When you purchase tickets for an event, you may notice that some tickets are labeled as “not eligible for resale.” This means that the original ticket purchaser is prohibited from reselling or transferring those tickets to someone else. There are a few key reasons why event organizers and ticket sellers implement these restrictions:
To prevent scalping and inflated resale prices
One of the main motivations for restricting ticket resale is to prevent scalping. Scalpers buy up large quantities of tickets with the sole intention of reselling them at a big markup. This drives up prices and makes it harder for regular fans to get tickets. By making certain tickets non-transferrable, venues and artists can ensure that more tickets go directly into the hands of fans at face value prices.
To maintain control over who attends the event
Organizers want to know who is coming to their events for security, marketing, and other logistical reasons. When tickets are resold multiple times on the secondary market, it becomes harder to keep track of who the ticket holders are. Non-transferrable tickets allow organizers to maintain control over the event’s attendance.
As part of exclusive ticket packages
Some non-transferrable ticket policies are implemented as part of VIP or exclusive ticket packages. These may include special perks like premium seating, pre-show receptions, merchandise, or experiences that the organizers want to limit to the initial buyers. Making the tickets non-transferrable ensures that the exclusivity and extra value of these packages stays intact.
When are tickets usually non-transferrable?
Certain types of tickets are more likely to carry restrictions on resale:
High demand shows
For concerts, sports events, and other highly coveted events that may sell out quickly, non-transferrable tickets are one way to minimize scalping. The tickets for the front rows, VIP sections, or other premium areas are often non-transferrable.
Nonprofit fundraisers and charity events
Nonprofit organizations sometimes implement non-transferrable ticketing to ensure that all proceeds go to the charity. It prevents people from reselling tickets and pocketing a profit.
Exclusive experiences
As mentioned above, tickets for intimate experiences like meet-and-greets with artists or celebrity events are usually non-transferrable to control access.
Student and discounted tickets
Venues want to ensure that specially discounted tickets go to the intended recipients rather than being resold at a markup. Tickets discounted for students, military, seniors, etc. commonly cannot be resold.
How are non-transferrable ticket policies enforced?
There are a few methods that event organizers use to enforce restrictions on ticket resale:
Requiring ID/credit card verification
Upon entry to the venue, guests may be required to show photo ID matching the original ticket purchaser’s name. The credit card used to buy the tickets may also need to be presented. This verifies that the person entering is the original ticket buyer.
Tickets linked to online accounts
Increasingly, tickets are linked to online accounts rather than distributed strictly as paper tickets. To gain entry, the ticket holder has to login to their account on their mobile device and display their digital ticket. This allows venues to clearly identify the original purchaser.
Non-transferrable barcodes/RFIDs
The barcode or RFID technology on the ticket itself can be programmed to only allow a single entry. When the ticket is scanned, it is invalidated so it cannot be used by someone else.
Cancellation and reissue of resold tickets
If an organizer identifies tickets being resold against policy, they may cancel those tickets and reissue them directly to fans at original prices. The canceled tickets would not scan as valid for entry.
What are the restrictions on reselling non-transferrable tickets?
If you try to resell or give away non-transferrable tickets on secondary markets, there are a few potential consequences:
Tickets could be canceled and invalidated
As mentioned above, if the event organizer discovers the ticket listed for resale, they may choose to cancel it so that it will not grant entry to the new buyer. The original buyer would lose the ticket completely.
Accounts could be suspended or banned
For tickets linked to online accounts, the account holder may have their account suspended if caught reselling tickets against policy. They could be prohibited from buying tickets from that ticketing company in the future.
Removal of listings on resale sites
If non-transferrable tickets are posted on secondary marketplaces like Stubhub, VividSeats, or Craigslist, the resale platform may remove them when notified by the event organizer that they violate the ticket terms.
No recourse if tickets are invalidated
If you buy non-transferrable tickets from an unauthorized reseller, there is no guarantee you will get into the event. The venue is within their rights to invalidate the tickets, and you will have no recourse to get your money back as they were sold against policy. Always check the fine print!
When is it okay to resell non-transferrable tickets?
There are a few circumstances where you may be allowed to resell or transfer non-transferrable tickets:
If the event organizer provides an authorized resale exchange
Increasingly, official resale exchanges allow fans to resell tickets directly through the venue or authorized ticketing platform. This lets the organizers maintain oversight of ticket distribution.
When permitted by law
Some states have enacted laws that make it illegal for event organizers to completely prohibit ticket resale. There may be a provision for allowing resale through approved platforms.
If the organizer grants special permission
In limited cases, if you contact the box office and explain extenuating circumstances, they may allow or assist with ticket transfers on a case-by-case basis. This is not guaranteed though.
Tips for buying non-transferrable tickets
If you want to purchase non-transferrable tickets, keep these tips in mind:
Buy directly from trusted primary sellers
Always go through the venue’s box office or official ticketing channels. Avoid secondary sites unless they are specially authorized. This reduces the risk of fraud.
Review policies before purchase
Carefully check the ticket purchase terms so you are aware of any restrictions before buying. Non-transferrable policies are usually clearly stated.
Confirm the seller’s identity
If buying from an individual, make sure the seller is the original purchaser whose name is on the ticket account. Request ID verification for high-demand tickets.
Use payment methods with purchase protection
In case you do end up with invalidated tickets, pay with a credit card or payment platform that offers purchase protection and refunds. Avoid wire transfers, cash, checks, etc.
Ask about an exchange or refund if plans change
If your plans unexpectedly change and you can no longer attend, ask the official ticketing company about exchange or refund options. Individual resellers likely won’t offer recourse if non-transferrable tickets don’t scan.
The bottom line on non-transferrable tickets
While restrictions on ticket resale may seem inconvenient and limiting for fans, they exist primarily to ensure fair access and affordable prices. By selling tickets that cannot be resold, event organizers and artists can get tickets directly into the hands of their intended audience. Non-transferrable ticket policies discourage scalpers from taking over the initial sale and inflating costs. Be an informed buyer, look for authorized resale options, and only purchase non-transferrable tickets from trusted sources to avoid issues down the road.