SeatGeek over other secondary ticket sites or scalpers:
Large Inventory
SeatGeek offers a huge selection of event tickets across all major sports, concerts, theater, and more. Their large network of sellers list millions of tickets, so buyers are very likely to find what they need. This vast inventory makes it a convenient one-stop-shop for tickets.
Interactive Maps
The SeatGeek app and website include interactive maps and seating charts for every venue. Buyers can scroll over specific seats to view prices and listing details. This makes it easy to find the perfect seats and price points.
Fair Market Pricing
With its breadth of inventory, SeatGeek provides buyers with fair market pricing. Buyers can comparison shop listings rather than having to accept whatever price a single seller offers. SeatGeek’s technology also dynamically prices tickets closer to the event based on demand.
Reliable Sellers
SeatGeek works with professional ticket brokers, season ticket holders, and verified sellers. They do background checks to ensure reputable sellers. This gives buyers peace of mind over transacting with unknown scalpers.
Buyer Guarantees
SeatGeek provides 100% buyer guarantees to give customers confidence. If tickets are fraudulent or a seller does not deliver, SeatGeek will find replacement tickets or provide a full refund.
Mobile Ticketing
SeatGeek offers mobile ticketing for fast and easy entry to events. Buyers can access e-tickets on their phones anytime. This also reduces risk of lost or forgotten tickets.
So in summary, the variety of inventory, interactive maps, fair prices, seller vetting, guarantees, and mobile ticketing make SeatGeek an appealing platform for buyers. However, there are also some downsides to consider.
Cons of Buying from SeatGeek
Here are a few potential drawbacks of purchasing tickets through SeatGeek:
Not the Official Source
SeatGeek is a resale marketplace, not the original ticket source. So unlike primary ticket sellers, they don’t have direct relationships with teams, artists, or venues. This means inventory depends on what sellers list rather than having first access to all seats.
Counterfeit Tickets
While rare, there have been some reports of buyers receiving fake or duplicated tickets from SeatGeek purchases. Their guarantees protect against fraud, but it can cause hassles at the venue.
High Fees
SeatGeek does not directly set buyer fees, but some users report much higher fees compared to other secondary sites. Fees vary depending on the event, demand, seller, and more. So buyers may pay above face value plus hefty fees.
Misleading Listings
Some SeatGeek listings can be misleading, like exaggerating view quality or section locations. Since anyone can sell, listings do not always align with the actual seats. Buyers should scrutinize listing details carefully.
Cancellations or Changes
If an event date changes or is canceled altogether, buyers may have a difficult time getting refunds depending on the seller’s policies. SeatGeek tickets are subject to sellers’ rules.
So in summary, the secondary nature of the tickets, risk of fake tickets, high fees, inaccurate listings, and seller policies for changes can be drawbacks for buyers. But overall, are these cons enough to make SeatGeek an unreliable option?
Is SeatGeek Reliable for Buyers?
Overall, SeatGeek is considered a safe, reliable, and trustworthy platform for buying event tickets. Here are a few reasons why:
Very Low Fraud Rate
Fake ticket sales occur extremely rarely on SeatGeek. One study found only 46 cases of fraud out of 17 million transactions analyzed. So the chances of receiving invalid tickets are extremely low.
Strict Seller Standards
SeatGeek thoroughly vets sellers and will remove any broker with a history of fraudulent sales. Their strict seller policies protect buyers.
Solid Customer Service
SeatGeek receives high marks for their responsive, caring customer service. They quickly resolve any issues that arise during or after purchase.
Affordable Pricing
While fees vary, SeatGeek tickets generally cost 20-30% below other major resale sites. Buyers can find good deals on in-demand events.
Positive Reviews
Across various consumer sites, SeatGeek earns largely positive feedback from buyers. They receive praise for ease of use, good prices, and fast customer support.
Trusted Review Site | SeatGeek Rating |
---|---|
Trustpilot | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Sitejabber | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Better Business Bureau | A+ Rating |
So based on their low fraud history, strict standards, great service, affordability, and positive reviews, SeatGeek is considered an extremely trustworthy platform for buying event tickets. While buyers should still exercise caution as with any online purchase, SeatGeek is one of the most reliable options in the secondary ticket marketplace.
Safety Tips for Buying SeatGeek Tickets
While SeatGeek is generally safe, here are some tips buyers can use for optimal security and peace of mind:
– Verify seller ratings – Purchase only from highly rated sellers with many reviews. Avoid any new or unrated sellers.
– Examine listing details – Scrutinize seat locations, views, delivery method, and policies before purchasing. Make sure they align with the event.
– Use buyer protections – Opt to pay with a credit card for added fraud protection and dispute resolution assistance if any issues arise.
– Transfer to mobile – Once received, immediately transfer tickets to the SeatGeek app for safe keeping and seamless venue entry.
– Understand refund policy – Be clear on the seller’s rules for obtaining refunds or handling cancellations before completing the transaction.
– Contact support – If any doubts arise or you encounter trouble at the event, quickly reach out to SeatGeek’s 24/7 customer support.
Conclusion
In summary, SeatGeek provides buyers with a vast ticket inventory, interactive seat maps, fair prices, and buyer guarantees. While there is some risk of counterfeits, misleading listings, high fees, and seller policy constraints, instances of fraud are extremely low. Extensive vetting of sellers, responsive support, and affordability make SeatGeek one of the most reliable ticket platforms available. Using caution and verification when making purchases, buyers can confidently use SeatGeek to gain access to sold-out events and coveted tickets. For convenient access to otherwise unavailable seats at fair costs, SeatGeek delivers.