What are presale tickets?
Presale tickets are tickets that go on sale before the general public on-sale for an event. They give fans early access to purchase tickets before everyone else. Presales allow artists and event organizers to reward their biggest fans and most loyal customers with first dibs on tickets.
There are a few different types of presales:
- Artist Presales – Tickets go on sale early for members of the artist’s official fan club or email list. Fans must sign up ahead of time to get a special presale code.
- Venue Presales – If you’re signed up for a venue’s email list, you may get early access to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
- Spotify Presales – Spotify sometimes offers presale ticket access to users who have listened to an artist a certain number of times.
- Radio Presales – Local radio stations that sponsor concerts often hold presales for their listeners.
- VIP Presales – Some events offer high-priced VIP ticket packages that come with presale access.
The key to getting presale tickets is having the special presale password or code ahead of time. This grants you access to purchase tickets before the general public. Presale ticket codes are usually announced on an artist’s website, fan club, or through email lists.
What are platinum presale tickets?
Platinum presale tickets are a specific type of presale ticket that come with extra perks, at a premium price. Here’s what makes platinum presale tickets different:
- Higher Price – Platinum presale tickets are priced higher than standard tickets, sometimes double or triple the base price.
- Better Seats – Platinum tickets get you access to the best seats in the house, usually in prime locations like the lower bowl or floor sections.
- Exclusive Merchandise – Some platinum tickets come with extra swag like limited edition merchandise, signed items, or exclusive experiences.
- Concierge Service – Top tier platinum tickets may come with a VIP concierge service for assistance with your concert experience.
Unlike standard presales which are free to join, platinum presales require membership in an artist’s top-level VIP fan club or program. These elite fan clubs can cost anywhere from $50 to $500+ per year. But for super fans, access to platinum presale tickets can be worth the high membership cost.
Platinum presales are typically held a few days before a normal presale. This gives the biggest superfans first crack at the absolute best seats before anyone else. Artists and event organizers benefit by capturing more revenue from their most devoted followers who are willing to pay higher prices.
How do platinum presale tickets work?
Here is the typical process for purchasing platinum presale tickets:
- Join the artist’s VIP fan club or program, which gives access to the platinum presale.
- Wait for an email with the platinum presale code and on-sale date/time, usually sent 1-2 weeks before the presale.
- Shortly before the presale, register your credit card and billing info on the ticket site to save time.
- Once the platinum presale starts, login and search for the event you want. Apply the special platinum code to unlock ticket access.
- View the event seating chart and select your preferred platinum ticket(s). They are usually labeled or in a special platinum presale section.
- Complete your ticket purchase quickly before the allotment sells out. Platinum presales have very limited quantities.
The process requires planning ahead and being ready to buy immediately once the on-sale begins. Having your information pre-loaded into the ticket site is highly recommended. Platinum presales sell out in minutes, sometimes seconds. You want to secure your tickets as fast as possible.
Why are platinum presale tickets more expensive?
Platinum presale tickets come with a premium price for a few key reasons:
- High Demand – There is huge demand from superfans willing to pay more for the best tickets and elite experiences.
- Exclusive Inventory – Only a small subset of top tickets are designated as platinum. Scarcity drives up prices.
- Added Value – Platinum tickets come with extra merchandise, experiences, and amenities that add to their price.
- Market Pricing – Platinum pricing fluctuates based on market demand using dynamic and variable pricing models.
- Bundling Costs – Some platinum prices bundle in the cost of annual fan club memberships.
In economic terms, platinum pricing is a form of price differentiation and segmenting the market. The highest prices are charged to the top segment of fans with the most inelastic demand. Platinum pricing also captures additional revenue from fans willing and able to pay more for exclusive privileges.
Is it worth paying more for platinum presale tickets?
Whether platinum presale tickets are “worth” the higher prices is ultimately subjective and depends on your budget, loyalty to the artist, and desire for a premium experience.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding:
Potential Pros
- Get the best seats in the house
- Skip lines with special entry
- Receive exclusive merchandise and memorabilia
- Experience unique platinum perks and add-ons
- Guaranteed tickets even if the event sells out
Potential Cons
- Platinum prices can be 2-5X higher than regular tickets
- Added costs for fan club membership fees
- Higher overall spending for the event
- Paying more doesn’t guarantee a better performance
For many fans, the benefits of platinum tickets outweigh the higher costs. But for those on a tighter budget, general admission or regular presale tickets may be better options. It comes down to your own budget and preferences as a fan.
Conclusion
Platinum presale tickets give artists’ biggest fans exclusive access to the best seats and experiences at a premium price point. While the higher cost can deter some buyers, for many loyal superfans the benefits justify the extra spending. Platinum presales require planning ahead to get approved for a fan club membership and vigilant timing buying tickets the moment sales open. While not a necessity for everyone, platinum presale tickets deliver great perks for top fans willing and able to pay more.