Ticketmaster and StubHub are two of the biggest ticket marketplaces in the world. Both allow fans to buy and sell tickets to sporting events, concerts, theater shows, and more. However, there are some key differences between the two that buyers and sellers should understand before using either platform.
Overview of Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket marketplace in the world. It sells tickets directly on behalf of event organizers like sports teams, musicians, venues, theaters, etc. As an official ticket sales channel, Ticketmaster has exclusive partnerships with many major event providers. This allows them to sell tickets directly to fans right when they first go on sale.
Key facts about Ticketmaster:
- Primary ticket marketplace – sells tickets directly from event providers
- Exclusive partnerships with major venues, sports franchises, musicians, etc.
- Often the exclusive seller for major concerts, games, shows, etc.
- Tickets are sold at face value prices set by event organizers
- Big convenience fees and order processing fees on every order
Overview of StubHub
StubHub is the largest secondary ticket marketplace in the world. Rather than sell tickets directly, StubHub provides a platform for fans to buy and sell tickets from each other. Sellers can list event tickets they purchased but can no longer use, while buyers can search for tickets already listed for sale by other users.
Key facts about StubHub:
- Secondary ticket marketplace – allows peer-to-peer ticket sales
- Fans sell tickets they can no longer use directly to other fans
- Prices set by individual sellers, often higher than original face value
- Large inventory of tickets to popular and sold out events
- Some convenience fees, but typically less than Ticketmaster
Comparing How Tickets are Sold
The key difference between Ticketmaster and StubHub lies in how tickets are sold on each platform:
Ticketmaster | StubHub |
---|---|
Primary marketplace – sells tickets directly from event organizer | Secondary marketplace – facilitates ticket sales between fans |
Exclusive partnerships with major leagues, venues, etc. | No direct partnerships – everyday fans list and sell tickets |
Tickets sold at face value prices set by organizers | Prices set by sellers, often above original face value |
Large fees on every order | Lower fees compared to Ticketmaster |
In summary, Ticketmaster sells event tickets directly on behalf of the organizers, while StubHub connects fans looking to sell their tickets with other fans who want to buy them.
Ticket Availability
The difference in how tickets are sold also impacts ticket availability on each platform:
- Ticketmaster: Gets an exclusive allotment of tickets to most major events. Tickets are available as soon as sales open to the public. Sells out quickly for very popular events.
- StubHub: No direct ticket inventory. Fans must list tickets for sale first. Large selection of tickets to popular and sold out events as fans resell extra tickets.
In general, Ticketmaster will have tickets available right when they go on sale, but will sell out fast. StubHub may sell out initially too, but inventory can improve over time as more fans list seats for resale.
Ticket Prices
Prices on Ticketmaster and StubHub also tend to differ:
- Ticketmaster: Sells tickets at face value prices set by the event organizer. Significant convenience and processing fees added on top.
- StubHub: Ticket prices set by individual sellers, often above original face value for high demand events. Lower fees compared to Ticketmaster.
For very popular events, StubHub prices are generally higher given ticket scarcity. But fees are lower compared to Ticketmaster. For less popular events, StubHub may offer discounted tickets as sellers lower prices to attract buyers.
Buyer and Seller Experiences
The ticket buying and selling experience also differs across the two platforms:
Ticketmaster | StubHub |
---|---|
Streamlined process for buying directly from event provider | More options from multiple sellers, but may require research |
Must compete with other buyers for limited inventory | Sellers compete for your business with discount offers |
Higher fees, but simple and secure checkout | Lower fees, but researching sellers important |
Reselling tickets prohibited on many tickets | Platform designed for conveniently selling your tickets |
Ticketmaster makes it easy to buy directly from the source, but you compete against other buyers for limited tickets. StubHub gives you more options but requires vetting sellers. Selling tickets is easier on StubHub compared to Ticketmaster.
Protections for Buyers
Both Ticketmaster and StubHub offer guarantees and protections for ticket buyers:
- Ticketmaster: Guarantees valid tickets that arrive before event or refunds. Verifies all orders to prevent fraud.
- StubHub: Guarantees valid tickets or comparable replacement seats. Vets sellers. Offers refunds if issue not resolved.
In general both platforms are very safe thanks to buyer guarantees. Ticketmaster sells directly from event organizers while StubHub has a vetting process for sellers and dispute resolution tools.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Ticketmaster is the official primary source for event tickets, while StubHub is a secondary marketplace for reselling tickets.
- Ticketmaster has exclusive ticket inventory, while StubHub relies on user-generated supply.
- Prices are generally lower on Ticketmaster but very high demand leads to sellouts. StubHub has more options but higher average prices.
- Both platforms offer protections for buyers, although Ticketmaster provides simpler end-to-end service.
So in choosing between Ticketmaster vs. StubHub, consider timing, ticket availability, pricing, and your preferences as a buyer or seller. Knowing the key differences allows you to find the best tickets at the best prices!