Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for various live events such as concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more. When customers purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, they have the option to transfer tickets to someone else if they can no longer attend the event. However, there is some confusion around whether transferring tickets on Ticketmaster is mandatory or optional. In this article, we will look at Ticketmaster’s official ticket transfer policy and the pros and cons of transferring tickets versus reselling them on places like StubHub.
What is Ticketmaster’s Official Policy on Transferring Tickets?
According to Ticketmaster’s website, transferring tickets is optional for customers and not mandatory. If you can no longer attend an event you have tickets for, you have a few options:
- Keep the tickets and attend the event yourself
- Sell the tickets on an external resale site like StubHub
- Transfer the tickets to another Ticketmaster user
- Donate the tickets to charity
Ticketmaster allows ticket transfers as a convenience to customers who want to give their tickets to friends or family. However, there is no requirement that customers must transfer unwanted tickets.
Pros and Cons of Transferring Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of opting to transfer tickets on Ticketmaster rather than reselling them on a site like StubHub:
Pros
- Easy and convenient – The ticket transfer process on Ticketmaster is quick and straightforward.
- No seller fees – Unlike resale sites, Ticketmaster does not charge transfer fees.
- Ticket integrity maintained – Transferred tickets remain in the Ticketmaster system with the original purchase details and are not re-printed or duplicated.
- Tickets can be transferred back – If plans change again, recipients can transfer tickets back to the original purchaser.
- Good for last minute transfers – Transfers can be completed up until moments before an event starts.
Cons
- Limited reach – You can only transfer to other Ticketmaster users which limits exposure.
- May not recoup costs – Transferees pay original face value, not market value, so sellers may lose money.
- Transferee fees – Recipients pay a ticket transfer fee around $5-$10 per ticket.
- No guarantees – There is no guarantee a recipient will accept the transferred tickets.
- Event restrictions – Some events do not allow ticket transfers at all.
When is Ticket Transfer on Ticketmaster Required?
While Ticketmaster never forces customers to transfer tickets, there are some specific situations where transferring tickets is mandatory:
Purchased Add-On Services
If the original ticket purchaser added on additional services like parking passes, fan experiences, or anything tied directly to them, those additional elements must be transferred along with the tickets to the new attendee. The new ticket holder will need those add-ons to fully utilize the tickets.
Restricted Entry Events
In some cases, certain high profile or exclusive events require Ticketmaster tickets to be transferred to someone by name. For restricted entry events, tickets cannot be resold – they must be officially transferred within the Ticketmaster system. This maintains event security and prevents scalping.
Venue or Artist Transfer Requirements
Certain venues and artists/performers have set their own transfer rules with Ticketmaster that require tickets to be transferred to a new named attendee rather than resold. This allows them to know exactly who will be attending for security or marketing purposes. Fans must adhere to these venue or artist directives on Ticketmaster enforced transfers.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Tickets on Ticketmaster
If you do opt to transfer your Ticketmaster tickets to someone else, here is a step-by-step process to complete the transfer:
1. Log in to Your Ticketmaster Account
First, log in to your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app. Access your ticket purchase history to select the event you want to transfer.
2. Initiate Ticket Transfer
Find the ticket transfer option – for most events you will see a “Transfer Tickets” or “Send Tickets” button. Click this to begin the transfer process.
3. Select Tickets to Transfer
Choose which specific tickets you want to transfer from your order. Often you will transfer all tickets, but you may also transfer just a portion.
4. Enter Transferee Details
You will need to enter the recipient’s name, email address or mobile number. Make sure their contact info is accurate.
5. Send Transfer Request
Confirm all details and send the official transfer request. The recipient will receive an email/text notification.
6. Recipient Accepts Transfer
The ticket transferee must open the transfer notification and formally accept the tickets into their Ticketmaster account.
7. Transfer Complete
Once accepted, the transfer is complete. The tickets are now in the recipient’s Ticketmaster account. You can no longer access the transferred tickets.
Tips for Smooth Ticket Transfers on Ticketmaster
To ensure a seamless ticket transfer process on Ticketmaster, keep these tips in mind:
- Start the transfer process early to allow time for acceptance.
- Make sure you enter the recipient’s contact information accurately.
- Inform the transferee to accept the tickets promptly.
- Transfer any add-ons or associated elements together.
- Print or screenshot confirmation of transfer completion.
- Understand transfer restrictions before initiating transfer.
Alternatives to Transferring Tickets on Ticketmaster
Although Ticketmaster does allow customers to easily transfer tickets, it is not mandatory. Sellers do have alternatives including:
Resell on a Ticket Resale Site
Popular secondary marketplaces like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek enable sellers to relist their tickets for resale at market value. This opens up the pool of potential buyers and allows recouping costs. However, substantial seller fees apply.
List Tickets on Classified Sites
Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow posting tickets for local resale without fees. However, there are risks dealing with anonymous buyers and no guarantees.
