Ticketmaster is a major ticket sales and distribution company that provides ticketing services for many large-scale events like concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more. When customers purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, they often see additional fees tacked on to the base ticket price. One of the most common fees is a $1.00 “Order Processing Fee.” Here’s a closer look at what this charge is and why Ticketmaster adds it to your ticket order.
What is the Order Processing Fee?
The $1.00 Order Processing Fee is a per-ticket fee that Ticketmaster charges on all ticket purchases. It applies to every ticket in your order, so if you buy 4 tickets, you’ll pay $4.00 in Order Processing Fees. This mandatory fee helps cover the costs Ticketmaster incurs when processing and fulfilling ticket orders.
According to Ticketmaster, the Order Processing Fee helps pay for:
- The ticketing system technology used to process orders
- The customer service staffing required to support ticketing operations
- The credit card fees charged on transactions
- The resources needed to print tickets and mail them out
So in short, this $1.00 fee covers some of the administrative costs, systems, staffing, and materials Ticketmaster needs to operate its business and get your tickets into your hands.
Is the Order Processing Fee Avoidable?
The $1.00 Order Processing Fee is mandatory for all Ticketmaster orders, so there is no way to avoid it when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster. It applies to tickets bought online, over the phone, and at Ticketmaster outlet locations.
Some ways you may be able to bypass the Order Processing Fee include:
- Purchasing tickets directly through the venue’s box office if available
- Buying from a ticket reseller like StubHub that may include the processing fee in the ticket price
- Using a Ticketmaster coupon code if available – some may include free or discounted fees
- Getting free tickets that have the fees waived or covered by a sponsor
But in general, if you want to buy tickets through Ticketmaster you’ll have to accept paying the $1.00 Order Processing Fee per ticket.
Are There Other Fees Besides Order Processing?
Unfortunately yes – the Order Processing Fee is just one of many additional fees and charges Ticketmaster often tacks onto your ticket order:
Service Fee
This is a percentage-based fee applied to the ticket price, usually around 10-25%. It helps Ticketmaster cover operating costs like technology, staffing, marketing, and more.
Facility Charge
This fee goes back to the venue to help cover their costs of hosting the event. The amount varies by venue.
Charity Donation
Some events let you voluntarily donate a small amount like $1 to a chosen charity when you checkout.
Taxes and Government Fees
Ticket purchases are subject to local taxes and municipal fees that Ticketmaster collects and remits back to the government entities.
UPS Delivery Fee
If you choose expedited delivery for your tickets through UPS, this covers the shipping cost.
So in total, a single $50 ticket could cost over $70 after all Ticketmaster fees are added on. It’s always smart to check your final order total before completing checkout so you know the true price.
Tips for Minimizing Ticketmaster Fees
While Ticketmaster fees are practically impossible to avoid completely, here are some tips to help minimize the amount you pay:
- Buy tickets as far in advance as possible. Fees tend to increase as the event date nears.
- Skip the UPS delivery and opt for standard mail instead.
- Avoid purchasing tickets one-at-a-time. Fees are charged per ticket, so bulk buying can reduce fees.
- Use Ticketmaster discount codes when available to waive or reduce some fees.
- Buy season ticket packages or bundle deals if an option. Per-ticket fees don’t apply.
- Purchase on Ticketmaster Fan Appreciation Days – some fees are eliminated on certain days.
The Future of Ticketmaster Fees
Ticketmaster fees have continued to rise over the past decade, angering many consumers. Class action lawsuits have accused Ticketmaster of excessive fees and deceptive practices. Some major music artists like Bruce Springsteen and Miley Cyrus have spoken out against Ticketmaster too.
In response, Ticketmaster has pointed to increased costs and the need to deter ticket scalpers as reasons for the fees. They’ve also launched some new programs like “All-In Pricing” where the fees are bundled into the ticket price for certain events.
It remains to be seen whether Ticketmaster will adjust its fee practices to appease unhappy customers in the future. For now, fees remain a reality when ordering through Ticketmaster.
Conclusion
The mysterious $1.00 Order Processing Fee from Ticketmaster is charged per ticket to help recoup the company’s costs of processing orders and delivering tickets. While unavoidable if you want to buy tickets through Ticketmaster, being aware of this fee and other charges that get added can help prevent sticker shock at checkout. With planning and smart shopping, you may be able to minimize the fees you pay and keep more money in your wallet.
References
Here are some references used in researching this article:
- Ticketmaster Order Processing Fee information: https://help.ticketmaster.com/s/article/What-is-Ticketmaster-s-Order-Processing-Fee?language=en_US
- Breakdown of all Ticketmaster fees: https://nationalconsumerleague.org/2018-update-the-high-cost-ticketmaster-fees-hurting-consumers
- Class action lawsuit over fees: https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/850747-ticketmaster-class-action-says-service-fees-add-up-to-excessive-overcharges/
- Ticketmaster response to fee criticism: https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/ticketmaster-responds-to-senate-letter-criticizing-service-fees-1203092719/
Ticketmaster Fee | Amount | What it Covers |
---|---|---|
Order Processing Fee | $1.00 per ticket | Order processing costs |
Service Fee | 10-25% of ticket price | Company operating costs |
Facility Charge | Varies | Venue hosting costs |
Charity Donation | $1.00 per donation | Donation to chosen charity |
Taxes and Fees | Dependent on location | Local taxes and municipal fees |
UPS Delivery | $5-$25+ | Expedited ticket delivery |