A substitution ticket is a type of ticket offered for sale on StubHub that allows the ticket holder to transfer or “substitute” the name on the ticket for another person. This provides flexibility for the buyer if their plans change and they can no longer attend the event themselves. StubHub is a large online marketplace for buying and selling event tickets, so substitution tickets are commonly listed there as an option.
When a substitution ticket is listed on StubHub, it means the original ticket purchaser is offering to sell their ticket and allow the buyer to change the name associated with that ticket to someone else if needed. The venue for the event has policies in place to allow name changes on tickets, and the seller on StubHub has typically already agreed to this substitution process.
So in summary, a “substitution ticket offered on StubHub” refers to a ticket resale listing on the StubHub website where the ticket can be transferred or reassigned to a different person other than the original buyer. The new ticket holder’s name can be substituted onto the ticket in place of the seller’s name.
Reasons Sellers Offer Substitution Tickets on StubHub
There are a few common reasons why a seller may list a substitution ticket for sale on StubHub:
– The seller can no longer attend the event themselves and wants to sell their ticket. Offering substitution gives more flexibility and increases the chances of selling the ticket.
– The seller purchased multiple tickets for a group and one person can’t go anymore. The substitution option allows them to easily change the ticket holder name and sell the extra ticket.
– Ticket resale and transfers are prohibited by the original venue or event. Listing as a substitution ticket on StubHub provides a way around restrictions on reselling.
– Season ticket holders often get substitution privileges on extra games they can’t attend. They can recoup costs by listing these on StubHub with substitution.
– Substitution tickets may sell for a higher price on StubHub due to the added flexibility they provide the buyer. Sellers can make more money.
– If ticket prices increase after the seller purchased, they can list their ticket with substitution at the higher prevailing market price. The name change ability becomes more valuable.
– For high-demand events, substitution listings give the buyer confidence that tickets can still be used if plans change. This encourages sales.
So in summary, substitution tickets appeal to sellers on StubHub because they offer more ways to resell tickets, get around transfer restrictions, and provide buyers more value to drive up sales prices. The added flexibility benefits both buyers and sellers.
Benefits of Buying Substitution Tickets on StubHub
There are several buyer advantages to purchasing substitution tickets on StubHub:
– **Ability to change the name**: This provides flexibility if the buyer’s plans change and they can no longer attend or want to send someone else. The ticket can be transferred.
– **Avoid transfer time restrictions**: Some venues only allow ticket transfers up to 48 hours before an event. Substitution removes this limitation.
– **No need to resell tickets**: If plans change, the buyer does not have to hassle with reselling on StubHub again. Just change the ticket holder name.
– **Peace of mind for expensive tickets**: For high-demand events with expensive tickets, substitutions reduce the risk associated with changing plans.
– **Group flexibility**: If buying multiple tickets, one person in the group can be changed out if needed. Don’t have to sell all tickets.
– **Recoup costs**: Buyers can reassign a ticket to someone else and charge them. This allows recouping the costs.
– **Scalping protection**: Buyers are guaranteed valid event tickets even if an event is sold out or highly coveted.
– **Avoid sellouts**: Substitutions are useful for popular events that are prone to rapid sellouts. Buyers can secure tickets ahead of time.
So in summary, substitution tickets provide significant flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind. There are many scenarios where the ability to change the ticket holder name is valuable for buyers.
How Substitution Tickets Work on StubHub
The substitution process on StubHub works as follows for both buyers and sellers:
– Seller lists event tickets for sale on StubHub and selects the “Offer Substitution” option. This enables name changes.
– Buyer purchases the substitution tickets through StubHub and an order confirmation is sent.
– The seller transfers the tickets to StubHub using their ticket provider’s online tools. This relinquishes the tickets to StubHub.
– StubHub emails the ticket transfer information and the new barcode/QR code to the buyer. This has the buyer’s name embedded.
– Buyer receives the ticket transfer email from StubHub with their name assigned to the tickets.
– Buyer shows the tickets on their mobile device when entering the event. The new name and barcode provided by StubHub are verified.
