Ticketmaster official platinum is a premium ticket category that gives fans fair and safe access to some of the best tickets to concerts and events. It was introduced by Ticketmaster in 2011 as an effort to expand consumer choice in the secondary ticket market.
What are official platinum tickets?
Official platinum tickets are premium tickets sold directly by Ticketmaster at market-driven prices. They give fans access to some of the best available seats in the venue, without having to turn to the secondary market. The prices for platinum tickets fluctuate based on supply and demand.
Here are some key things to know about official platinum tickets:
- They are an official ticket category offered directly by Ticketmaster.
- Prices adjust according to supply and demand, similar to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are priced.
- They give fans access to some of the best available seats in the venue.
- They provide an alternative to buying tickets on the secondary market from third party resellers.
- A portion of the proceeds goes back to the artists and event organizers.
In essence, official platinum tickets aim to give fans an official and safe way to purchase premium tickets through Ticketmaster instead of having to use unofficial third party resellers.
Why were official platinum tickets introduced?
Official platinum tickets were introduced in 2011 as Ticketmaster’s response to issues in the secondary ticket market. Some of the key reasons platinum tickets were launched include:
- Combat inflated resale prices: In the secondary market, tickets are often resold by third parties at hugely inflated prices compared to face value. Platinum tickets aim to make premium tickets available direct from Ticketmaster at fair market prices.
- Deter scalping and unethical practices: The secondary market is notorious for scalping, fake tickets, and other unethical practices that cheat fans. Platinum tickets are an official and ethical alternative.
- Give artists and organizers more control: A portion of platinum ticket revenue goes back to the artists, venues, and organizers of events. This gives them more control over premium inventory.
- Provide an official premium ticket option: Platinum tickets give fans an official way to purchase premium tickets rather than having to use unofficial third party resellers.
- Expand consumer choice: Platinum tickets give consumers more options and price points when purchasing tickets.
By offering platinum tickets directly, Ticketmaster aims to combat inflated resale prices, deter unethical practices, and expand options for fans looking to purchase premium seats.
How are official platinum ticket prices determined?
Official platinum ticket prices are determined dynamically based on supply and demand, similar to how airline tickets and hotel rooms are priced. Some of the factors that influence platinum ticket prices include:
- Event popularity and demand
- Supply of tickets available in platinum categories
- Secondary market price of similar tickets
- Primary market price of non-platinum ticket categories
- Venue size and seat location
- Competition from other events happening at the same time
- Time until the event takes place
As demand increases and supply decreases, platinum ticket prices generally go up. Prices can fluctuate frequently based on buying patterns and inventory. The goal is to price platinum tickets fairly based on what the market will support.
What are some common misconceptions about platinum tickets?
Here are some common misconceptions about official platinum tickets and the facts:
Misconception | Fact |
---|---|
Platinum tickets are just a way for Ticketmaster to make more money | A portion of platinum ticket revenue goes back to event organizers rather than just to Ticketmaster. The aim is to give artists more control over premium inventory. |
Platinum tickets are the same as scalped tickets | Platinum tickets are officially sold by Ticketmaster itself rather than by unauthorized third party resellers. The prices, while fluctuating, aim to be fair market value. |
There is no limit to how high platinum prices can go | Platinum ticket prices are subject to price caps and other controls to prevent extreme price gouging. |
Platinum tickets are never worth the price | For hot events where tickets sell out instantly, platinum tickets can actually offer fair value compared to secondary market prices and provide peace of mind. |
The bottom line is that platinum tickets are fundamentally different than scalped tickets. They are an official ticket option aimed at giving artists more control and fans more choice.
What are some of the benefits of official platinum tickets for fans?
Here are some of the potential benefits of official platinum tickets from a fan’s perspective:
- Access to top seats: Platinum tickets give fans access to some of the best available seats in the venue which aren’t available in other public ticket categories.
- Buy with confidence: Unlike third party resellers, fans can buy platinum tickets directly from the official source knowing they are legitimate.
- Fair market value pricing: Although dynamically priced, platinum tickets aim to have fair market value pricing reflecting demand rather than artificially inflated resale prices.
- Refunds and support: Platinum tickets purchased directly through Ticketmaster have full customer service, refunds, and support available to fans.
- One-stop ticket shopping: Fans can purchase platinum tickets seamlessly along with regular price tickets rather than having to shop multiple websites.
- Beat sell outs: For hot events, platinum tickets can sometimes be available after regular price options have all sold out.
Overall, platinum tickets can be a good option for fans wanting great seat access, confidence in what they are buying, and fair prices for premium inventory.
What are some of the criticisms and controversies around platinum tickets?
While having benefits, platinum tickets have also attracted some criticisms and controversies including:
- High and fluctuating prices: Platinum tickets can have very high prices compared to face value tickets, causing “sticker shock” for fans.
- Lack of transparency: Fans aren’t always aware what platinum tickets are or why they are priced higher than other tickets.
- Reduces affordability: Price insensitive fans purchasing platinum tickets reduces affordability and shuts some fans out of buying tickets.
- Unethical practices concerns: Some fear platinum tickets open the door to gradually raising prices unethically, although protections are in place.
- Artificially limits supply: Only a small portion of seats are made available as platinum, artificially reducing supply of lower priced tickets.
