Ticketmaster is one of the largest primary ticket sellers for live events in the United States and worldwide. In addition to selling tickets directly, Ticketmaster also operates a ticket resale marketplace where fans can buy and sell tickets to events. This raises the question – is Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace trustworthy for buyers and sellers? There are a few key factors to consider.
Security of the platform
As an established company, Ticketmaster has invested heavily in security measures to protect user information and prevent fraud. They use encryption, CAPTCHA, and other tools to secure the resale process. This helps ensure a safe experience for both buyers and sellers.
Protections for buyers
Ticketmaster offers guarantees to buyers that provide assurance when purchasing resale tickets. This includes a 100% money-back guarantee if tickets are invalid or a show is canceled. They also guarantee that resale tickets will be authentic and as described. This gives buyers confidence in the purchase.
Protections for sellers
Sellers also benefit from protections when using the Ticketmaster resale marketplace. Ticketmaster does not release payouts to sellers until after the event to ensure the tickets were valid. This prevents cases of sellers unloading fraudulent or canceled tickets. There is also seller insurance that covers cases of damaged or lost tickets.
Verified tickets
Ticketmaster employs Verified Tickets for all resale purchases. This provides a unique barcode that prevents duplication and confirms the tickets’ authenticity. Both buyers and sellers can verify ticket barcodes prior to finalizing a transaction. This makes it much harder for counterfeit or canceled tickets to be sold.
Resale fees
The fees charged by Ticketmaster on the resale marketplace are comparable to other major resale sites. Sellers pay a percentage fee on each completed sale. There are no fees just for listing tickets for sale. The exact fee percentage depends on the event but ranges from 10-20% of the ticket price. Buyers pay a smaller final delivery fee.
Benefits of Ticketmaster Resale
There are a few key benefits that the Ticketmaster resale marketplace offers compared to other ticket sites or options:
Wide selection of tickets
With Ticketmaster being one of the largest primary ticket sellers, there is a huge selection of tickets available across virtually every kind of event – concerts, sports, theater, and more. Fans can find a high volume of both primary and resale tickets in one place.
Reliable delivery methods
Ticketmaster provides reliable ticket delivery methods, including mobile tickets, print-at-home tickets, will call pickup, and UPS or FedEx shipping. Buyers can select the delivery option that works best for them. Tickets are always delivered in time for the event.
Safe payment processing
Payment processing is handled directly by Ticketmaster using secure encryption. This is safer than individual sellers handling payments. Ticketmaster also acts as a buffer, only releasing funds to sellers after an event occurs. Direct payment to a seller is higher risk.
Good customer service
Being a large company, Ticketmaster can provide helpful customer service at scale. They have online self-help resources as well as customer support agents to assist with any issues before, during, or after a transaction. Smaller resale marketplaces often lack robust customer service.
Integration with primary tickets
The tight integration with Ticketmaster’s primary ticket sales makes the resale process smoother. Inventory and distribution are synced across both primary and resale markets. This provides a more seamless experience compared to disparate resale sites.
Risks of Ticketmaster Resale
While there are many advantages to using Ticketmaster for ticket resale, some risks do exist:
High fees
One downside often cited is Ticketmaster’s fees, which can be higher than some competitors. Sellers pay a 10-20% commission on sales, while buyers pay smaller fees per ticket. These fees generate significant revenue for Ticketmaster but cut into profits for sellers.
Lack of seller competition
With Ticketmaster controlling both primary and resale ticket sales, some critics argue there is reduced price competition. Sellers may have less incentive to offer big discounts compared to an open marketplace. However, Ticketmaster disputes this claim.
Can’t sell outside platform
Tickets purchased on Ticketmaster are typically restricted to being resold only on Ticketmaster’s resale exchange. Sellers cannot list them on other sites like StubHub. This limits sellers’ ability to find the best deal.
Counterfeit risk still exists
While protections are in place, there is always some risk of counterfeit tickets slipping through the cracks. No secondary marketplace can eliminate this risk completely. Buyers should remain somewhat cautious.
High volume of listings
With so many listings on Ticketmaster resale, less hot events may get lost in the mix. For less popular events, smaller resale sites may provide more visibility. The huge selection has pros and cons.