– If buyer can’t attend, they can sign into their StubHub account and reassign the tickets to someone else. The tickets transfer to the new recipient.
– If reassigning tickets, the recipient must present the StubHub email and barcode to gain entry. Their ID will match.
So in summary, the substitution process involves the seller transferring tickets to StubHub, who then assigns them to buyers. Buyers can further substitute ticket assignments as needed directly on the StubHub website or mobile app.
Fees for Buyers and Sellers
StubHub charges various fees to both the buyer and seller for processing substitution ticket transactions:
– Seller Fees: 10% of the ticket sale price plus a small transaction fee per ticket. Deducted from the seller’s payout.
– Buyer Fees: Around 10-20% added onto the ticket price. Covers StubHub’s commission.
– Resale Transfer Fee: $5 fee charged to the original buyer for reassigning tickets to a new recipient.
– Delivery Fee: $2-$5 fee for StubHub to deliver the ticket transfer email and barcode/QR code.
So in summary, expect to pay around 10-20% above the ticket list price as the buyer, with lower fees when reselling. Sellers see 10-15% deductions from their stub sale earnings.
Risks of Purchasing Substitution Tickets
While substitution tickets offer more flexibility, there are some risks to consider:
– **Untrustworthy sellers**: Dishonest sellers may sell substitution tickets they don’t actually own and render them invalid. This results in denial at the event entrance.
– **Counterfeit tickets**: Similar to above, fraudulent tickets that won’t scan at the venue entrance. This also denies event access.
– **Limits on substitutions**: Some events only allow a small number of name changes. The tickets could become non-transferable.
– **No-show by recipients**: If reassigning a ticket to someone else, they could still no-show and not use the ticket.
– **Non-refundable purchases**: Substitution tickets purchased on StubHub are typically non-refundable, even if unused.
– **Reassign time limits**: Entry may be denied if reassigning a ticket at the last minute, before the venue can update their systems.
– **Lost reassignment email**: Without the proper barcode and ticket info received via email, entry will be denied. Saves copies.
So in summary, while substitutions provide more flexibility, buyers should use caution, purchase from reliable sellers, and understand all policies to avoid problems. Review seller ratings.
Alternatives to Buying Substitution Tickets on StubHub
Instead of purchasing substitution tickets on StubHub, buyers have a few other options:
– **Buy directly from the venue’s site**: Many allow official name changes on tickets for a small fee. Avoid StubHub fees.
– **Use the event’s transfer system**: Some events have their own marketplace for ticket transfers and substitutions.
– **Buy from other resale sites**: Sites like VividSeats or SeatGeek may have substitute tickets available too.
– **Join fan exchange groups**: Find ticket transfer groups on Facebook or Reddit to buy/sell from other verified fans.
– **Look for general admission**: These non-assigned tickets have easier transferability between people in a group.
– **Wait for potential price drops**: If not sold out, prices may fall leading up to event dates, reducing costs of extra tickets.
– **Attend a smaller event**: Local venues, minor league sports, concerts, etc. often have freely transferable general admission tickets.
So in summary, StubHub is not the only way to buy substitute tickets. For some events, it may be preferable to use the direct boxes office, fan exchanges, general admission, or other resale sites.
Conclusion
A “substitution ticket offered on StubHub” refers to a ticket listing where the buyer can change the name associated with the ticket if their plans change. This provides flexibility over non-transferable tickets and gives the seller a way to resell restricted tickets.
Buyers benefit by avoiding transfer limits, having backups if they can’t attend, and reducing their risk for expensive tickets. Sellers benefit by having a larger pool of potential buyers, circumventing no-resale policies, and driving up sale prices.
The substitution process involves transferring tickets to StubHub, who then assigns them to the buyer. Buyers can further reassign as needed for a small fee. There are some risks like invalid sellers and usage limits to be aware of. Alternatives to StubHub substitutions also exist, like fan exchanges.
In summary, substitution tickets provide convenience and peace of mind through their transferability. This comes at the expense of added fees, restrictions, and some risks. But overall, the ability to change the ticket holder name gives buyers more options and flexibility.