A box office ticket seller is a person who works at a theater, cinema, concert venue, sports stadium, or other establishment that holds ticketed events. Their primary responsibility is to sell tickets to customers for upcoming shows, games, or performances. This customer-facing role involves processing ticket transactions, providing information about events, and ensuring patron satisfaction. While the box office is often the first point of contact between a venue and its patrons, ticket sellers play an important behind-the-scenes role as well. Their duties require organization, attention to detail, and knowledge of the events calendar.
Typical Work Environment
Box office ticket sellers typically work in a booth or small enclosed space that contains the box office terminal, a cash drawer, a phone for taking orders, and sometimes a window for interacting with customers. Larger theaters or venues may have multiple box office windows staffed by several ticket sellers. The work environment can be high-paced in the lead up to showtimes when there are often lines of customers waiting to purchase tickets. Some venues have moved to automated ticketing kiosks, but there is still a need for box office personnel to handle customer issues, exceptions, and phone sales.
Main Job Duties
The core responsibilities of a box office ticket seller include:
Selling Tickets
– Processing ticket sales and exchanges in-person, over the phone, and online
– Advising customers on best available seating based on their budget and preferences
– Upselling premium seats, VIP packages, or add-ons like concessions voucher whenever possible
– Completing ticket transactions accurately and efficiently using the box office terminal
– Providing customers with ticket information including seat numbers, dates, times, and ticket pickup methods
Providing Information
– Answering customer questions about seating, events, ticket policies, and general venue information
– Staying up-to-date on event details such as performance times, gate opening times, intermissions, etc.
– Communicating ticketing policies and procedures regarding exchanges, upgrades, discounts, etc.
– Directing patrons who have issues with tickets already purchased to the appropriate departments
Supporting Operations
– Balancing the cash drawer and processing credit card payments at the end of shifts
– Generating sales reports and reconciling daily ticket counts
– Assisting with crowd and line control when needed
– Supporting the box office management team with tasks and special projects
– Working collaboratively with other front-of-house staff at the venue
Other Duties
– Selling merchandise or concessions at some venues
– Distributing tickets set aside at will call
– Assisting patrons with ADA accommodations and other special needs requests
– Performing routine maintenance on box office equipment
– Providing support at self-serve ticketing kiosks when necessary
Key Skills and Qualifications
To fulfill all aspects of the box office ticket seller role effectively, certain skills and qualifications are required:
– Customer service skills – Ability to interact with patrons in a professional, patient and friendly manner, even when assisting frustrated or confused customers
– Communication abilities – Clear speaking skills and active listening to determine customer needs. For phone sales, proper phone etiquette is essential.
– Sales orientation – Eagerness to upsell tickets and provide promotional offers to maximize sales. Comfort working to meet sales goals.
– Dependability – Punctuality and reliability is vital since opening and closing the box office on time is crucial.
– Attention to detail – Strong organizational skills for accurately processing high volumes of transactions. Cash handling experience preferred.
– Technical aptitude – Ability to learn new box office computer systems and equipment quickly. Basic math skills for counting change and reconciling daily receipts.
– Teamwork – Cooperative attitude to work productively with other box office staff and venue employees.
– Problem-solving skills – Ability to stay calm under pressure when addressing customer complaints, equipment issues, or last minute changes.
– Knowledge of venue/events – Understanding of the venue layout, events calendar, and key policies to properly inform patrons.
Education and Training Requirements
There are no formal education requirements to become a box office ticket seller, as most venues provide on-the-job training. However, the following are recommended:
– High school diploma or equivalent
– Experience handling cash transactions and customer service
– Familiarity with computers, POS systems, and common software
– Accounting, bookkeeping, or math classes
Box office ticket sellers receive extensive on-site training to learn the specific ticketing system and processes used at the venue. They are supervised at first until they demonstrate proficiency. Experienced sellers may participate in ongoing training on new promotions, products, and programs.
Average Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ticket takers and sellers earned a median annual salary of $26,110 in 2020. Those working part-time may earn around $15 per hour. Pay varies based on factors like location, venue size, and experience level. Most box office roles are part-time as ticket demand fluctuates. Evening and weekend availability is often required.
Employment for ticket takers and sellers is projected to show little or no change over the next decade. Opportunities will stem from turnover in existing positions. The most job prospects will be at popular venues that attract large crowds. Some growth may occur as the entertainment industry expands. The increased use of self-serve ticketing kiosks may have a negative impact on hiring.
Similar Occupations
The skills developed as a box office ticket seller can transfer well into certain other customer service-focused roles, such as:
– Retail sales associate
– Cashier
– Hotel front desk clerk
– Administrative assistant
– Receptionist
Some box office workers transition into other entertainment industry jobs like usher, stage crew member, or booking agent. With experience, they may be promoted to box office supervisor or manager.
Conclusion
Box office ticket sellers are the first point of contact for patrons at theaters, stadiums, and other venues. They provide an important customer service function by processing ticket transactions efficiently and accurately, while supplying event information and support. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a customer-oriented attitude are essential for success. The role offers an exciting opportunity for those interested in entertainment to gain experience working behind the scenes. With the right motivation and work ethic, box office ticket sellers can thrive in this fast-paced position.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
– Gain customer service skills – Opportunity to work in entertainment industry – Complimentary tickets sometimes available – Meet performers/celebrities occasionally – Join collaborative box office team environment |
– Repetitive work tasks and interactions – Dealing with upset or rude customers – High-stress during peak times – Evening and weekend hours common – Low starting wages with limited career growth |