Quick Answer
Yes, Ticketmaster’s ticket resale marketplace is a legitimate way to buy and sell event tickets. Ticketmaster officially launched its resale platform in 2018 as a secure, certified resale marketplace for fans to buy and resell tickets. All resale tickets on Ticketmaster are verified as authentic and come with a buyer guarantee against fraud. However, prices on resale can be much higher than face value.
Ticket resale refers to the practice of reselling event tickets for profit, often at prices well above the original face value. This occurs in secondary ticket markets like StubHub and Vivid Seats, where tickets are resold by third party sellers.
In 2018, Ticketmaster launched its own ticket resale marketplace integrated into its platform. This allows fans to resell event tickets they can no longer use directly on Ticketmaster.
The launch of Ticketmaster’s resale platform was controversial, with some arguing it would lead to higher ticket prices and make it easier for scalpers and bots to manipulate the market. Others argued it provided a more convenient, secure way for fans to exchange tickets.
Here is a closer look at how Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace works and key considerations around its legitimacy for buyers and sellers:
How Ticketmaster Resale Works
The Ticketmaster resale marketplace operates seamlessly within the regular Ticketmaster platform. Sellers can list their tickets for resale directly in their Ticketmaster account. Buyers can search resale inventory and purchase tickets in the same place they would primary market tickets.
Some key aspects of Ticketmaster’s resale platform include:
Verified tickets
All resale tickets are verified as authentic by Ticketmaster. This helps avoid counterfeit or invalid tickets.
Set prices or auctions
Sellers can list tickets at a fixed resale price or enable bidding in an auction-style format.
All-in pricing
Resale prices must include all fees upfront so there are no surprises at checkout.
Instant delivery
Tickets are instantly delivered to buyers digitally once purchased.
Flexible transfers
Tickets can be easily transferred between buyers if plans change.
Buyer guarantee
If tickets turn out to be invalid, buyers are guaranteed a comparable replacement ticket or refund.
The Case for Ticketmaster Resale Being Legit
There are several factors that point to Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace being a legitimate secondary ticketing option:
1. Verified authentic tickets
Having Ticketmaster verify all resale tickets helps minimize fraud and ensures buyers get valid, authentic tickets. This provides more protection than secondary markets that lack vetting of sellers. According to Ticketmaster, over 5 million fraudulent tickets were blocked from being sold in 2018 alone.
2. Improved transparency
Requiring transparent all-in pricing eliminates the “sticker shock” sometimes seen at checkout on other resale sites. Buyers know the real total cost upfront.
3. More recourse for buyers
Ticketmaster’s buyer guarantee provides recourse if tickets end up being invalid or unusable. Not all secondary marketplaces offer such buyer protection.
4. Allows selling at below market rates
Unlike some resale sites that set price floors, Ticketmaster allows sellers to list at any price they want. This provides more opportunity for below market rate deals.
5. Rewards fan loyalty
Fans who invest time and effort into acquiring high demand tickets are able to recapture some of that value through resale. This can help balance supply and demand.
The Case Against Ticketmaster Resale
Despite those factors, there are still a number of criticisms and concerns around Ticketmaster’s resale practices:
1. Higher prices
While bargain deals can be found, many tickets end up reselling at 2-5x the original face value or more. Dynamic pricing leads to very expensive last minute tickets. This prices many fans out.
2. Feeds scalping activity
Professional scalpers exploit the system to buy up scarce tickets and resell at enormous profit. Ticketmaster has been accused of facilitating this behavior.
3. Doubles fees and profits
Ticketmaster makes fees both on the initial ticket sale and again on the resale. This double dipping increases costs for fans.
4. Restricts transfers
Ticketmaster limits free ticket transfers to fans using its Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange system. This makes simple ticket transfers harder.
5. Contradicts its own stance
Ticketmaster previously criticized secondary sites like StubHub. Launching its own resale platform was seen as hypocritical.
Key Ticketmaster Resale Data and Figures
Some key statistics on Ticketmaster’s resale activity:
Metric | 2021 Data |
---|---|
Total resale tickets sold | 20+ million |
Total resale gross sales | $2 billion+ |
Average resale ticket price | $262 |
Resale ticket price as % of regular price | 64% higher |
This data shows millions of tickets being resold annually through Ticketmaster at significantly inflated prices.
Pros of Buying Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
For buyers, there are some advantages to using Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace:
Reliable point of purchase
The integration into Ticketmaster provides a seamless, trusted buying process.
Speed and convenience
Digital tickets provide quick, convenient access, often instantly delivered.
Access to sold out events
High demand tickets are often still available resale after initial sell outs.
Wider selection of inventory
Combining primary and resale inventory gives buyers more options.
Peace of mind guarantees
The buyer guarantee provides assurance against problems with tickets.
Cons of Buying Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
The downsides of buying resale tickets on Ticketmaster include:
Higher prices
Resale prices can be very expensive compared to face value prices.
Hidden fees
While fees are now disclosed upfront, some still complain about excessive fees.
Unethical practices
Scalping and other shady behavior is believed to occur in the Ticketmaster resale market.
Less ticket availability
The best tickets ends up in resale reducing public on sale availability.
Pros For Sellers Using Ticketmaster Resale
For those reselling tickets, Ticketmaster provides these advantages:
Large built-in buyer base
Exposure to Ticketmaster’s large audience of ticket buyers.
Credibility
Buyers trust the Ticketmaster name and platform.
Good value capture
Sellers can often get higher resale prices for tickets.
Convenience
Easy to list and manage tickets directly within Ticketmaster account.
Secure payments
No concerns around payment fraud or non-payment.
Cons For Sellers Using Ticketmaster Resale
Some downsides sellers face are:
High seller fees
Sellers pay a 10-20% cut of each resale transaction.
No price control
Market factors determine final resale value, regardless of price set.
Profits not guaranteed
Slow selling tickets may fail to resell or sell below expectations.
Oversaturation
High volume of resellers creates more competition.
Perceived exploitation
Some see large resale markups as unfair to average fans.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Resale
Fans looking for alternatives to Ticketmaster resale have these options:
Primary market
Buying during initial public onsales provides lowest prices. Joining fan clubs can give early access. But limited quantities sell fast.
Other secondary markets
Sites like StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek and Craigslist provide resale exchanges outside Ticketmaster. Less protections for buyers though.
Ticket exchanges & groups
Joining fan ticket swap groups and exchanges like CashOrTrade can facilitate face value ticket trades.
At the venue
Outside venues is an option, but prices still tend to be high and no guarantee of authentic tickets.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster resale provides a convenient resale option with some buyer protections. However, fans pay inflated prices that primarily benefit scalpers and Ticketmaster itself. While legit, many feel the practices are unfair and exploitive. Seeking face value tickets directly or on exchanges/groups offers cheaper alternatives for buyers. For optimal value, buying early in primary markets is best, but limited supply makes that difficult. Overall there are good reasons to use caution when buying marked up resale tickets on Ticketmaster.