While Ticketmaster maintains platinum tickets are ethical and benefit fans, critics argue the category makes getting affordable access to events harder rather than easier.
How is Ticketmaster official platinum different from ticket scalping and resale sites?
There are some key differences between Ticketmaster official platinum tickets and scalped tickets or resale sites:
Ticketmaster Platinum | Scalpers/Resale Sites |
---|---|
Official first-hand ticket category sold by Ticketmaster | Unauthorized resale of tickets by third parties |
Aim for fair market value pricing based on demand | Often have artificially inflated prices and extreme markups |
Fluctuating dynamic prices | May manipulate prices using bots and other tactics |
Proceeds go back to organizers and artists | All profits typically kept by resellers |
Full customer service and support | Little recourse for invalid or fraudulent tickets |
While there are pricing similarities, platinum tickets aim to offer an ethical, first-hand way for fans to access premium tickets at market prices rather than having to use unauthorized resellers.
What percentage of tickets are typically offered as platinum tickets?
Platinum tickets generally make up a small portion of the total event tickets. According to Ticketmaster, platinum tickets are typically less than 5% of the total ticket inventory. The specific percentage can vary based on factors like:
- Overall demand for the event
- Venue size and layout
- Quality of seats designated as platinum tickets
- Primary market ticket prices and price levels
- Secondary market comparison for similar events
- On-sale history and time until event occurs
Artists, promoters, and the venue can provide guidance to Ticketmaster on what percentage of tickets should be classified as platinum based on the above factors. The goal is to find the optimal inventory to offer as platinum to give fans choices without negatively impacting non-platinum ticket sales.
Do artists, promoters, and venues have any say in how platinum tickets are priced and allocated?
Yes, artists, promoters, and venues are able to provide input on platinum ticket pricing and allocations. According to Ticketmaster:
- Artists and event organizers must opt-in and request platinum tickets be made available for their events.
- They can set price ceilings to prevent extreme price gouging on platinum tickets for their fans.
- They provide guidance on what ticket inventory should be allocated as platinum tickets vs regular price tickets.
- A portion of the platinum ticket revenue goes back to the artists, promoters, venues etc.
- They can monitor platinum pricing and make real-time adjustments if needed.
The platinum model does not mean Ticketmaster unilaterally decides prices and allocations. Considerable control remains with the artists, promoters, and venues organizing the events.
Does Ticketmaster have complete flexibility on platinum ticket prices?
No, there are some restrictions and controls in place on how Ticketmaster can price platinum tickets. These include:
- Opt-in requirement – Platinum can only be offered on events where artists, promoters, venues opt-in to the program.
- Price ceilings – Artists, promoters etc. can set maximum price thresholds that cannot be exceeded.
- No extreme price gaps – Platinum prices cannot exceed secondary market comparisons by unreasonable amounts.
- Monitoring and overrides – Real-time monitoring means platinum pricing can be adjusted manually if needed.
- Disclosures – Platinum pricing must be clearly disclosed and distinguished from regular ticket pricing.
There are also general consumer protection laws and reputation considerations that require platinum prices to be reasonably fair market value rather than exploiting demand.
How does Ticketmaster respond to some of the main criticisms and controversies around platinum tickets?
Ticketmaster has provided the following responses to some of the main criticisms around platinum tickets:
- High prices – Platinum gives access to top inventory that would otherwise go exclusively to secondary resellers at even higher prices. Platinum aims to keep artists and fans from being exploited.
- Lack of transparency – Platinum pricing and seat locations are now clearly disclosed during the purchase process to improve understanding.
- Reduces affordability – A small portion of platinum ticketsaims to limit impact on broader ticket affordability for most fans.
- Unethical practices – Strict controls prevent exploitation and ensure platinum pricing reflects real market value.
- Artificially limits supply – Regular price tickets still make up the vast majority of inventory for affordable access.
Ticketmaster maintains platinum offers an important and ethical premium ticket option that complements affordable primary tickets.
What are some tips for saving money on Ticketmaster platinum tickets?
Here are some tips for getting the best deals on Ticketmaster’s official platinum tickets:
- Buy early – Prices tend to rise as event date approaches and inventory shrinks.
- Be flexible on dates – Less in-demand performances like weekday shows can have lower prices.
- Avoid peak demand periods – Prices will be higher on popular dates like holidays and weekends.
- Consider group pricing – Buying in bulk often unlocks discounts not available otherwise.
- Check pre-sales – Special pre-sale windows can sometimes have platinum pricing promotions.
- Use targeted promotions – Join fan clubs and email lists to get access to special offers.
- Check secondary market price comparisons – Buying platinum direct can sometimes be cheaper than resale markups.
- Opt for less popular seat locations – Platinum costs will be lower for less central sections and rows.
Being flexible and savvy in your ticket buying approach can help offset Ticketmaster’s variable platinum ticket pricing.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster official platinum provides an official way for fans to purchase premium event tickets at market-driven prices. While the fluctuating prices have generated some controversy, platinum tickets aim to give consumers more choice and fair access to top inventory. Savvy fans can shop strategically to find deals, but overall platinum exists to fill demand for top seats that would otherwise end up in hands of exploitative scalpers and resale sites.