Sell to Friends and Family
Leveraging your personal network to sell tickets avoids fees and ensures buyers are known. However, you are limited to who you know interested in attending the event.
Return or Sell Tickets to the Box Office
If reselling options are restricted, try returning tickets to the official box office for a refund or to sell back if they allow. However, policies are not guaranteed.
Factors to Consider When Transferring or Reselling Tickets
Whether you choose to transfer or resell your tickets, key factors to keep in mind include:
- Event transfer/resale restrictions
- Deadlines for transfers or returns
- Total fees involved
- Likelihood of selling at desired price
- Convenience and speed of transfer/sale
- Safety and security risks
- Transaction documentation provided
Evaluate these factors against your specific needs to decide if an official Ticketmaster transfer or third-party resale makes the most sense.
Rules and Restrictions Around Ticketmaster Transfers
While Ticketmaster allows ticket transfers, there are various rules and restrictions in place:
- Transfers can only be sent to individual Ticketmaster account holders.
- A transfer fee around $5-$10 per ticket is charged to recipients.
- Tickets can only be transferred, not listed for public resale.
- Transfer eligibility timeframe varies by event, often ending 72 hrs prior.
- Certain tickets, venues, artists, promotions prohibit transfers.
- Transferred tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged.
- Season or multi-event tickets may have special policies.
Always review the transfer details carefully for any limitations before initiating a transfer from your Ticketmaster account. Restrictions are prominently displayed during the transfer process.
Ticketmaster Transfer Fees
Ticketmaster charges a per-ticket transfer fee to all recipients of transferred tickets. This covers the administrative costs of facilitating the ticket reassignment. Transfer fees are typically $5-$10 per ticket depending on the event.
Certain high-demand events may have exceptional transfer fees up to $20 per ticket at Ticketmaster’s discretion. VIP or premium tickets also often incur higher fees when transferred.
Ticket Category | Average Transfer Fee |
---|---|
Regular General Admission | $5-10 per ticket |
High Demand General Admission | $10-$20 per ticket |
VIP/Premium Tickets | $15-$25 per ticket |
Time Limits for Ticketmaster Transfers
Ticket transfers on Ticketmaster must be initiated and completed by the set deadlines for each event. Typically, transfers are allowed up until around 72 hours prior to the event start time.
However, every event has its own unique transfer cutoff window that tends to get shorter closer to the event date as demand increases. Always check the specific transfer eligibility timeframe when initiating a transfer.
Once the transfer deadline passes, tickets can no longer be transferred and the original purchaser retains ownership.
Troubleshooting Ticketmaster Transfer Problems
In some cases, you may encounter issues when trying to transfer Ticketmaster tickets. Here are some potential problems and troubleshooting tips:
Transferee No-Show
If the recipient does not formally accept the transfer before the deadline, the tickets revert back to you. Make sure you give them sufficient heads up and have alternate contacts as a backup.
Errors During Transfer Initiation
If you receive error messages or the transfer won’t go through, refresh and try again. If issues persist, contact Ticketmaster Fan Support via chat or phone for assistance.
Transfer Limit Reached
Each ticket can only be transferred a certain number of times. If you hit the transfer limit, you will be prevented from initiating further transfers.
Event Restrictions
Some events block all transfers. Ensure transfers are enabled before trying. Read all event transfer rules carefully.
Missing Add-Ons Not Transferred
Double check that any associated ticket elements like parking also got transferred properly to the recipient’s account.
Following Ticketmaster’s troubleshooting guidance can help resolve most transfer issues. Reach out for support if you are unable to complete the transfer after multiple attempts.
How Ticket Transfers Work on Other Major Ticket Sites
While this article focused specifically on Ticketmaster’s transfer functionality, most other major ticket sales platforms also facilitate ticket transfers with similar processes and limitations including:
AXS
AXS enables free ticket transfers to friends up until 24 hours before the event. There are no transfer fees, but transfers are limited to 4 times per ticket.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite allows ticket transfers if enabled by event creators. A small $5 admin fee applies. Transfers must be completed by posted cutoffs.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek has an automated Ticket Transfer tool to securely and easily transfer sold tickets to buyers. Initiated transfers expire after 72 hours.
StubHub
StubHub does not have a direct ticket transfer function, but sellers can email ticket files securely to buyers on the site. Fees still apply.
Always review the official transfer guides for the ticketing site your specific event tickets were purchased from to understand transfer options, limitations, deadlines and fees. Policies vary across platforms.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster allows but does not require ticket transfers for customers who can no longer attend an event. There are benefits like avoiding fees and guaranteed ticket validity via transfers. However, drawbacks include limited recipient reach and no recouping costs.
Ticket transfers on Ticketmaster are straightforward to initiate, but do have rules, restrictions and potential fees buyers pay. Always check transfer eligibility and deadlines. For high demand tickets, reselling may fetch higher profits. Evaluate all options against your specific needs when getting rid of tickets.