When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, there is a chance that the ticket could end up being voided for various reasons. A voided ticket essentially means that the ticket is no longer valid and you will not be able to use it to gain entry to the event. There are a few different scenarios that can result in a voided ticket on Ticketmaster.
Reasons a Ticket May be Voided
Here are some of the most common reasons why a Ticketmaster ticket may end up being voided:
Event is Postponed or Cancelled
One of the most straightforward reasons for a voided ticket is if the event itself is postponed or cancelled altogether. This commonly occurs due to weather conditions, low ticket sales, scheduling conflicts, or other unforeseen circumstances. If the event is cancelled, Ticketmaster will void any tickets that were sold and issue refunds to the buyers.
Tickets Were Purchased from an Unauthorized Reseller
Ticketmaster monitors ticket purchases carefully and has mechanisms to void tickets that they detect were purchased from unauthorized resellers or scalpers. Their terms prohibit reselling tickets on secondary marketplaces, so if they find tickets that have been resold, they will void those tickets to mitigate losses. Even if you unknowingly bought resold tickets, Ticketmaster will still void those tickets.
Suspected Fraudulent Purchase
If Ticketmaster suspects that a ticket purchase was made fraudulently, with a stolen credit card for example, they can void those tickets. They have advanced fraud monitoring systems that analyze ticket purchases and flag suspicious transactions. This allows them to void any tickets tied to potential fraud before the event occurs.
Event Capacity is Reduced
For some events, the venue or organizer needs to reduce capacity for safety reasons. This might occur due to inclement weather forcing the event indoors or to comply with social distancing requirements. If the capacity is lowered, Ticketmaster may need to void and refund tickets to comply with the reduced capacity limits.
Duplicate Purchases
Sometimes technical issues on Ticketmaster’s site can cause duplicate ticket purchases to occur. When they identify duplicate purchases, they will void the duplicate tickets. You would still have the original valid ticket purchase.
Error in Ticket Details
Occasionally there may be errors with the ticket details, such as incorrect seat assignments or ticket numbers. When these errors are identified, Ticketmaster will void those tickets and issue new corrected tickets to the buyer.
The Voiding Process
When a ticket is voided on Ticketmaster, what exactly happens? Here is an overview of the voiding process:
Notification of Void Tickets
If your ticket is voided, Ticketmaster will notify you by email and/or phone. The notification will explain why the tickets were voided and the next steps.
Refund Issued
Along with the notification, Ticketmaster will automatically issue a refund for the voided tickets back to the original payment method used to purchase them. Depending on your payment type, it may take 3-10 business days for the refund to fully process.
Barcode Invalidated
For digital tickets, Ticketmaster will invalidate the barcode so that the tickets can no longer be scanned or accepted at the venue. Printed tickets will also be rejected if you attempt to use them after they are voided.
Replacement Tickets
If only some of your tickets were voided, Ticketmaster will issue replacement valid tickets when possible. For example, if you purchased 4 tickets but 2 were voided, you may receive 2 replacement tickets. Availability depends on the event.
Credit Back to Ticketmaster Account
In some cases, the refund may be issued as a credit back to your Ticketmaster account instead of a refund to your payment method. This credit could be used to purchase replacement tickets or for future events.
Checking if Your Tickets are Voided
If you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, how can you check on the status of your tickets? There are a couple ways to check if your tickets are still valid or if they have been voided:
Check Your Email
As mentioned above, if your tickets are voided, Ticketmaster will notify you by email. So one of the best ways to monitor your ticket status is to frequently check the email you used to make the Ticketmaster purchase.
View Your Ticketmaster Account
You can also log into your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app and view your purchased tickets. If a ticket shows as “void” or “inactive”, that means it is no longer valid. If you don’t see the ticket listed at all, it is likely voided.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
You can contact Ticketmaster’s customer service department by phone or chat and inquire about the status of your tickets. Give them the order number or ticket details and they can look up the tickets and inform you if they are still valid or have been voided.
Next Steps if Your Tickets are Voided
Finding out that your event tickets have been voided can certainly be disappointing. Here are some next steps to take if your Ticketmaster tickets were voided:
Wait for Refund Processing
Be patient for the refund processing time. Depending on your payment type, it may take 10 or more business days for the refund to show up back on your account or credit card.
Contact Ticketmaster
If it has been more than 2 weeks and you have not received your refund, contact Ticketmaster. There may be an issue with the refund processing that needs to be resolved.
Purchase Replacement Tickets
If the event is still on and tickets are still available, you may want to purchase replacement tickets. Use your Ticketmaster account credit if applicable or repurchase with your preferred payment method.
Sell Voided Tickets
Even though your tickets are voided and invalid, you may be able to sell them on a secondary marketplace to recoup some of your losses. Clearly disclose that the tickets are voided to avoid further issues.
Dispute with Your Credit Card
If Ticketmaster is unwilling to issue a refund for improperly voided tickets, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company and request a chargeback. Provide details on why the void was improper.
How to Avoid Getting Your Tickets Voided
Getting your event tickets voided can obviously be an inconvenience you want to avoid. Here are some tips to help minimize the chances of having your Ticketmaster tickets voided:
Only Buy from Ticketmaster Directly
Do not purchase tickets from any third party reseller or secondary marketplace. Stick to ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster’s official app to ensure you are getting valid tickets.
Beware of Scams
Watch for potential scams – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudulent tickets are likely to be voided. Only enter payment details on secure Ticketmaster pages.
Review the Event Details
Before purchasing tickets, carefully review the event date, time, location, seating details, and other info to ensure it is correct. Mistakes can lead to voided tickets.
Use Accurate Personal Information
When creating your Ticketmaster account, enter your real name, address, and contact information. Fake account details may cause your tickets to be voided.
Only Make Real Transactions
Do not “fake purchase” tickets you have no intention of actually buying. Bogus purchases flag your account for fraudulent activity that may lead to voided tickets.
Conclusion
Having your tickets voided by Ticketmaster can certainly be an unexpected hassle and disappointment. However, being aware of the reasons that tickets get voided, staying on top of your ticket status, and taking measures to avoid voids can help minimize issues. Be sure to act promptly if your tickets are voided so you still have a chance at attending the event you were looking forward to!