Presale tickets give fans early access to buy tickets before the general public. This allows dedicated fans to secure tickets before they sell out. Presales help artists and venues build excitement and reward loyal followers. There are a few key benefits of presale tickets:
Access to the Best Seats
With presale access, fans can purchase tickets before the general on-sale and secure the best seats in the house. For major concerts at large venues, the prime seats like front row, VIP boxes, and floor seats will sell out fast. Presales give you the first crack at buying these coveted spots before anyone else.
Buying Power Against Bots and Scalpers
Tickets for major concerts and events often sell out within minutes due to bots and scalpers buying up huge quantities for resale. Presales help real fans get tickets directly from the source before the scalpers can gobble them all up. There are typically purchase limits in place during presales to prevent bulk buying.
Less Competition from the General Public
Trying to buy tickets when they open to the general public can be incredibly competitive. Presale buyers only compete against other presale participants, not the entire world. Your odds of scoring tickets improve significantly with early presale access.
First Access to Additional Ticket Releases
As the event date approaches, more tickets may be released if the artist or venue frees up production holds or adds inventory. Presale buyers often get first crack at these newly opened seats before anyone else. You’ll have an advantage securing last-minute ticket releases.
Special Presale Merchandise and Perks
Some presales come with exclusive presale merchandise or perks like meet-and-greets, soundchecks, and more. These special offers incentivize buying directly from the presale over resale sites. As a presale ticket holder, you may get access to things regular ticket buyers can’t.
Boosts Fan Community and Engagement
Presales allow artists to reward their biggest supporters with priority ticket access. This helps build a strong fan community and get people more engaged with the artist pre-tour. Presales incentivize following the artist closely across their channels.
Drives Early Revenue for the Event
Presales allow the artist and promoters to generate revenue leading up to the event. This early cash flow helps cover upfront tour production costs and create momentum heading into the general on-sale. Presales are a strategic part of the overall ticket sales process.
How Do You Get Presale Ticket Access?
There are a few main ways to get access to presales:
Fan Clubs and Email Lists
Joining an artist’s official fan club or email list will often grant you presale code access. This rewards loyal existing fans first.
VIP Packages
Purchasing a VIP tour package comes with presale ticket access as an added perk and benefit.
Credit Card Presales
Certain credit cards like American Express offer presale ticket windows for cardholders only.
Spotify Presales
Spotify sometimes provides presale codes for users who stream an artist extensively leading up to the on-sale.
Venue and Promoter Presales
Follow the venue or concert promoter on social media for presale password announcements.
Radio Station Presales
Local radio stations that sponsor concerts will often hook up listeners with special presale offers.
Tips for Presale Ticket Buying
Here are some key tips to make the most of presale ticket opportunities:
Sign Up for Presale Access Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to join fan clubs or email lists. Give yourself plenty of time to gain access well before the presale.
Follow Relevant Social Accounts
Turn on notifications and follow the artist, venue, and promoters on social media to stay on top of presale announcements.
Use the Correct Presale Code
Double check that you are using the right presale code before the allotted presale window closes.
Save Payment Info on Your Account
Enter and save your payment details ahead of time so you can checkout faster during the high-demand presale.
Join Multiple Presales
Don’t rely on one presale. Improve your chances by joining all available presales for an event.
Be Ready Right at the Start Time
Log in early and be ready to refresh right as the presale starts for the fastest access before tickets sell out.
Act Fast on Good Seats
Don’t hesitate on prime seats even if they are higher priced. The best spots go first and won’t last.
Risks of Presale Tickets
While presales provide many benefits, there are a few risks to consider as well:
Limited Availability
There are usually fewer tickets released during presales than the general on-sale. The most desirable tickets may sell out quick.
High Initial Pricing
To incentivize early buying, presale ticket prices are sometimes inflated. Prices may drop for the general on-sale.
Cancelled Orders
If you don’t complete your purchase during the presale window, your tickets can be released back to the pool.
Restrictions on Resale
Presale tickets sometimes cannot be resold or transferred. You may be stuck with your tickets.
Unique Presale Codes
Trying to share presale codes against the rules could lead to access being revoked and your orders cancelled.
Are Presale Tickets Worth It?
For dedicated fans who want prime seats, exclusive perks, or simply the peace of mind of having tickets secured as early as possible, presales are often well worth the effort required to gain access.
Here are a few key factors to consider when determining if presale tickets are worth it for a particular event:
Factor | Favors Presale | Favors General On-Sale |
---|---|---|
Popularity of event/artist | Extremely popular | Newer/less popular |
Venue Size | Smaller intimate venue | Large arena or stadium |
Tour/Event Demand | Limited run or exclusive event | Extensive tour or annual event |
Seating Type | Reserved seating | General admission |
Presale Perks | High value VIP add-ons | Few or no additional perks |
The more factors that favor the presale, the more worthwhile it becomes to go through the effort. For highly coveted events, presales can be the key to getting in the door before sold out mania kicks in.
Conclusion
Presale ticket access allows dedicated fans to purchase tickets to their most anticipated events before the general public. Presales reward loyal followers, generate early revenue, and help real fans get tickets before scalpers can scoop them all up. While presales require some effort to gain access, the perks and peace of mind they provide often make going through the process well worth it. For truly popular events, presales can be the difference between getting to experience it up close and personal or missing out entirely.