Tips for Buyers on Ticketmaster Resale
Here are some top tips for buyers using Ticketmaster’s ticket resale exchange:
Check seller rating
Prior to purchase, check the seller’s rating and reviews. Higher ratings indicate more trustworthy sellers. Be wary of sellers with no rating history.
Confirm barcode
Use Ticketmaster’s tools to verify the ticket barcode prior to purchase. This checks that the tickets are valid and genuine. Avoid sellers unwilling to verify barcodes beforehand.
Understand pricing
Ticket resale prices frequently exceed face value and can be expensive. Check comparable listings to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Understand why prices are set at a certain level.
Read policies
Review Ticketmaster’s resale terms, guarantees, and policies before buying. Understand your rights as a buyer in case any issues occur.
Pick safe delivery
Opt for digital ticket delivery or will call pickup when possible. This avoids any shipping mishaps. Only choose UPS/FedEx delivery with a seller you trust and for earlier events.
Use buyer protection
Make purchases only through Ticketmaster’s secure marketplace. Avoid “offline” sales, which lose you buyer protections. Ensure you can dispute the charge if needed.
Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to contact the seller with any questions prior to buying. Get clarification on ticket details, policies, delivery, or other factors. Good sellers will provide honest responses.
Tips for Sellers on Ticketmaster Resale
Here are some top tips for sellers listing and selling tickets on Ticketmaster’s resale exchange:
Price competitively
Research comparable ticket listings to price yours competitively. Balance pricing high to maximize profit vs. pricing to sell faster. Discount prices over time if needed.
Highlight ticket details
Provide key ticket details like seat location, row, section, etc. Buyers want to know exactly what they are getting. More information builds trust.
Respond to buyer inquiries
Promptly answer any questions from potential buyers about the tickets, policies, delivery, or other topics. Good communication leads to faster sales.
Offer barcode verification
Proactively offer to verify your ticket barcodes with buyers prior to purchase. This provides reassurance that the tickets are legitimate.
Ship carefully
If shipping tickets, package them securely to avoid any delivery issues. Use tracking and insurance given the high value. Handling with care prevents problems.
Provide proof of purchase
At buyer’s request, provide proof of original ticket purchase to further confirm legitimacy. Only share personal information securely.
Adhere to policies
Carefully follow all Ticketmaster resale terms and policies. This includes how tickets are listed, sold, and delivered. Abiding by the rules creates a smooth process.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Resale
While Ticketmaster has a major presence in ticket resale, it is not the only marketplace available. Here are a few popular alternative places to potentially buy or sell tickets:
StubHub
Pros | Open marketplace, robust tools for sellers, generally has large event inventory |
Cons | Higher buyer fees than Ticketmaster, less integration with ticket issuers |
Vivid Seats
Pros | All-in pricing with fees shown upfront, rewards program benefits frequent buyers |
Cons | Smaller inventory than other sites for less popular events |
SeatGeek
Pros | Great search tools and interactive maps to find deals, low seller commissions of just 10% |
Cons | No delivery guarantees or protections for buyers |
Gametime
Pros | Last minute tickets can be heavily discounted, fully digital tickets through app |
Cons | Very limited ticket availability further from event date |
Direct person-to-person
Pros | Avoids marketplace fees, more room for price negotiation |
Cons | Higher fraud risk, no buyer or seller protections |
Conclusion
Overall, Ticketmaster provides a reliable and safe ticket resale marketplace for both buyers and sellers. While fees and other drawbacks exist, they offer many protections and guarantees that other platforms lack. Strict policies help prevent fraud and counterfeits. For high-demand events where tickets sell out quickly, Ticketmaster resale provides a robust secondary market integrated with primary sales.
Other resale platforms like StubHub offer different pros and cons that may suit some buyers and sellers better depending on their needs and preferences. There are also risks when buying and selling directly person-to-person. Overall, Ticketmaster resale balances security and fraud prevention with choice and market pricing quite effectively for the high volume of transactions processed. While not perfect, they provide a trustworthy resale marketplace that successfully serves the demands of fans and ticket sellers alike.