Buying tickets through StubHub, the largest secondary ticket marketplace, can be a great way to get access to hard-to-find tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows and more. However, there are some pros and cons to weigh when deciding whether to use StubHub.
The Pros of Using StubHub
Here are some of the main benefits of buying tickets on StubHub:
- Access to hard-to-find tickets – StubHub provides access to tickets that are no longer available through primary ticket sellers. This includes tickets for sold-out events or last minute tickets.
- Large inventory – StubHub has a large selection of tickets, with over 10 million tickets for sale at any given time across multiple categories like sports, concerts, theater, and more.
- Competitive pricing – Prices on StubHub tend to be driven by supply and demand. When there is high demand and low supply, prices are higher. When there is low demand and high inventory, prices tend to be quite reasonable.
- Refunds – StubHub offers a FanProtect Guarantee which provides refunds if tickets are invalid or if events are canceled and not rescheduled.
- Ease of use – StubHub’s website and mobile apps make it simple to search event listings, compare ticket prices, and quickly complete purchases.
- Customer service – StubHub has customer service representatives available by phone for assistance with ticket purchases, deliveries, and resolving any issues.
The Cons of Buying from StubHub
There are also some downsides to keep in mind when purchasing tickets through StubHub:
- Higher prices – In many cases, StubHub tickets will be priced higher than face value. There are seller fees, and StubHub charges buyers 10-20% on top of the ticket price.
- Counterfeit tickets – There is a small risk of purchasing counterfeit or fraudulent tickets on StubHub. They do prevent many instances of fraud, but it still occurs in rare cases.
- Sellers can cancel – If a seller cancels a StubHub order, you have to start the buying process over again. This can be inconvenient if tickets you wanted are no longer available.
- Delivery delays – StubHub needs to receive the tickets from sellers before they can send them to you. This means digital or express delivery is not always possible.
- Restricted views – Some tickets may have obstructed or restricted views of an event, which may not be clear during the buying process.
Tips for Buying Tickets on StubHub
If you decide to purchase tickets through StubHub, here are some tips to get the best deal and avoid issues:
- Shop early – Buying well in advance of an event typically means better ticket selection and lower prices.
- Compare prices – Check StubHub listings against other secondary sellers like Vivid Seats and SeatGeek to find the best deal.
- Read the listing carefully – Verify the section, row, seat numbers and look for notes on restricted views before buying.
- Use eTickets – Opt for electronic ticket delivery to get tickets quickly versus physical delivery.
- Review seller ratings – Purchase from Top Rated or All-Star Sellers with a proven history of selling valid tickets.
- Know the policies – Review StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee and seller policies in case any issues arise.
- Purchase insurance – StubHub offers optional ticket insurance to cover situations like event cancellations.
StubHub Fees and Pricing
When buying tickets from StubHub, there are some fees and charges to take note of:
Fee Type | Amount |
---|---|
Delivery fee | $5.95 – $19.95 per order |
Service fee | 10% – 20% of ticket price |
Seller fee | 10% – 15% charged to seller |
Listing fee | Ranges from no fee up to $275 per ticket |
The delivery, service, and seller fees vary based on the event, ticket value, seller status, and delivery method. Event organizers may also add their own fees.
Is StubHub Reliable and Safe?
Overall, StubHub is regarded as a safe and reliable place to purchase tickets from vetted sellers. However, it’s not without risks. Here are a few key factors to consider:
- StubHub is owned by eBay and is an established company that has been in business since 2000.
- All purchases are covered by StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee, providing valid replacement tickets or refunds for cancelled, fraudulent, or otherwise invalid tickets.
- The website uses encryption, secure socket layers, firewalls, and fraud detection tools to protect user data.
- Sellers must provide credit card and contact information, which StubHub verifies before allowing them to sell tickets.
- StubHub’s sellers are rated from A+ to F to help buyers shop from reputable sellers.
- Counterfeit tickets are intercepted by StubHub on occasion, so there are rare instances where buyers receive fraudulent tickets.
Overall, StubHub takes measures to ensure tickets sold through its marketplace are valid and transactions are secure. However, as with any secondary ticket source, there will always be some risk involved.
Alternatives to StubHub
StubHub isn’t the only option for buying tickets to events online. Here are a few alternative secondary ticket marketplaces:
- Vivid Seats – Vivid Seats has a large inventory and competitive prices. They also offer a 100% Buyer Guarantee on all ticket purchases.
- SeatGeek – SeatGeek is a search engine that compiles listings from multiple secondary sellers. They have a Deal Score feature to identify good values.
- Ticketmaster – Ticketmaster operates an NFL Ticket Exchange and also provides some resale inventory for other sports and events.
- Gametime – Gametime focuses on last minute tickets, with instant delivery of eTickets.
- Craigslist – Craigslist offers local ticket sales from individual sellers, but has higher risks of scams.
- Facebook Ticket Groups – Buying tickets through team-specific Facebook groups allows you to purchase directly from other fans.
In some cases, you may also find Ticketmaster Verified Resale or AXS Resale tickets directly on the primary seller’s site at lower prices. Overall, it’s a good idea to check prices across multiple platforms to find the best ticket deals.
Conclusion
StubHub provides a large supply of tickets to popular events that are often sold out through primary vendors. The selection and accessibility of tickets makes StubHub a go-to option for many buyers. However, the higher prices, fees, and occasional fraudulent tickets do present some risks. As long as you shop carefully, vet sellers, and understand the policies, you can confidently buy tickets from StubHub. But it always helps to check other secondary outlets as well as primary vendors for more ticket options.