It can be frustrating when you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster and then find out there is going to be a delay in getting them delivered. There are a few potential reasons why you may experience delivery delays when ordering from Ticketmaster.
High Order Volume
One of the most common reasons for Ticketmaster delivery delays is simply a high volume of orders. Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers in the world. When there is a big onsale, such as for a hot concert tour or playoff game, Ticketmaster can receive hundreds of thousands of ticket orders in a very short period of time. This flood of orders can overwhelm their processing and fulfillment systems, leading to delays as they work through the backlog.
Shipping Method
How you choose to have your Ticketmaster tickets shipped can also impact the delivery time. Standard mail shipping is the default and lowest cost option, but it is also the slowest. The tickets are printed out and mailed via USPS first class mail without tracking. This can take 5-10 business days in normal circumstances. If there is a big rush of orders, mail shipments may take even longer.
UPS and FedEx options are faster but cost extra fees. These services deliver in 2-5 business days on average. But during peak times, UPS and FedEx can also experience delays due to high volume.
Electronic “Instant Download” is the fastest delivery method Ticketmaster offers. Instead of physical tickets being printed and shipped, you receive a digital ticket barcode immediately via email. But if there are technical issues on Ticketmaster’s end, instant delivery may be temporarily unavailable.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Significant delivery delays, meaning longer than the estimated timelines mentioned above, typically imply some unforeseen issue.
For example, technical problems with Ticketmaster’s ordering system could prevent orders from going through properly. A widespread power outage or other incident may halt operations at their processing facility.
In extreme cases, fraud or a data breach could require Ticketmaster to shut down delivery temporarily while they investigate.
Short staffing, weather emergencies, and other logistical problems can also interfere with smooth order fulfillment. In these situations, Ticketmaster will usually communicate any significant delays through email updates, website notifications, social media, and customer service reps.
How Long Do Ticketmaster Delivery Delays Usually Last?
For a minor delay, allow an extra few business days beyond the original estimate before becoming concerned. The table below shows average delivery times:
Shipping Method | Average Delivery Time |
USPS Standard Mail | 7-14 business days |
UPS/FedEx | 3-7 business days |
Instant Download | Immediate (when available) |
During peak sales, add 1-4 extra days for standard mail and UPS/FedEx. For major delays across an entire region or country, allow 2-3 weeks before contacting Customer Service for order status.
Here are some example delivery delay scenarios:
- You chose standard mail shipping and expected to receive your tickets within 10 business days. When your tickets do not arrive after 14 business days, contact Ticketmaster to investigate the delay.
- You paid for 3-day UPS shipping for tickets to an event happening next weekend. It has now been 8 business days and you have not received your tickets. Get in touch with Ticketmaster to see if they can resend your order urgently.
- You purchased tickets during a massive sold out onsale. Five business days before the event, you still do not have your tickets. Contact Ticketmaster immediately and consider picking up tickets at Will Call instead.
Factors That Extend Delays
Certain situations can prolong delivery delays:
- High volume of customer inquiries about delayed orders. Long wait times to reach Customer Service.
- Lack of clarity or updates from Ticketmaster on order status, shipping estimates.
- Technical problems are complex, take longer than expected to resolve.
- Weather emergencies or logistical disruptions persist for multiple days.
- Fraud investigation requires halt of all fulfillment activities.
Will My Ticketmaster Tickets Still Arrive If Delayed?
In most cases, yes. If your order is delayed but already processed and shipped out, you can still expect to receive your tickets even if later than originally estimated.
However, for very late deliveries right before the event, you may need to pick up tickets directly at Will Call instead with your order information and ID. Some other scenarios where you may not receive delayed tickets:
- Your credit card payment did not go through properly. Check your payment status on your Ticketmaster account.
- You input the wrong shipping address and the tickets are lost in transit.
- Technical errors prevented your order from completly processing.
- The event sold out before your order was fulfilled.
- There is massive fraud/a data breach and Ticketmaster has to cancel orders.
Thankfully these are rare outcomes. But it is a possibility if delivery takes longer than 2-3 weeks with no updates or communication from Ticketmaster.
How to Check Your Ticketmaster Order Status
You can check up on your order status using one of these methods:
Check Order Status Online
- Go to Ticketmaster.com and log into your account.
- Click on Order Status.
- Select the order you placed.
- You will see status like Processing, In Transit, Delivered, etc.
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
- Go to the Ticketmaster Customer Service page.
- Call their support line at (800) 653-8000.
- You may need to wait on hold if call volume is high.
- When connected to a rep, provide your order details.
- They can look up the current status and explain any delivery delays.
Checking your order status frequently can give you peace of mind about expected delivery, especially when delays arise. If there are no status updates days beyond the original estimate, it is time to contact support.
Getting Ticketmaster Order Updates and Communication
Ticketmaster should provide timely updates to customers if significant delivery delays occur. Here are some ways they may communicate:
You will get email notifications when your order ships and delivers. If delays happen, Ticketmaster will email status updates, new expectations for delivery times, and next steps. Make sure to check your spam folder too.
Text Message
If you enabled text notifications, Ticketmaster may text you shipping confirmations and delivery updates if delays occur.
Mobile App
The Ticketmaster app may push notifications about order status changes if you allowed notifications.
Website Banners
Ticketmaster may post notices across their website indicating broad delivery delays. Check their homepage and order tracking pages.
Social Media
Follow their Twitter, Facebook, Instagram accounts for updates on delays and other issues affecting order fulfillment.
Customer Service
Speaking with a support rep is the best way to get details on your specific order delay and resolution timeline. Don’t hesitate to call or chat online.
Proactive updates from Ticketmaster ensure customers can plan accordingly if deliveries are late and make alternate arrangements if needed.
Steps to Take If Your Ticketmaster Order is Delayed
Here are smart steps if you end up with a delayed Ticketmaster order:
- Track your order status online and note any updates.
- Check for Ticketmaster communications across all channels.
- Contact support if no updates after 5 business days beyond original delivery estimate.
- Move delivery to Will Call if your event is soon and tickets are still delayed.
- Cancel and rebook if errors prevent delivery altogether.
Have Alternate Plans Ready
For important events like weddings or playoffs, have backup arrangements in case of delivery failures:
- Pick up tickets at Will Call with ID if available.
- Buy backup tickets if accessible.
- Make plans to record or live stream the event as a viewing option.
How to Avoid Ticketmaster Order and Delivery Delays
There are a few tips that can minimize the chances of prolonged Ticketmaster delivery delays:
- Order early. Give at least 2-3 weeks buffer time.
- Choose electronic delivery for fastest fulfillment.
- Pay more for UPS/FedEx shipping if your event is soon.
- Make sure your billing and shipping information is correct.
- Only order from official Ticketmaster website or app.
- Avoid massive onsale dates if possible to skip congestion.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster delivery delays are often unavoidable due to the huge volume of ticket sales they process. But customers should receive prompt updates on late deliveries and have recourse through support channels. Just allow some extra time on top of estimates, track order status diligently, and get backup plans in place for truly unforeseen circumstances. With proactive monitoring and communication, Ticketmaster delays will only be a minor hassle rather than a catastrophe.