Presale ticket codes are special codes that give fans early access to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. They allow die-hard fans to get first dibs on tickets before scalpers and bots can scoop them all up. Presale codes are highly coveted in the concert industry, especially for big artists like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.
How do presale codes work?
Presale codes typically work by giving access to an exclusive presale that starts 1-3 days before the public on-sale. Fans must use the code at checkout on the ticket vendor’s website to unlock access. Each code can usually only be used once or twice.
Promoters release presale codes to fans in various ways:
- Artists email codes to fan club members and subscribers on their mailing lists
- Venues give codes to members of their exclusive clubs
- Credit card companies offer cardholder-only presales
- Radio stations provide codes over the air to listeners
- Ticket vendors like Ticketmaster have presales for users with accounts
The number of presale codes released is limited, so fans try to collect as many valid codes as they can from different sources to improve their chances. The exclusive window gives fans with codes early bidding on the best seats before the high demand from the general public.
Why are presale codes important?
Presale codes give fans fair access to purchase tickets during presales so scalpers and bots don’t buy them all up first. Some of the key benefits of presale codes include:
- Better seat selections – Fans can choose from many available seats before the best ones sell out in the public on-sale.
- Less competition – There is less website traffic so fans have an easier time getting through checkout.
- Prevents scalpers – Unscrupulous resellers don’t have access without presale codes.
- Rewards fans – Codes give back to loyal fans first before the general public.
Without presale codes, all the tickets may be gone within minutes during the public on-sale, often scooped up by scalpers misusing bots. Presale codes help spread out the initial rush over multiple sales for a more fair process.
Where do fans get presale codes?
There are many different ways for fans to get presale codes to prepare for big on-sales. Here are some of the most common sources:
Artist or Venue Email Lists
Joining the official email list of an artist or venue is one of the best ways to get presale codes. Signing up is free and they will email subscribers exclusive presale offers and codes directly when they are announced. This method ensures codes come directly from the source.
Fan Clubs
Die-hard fans should consider joining artist fan clubs, which offer members special perks like presale ticket codes. There is usually a membership fee but access to presales is often included in the benefits. Fan club memberships are very limited, making them a more exclusive source.
Credit Card Presales
Major credit cards like American Express often sponsor presales for big events. Cardholders can access these presales by using their card to purchase the tickets. No special code is required other than entering your card information. These presales are available to all cardholders.
Radio Contests
Radio stations commonly give away presale codes over the air through call-in contests and promotions. Codes may be awarded to a few individual winners or released widely to all listeners. Tune into favorite local stations for a chance to win.
Social Media Contests
Increasingly artists and venues will run contests on social media awarding presale codes to select followers who like, share, or retweet posts. It helps them gain more followers while rewarding active fans with codes. Turn on notifications and keep interacting with their pages for contests.
VIP Ticket Packages
Some ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster allow fans to purchase VIP ticket packages that bundle presale code access with perks like premium seats, exclusive merch, pre-show events, and more. These upgraded experiences are expensive but guarantee presale codes.
Reputable Resale Sites
A small selection of presale ticket codes are also sometimes found on reputable resale sites like Lyte and Primesport. These are certified resale platforms that work directly with artists and events. Exercise caution buying codes from unverified online sources.
Are presale codes guaranteed tickets?
Having an official presale code provides early access but does not guarantee you will get tickets. Presales still sell out quickly due to high demand. Codes merely improve your chances by getting a head start before the masses come in. Come prepared with a game plan:
- Register for websites ahead of time so you can checkout faster
- Log in 10-15 min early and keep refreshing
- Have payment info saved to your account
- Act quickly when tickets go on sale – don’t hesitate
Even if you miss out during the presale period, don’t give up hope. Many seats are held back for the public on-sale. Set a calendar reminder for the on-sale date and be ready to pounce again. Persistence and preparation are key to scoring the best tickets.
Are presale codes free?
Getting access to official presale codes is free. Artists, venues, and ticket vendors provide them to fans at no cost (or built into the ticket price). Beware of scammers trying to sell fake presale codes online. Never buy presale codes from unauthorized resellers – it violates terms and may be fraudulent. Stick to legitimate sources and signups to obtain codes for free. If you have to pay for a code, use extreme caution.
Can presale codes be shared?
Most presale codes are meant for individual use only. Sharing codes widely would defeat the purpose of a private presale. However, some fan clubs and artist mailing lists will allow you to forward presale information to a small group of friends you’re buying with. Check the terms carefully. Venues and artists sometimes allow codes to be used a few times. But public sharing on social media or resale sites is usually forbidden.
Conclusion
Presale ticket codes remain the best way for dedicated fans to gain fair access to in-demand tickets. They provide an exclusive head start on sales before the general public rushes in. Codes are typically free through official sources like artist email lists and fan clubs. Be vigilant in searching for presale opportunities to improve your chances. While not guaranteed, presale codes level the playing field so the most passionate fans get first dibs on seeing their favorite acts live.