The Ticketmaster secondary market refers to the resale of tickets through Ticketmaster’s ticket exchange platform. This allows ticket holders to resell tickets they can no longer use to other fans. Here are some key things to know about Ticketmaster’s secondary ticket market:
Overview of the Ticketmaster Secondary Market
The Ticketmaster secondary market provides a platform for people to resell event tickets they can no longer use. Sellers can list tickets for sale, and buyers can purchase resale tickets directly through Ticketmaster instead of using third-party resellers.
This offers a few potential benefits:
- Convenience – Buying and selling tickets through an existing platform like Ticketmaster can be easier than using other resale sites or marketplaces.
- Reliability – Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster’s resale platform are verified as legitimate.
- Consumer protections – Ticketmaster’s secondary market provides buyer guarantees and fraud protection.
The goal is to give ticket holders an authorized way to exchange tickets while giving buyers access to secondhand tickets in a secure environment.
How Selling on the Ticketmaster Secondary Market Works
If you have a ticket you can no longer use, you can list it for resale on Ticketmaster’s secondary market. Here is how it works as a seller:
- List the ticket for sale through your Ticketmaster account, choosing the event and specific seat(s) you want to sell.
- Set your asking price and sale terms. You can adjust the price later if needed.
- Ticketmaster provides tools to help recommend pricing based on factors like demand.
- Once a buyer purchases your ticket, you will receive payment (minus a seller fee).
- The ticket is then transferred securely to the buyer through Ticketmaster’s system.
As a seller, you have control over the entire process including selecting seats to sell, setting your price, and completing the sale.
Buying Tickets on the Ticketmaster Secondary Market
Ticketmaster’s secondary ticket marketplace also gives buyers access to tickets being resold by other fans. Here is how you can purchase resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Search for tickets to the desired event just like purchasing primary tickets when they first go on sale.
- Filter search results to see resale tickets listed by sellers.
- View listing details including the location, the seller’s price, fees, and total cost.
- Purchase the resale tickets just like any other Ticketmaster transaction.
- Ticketmaster verifies the tickets and transfers them securely into your account.
This provides buyers an authorized source of resale tickets without having to go through third parties. And buyers have the peace of mind that they are getting valid event tickets.
Fees and Pricing on the Ticketmaster Resale Market
Ticketmaster’s secondary market involves some additional fees for both buyers and sellers.
For sellers, there is a seller fee that is a percentage of the ticket resale price. This fee varies based on the event. As an example, it may be around 15% of the resale price.
For buyers, there is a buyer fee charged on each resale ticket purchased. This is a flat per-ticket fee such as $5 per ticket.
There may also be ticket transfer fees depending on the event. And the ticket price is still subject to some other standard fees like service fees and order processing fees.
So both buyers and sellers will have some additional costs factored in when using Ticketmaster’s resale platform compared to a primary market ticket purchase. The convenience and reliability often make it worthwhile, but fees should be considered.
Key Benefits of Ticketmaster’s Secondary Ticketing Platform
Here are some of the key benefits that the Ticketmaster secondary ticket market can offer:
- Convenience – Provides an easy resale option integrated into Ticketmaster’s existing platform.
- Reliability – Tickets purchased are guaranteed valid, avoiding fraud risk of unauthorized third-party resellers.
- Consumer Protections – Refunds and support are provided for invalid tickets or other verified issues.
- Fair Pricing Tools – Data and analytics provide pricing guidance for buyers and sellers.
- Wider Selection – Opens up access to high-demand tickets that are unavailable in the primary market.
Using Ticketmaster’s own resale marketplace streamlines the process and reduces risks compared to alternatives.
Is Ticketmaster the Only Option for Buying Resale Tickets?
While Ticketmaster’s secondary ticket exchange provides certain advantages, it is not the only option for buying tickets secondhand. Some other places you can find resale tickets include:
- General resale sites – StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, etc. These let buyers shop resale tickets from multiple sources in one place.
- Marketplaces – eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc. You can find ticket resales listings alongside other products.
- Direct from sellers – Individuals may resell tickets through classified ads, social media, forums, etc.
- At the venue – Some ticket holders sell extra tickets outside the event on game/show day.
Each option has trade-offs in terms of convenience, reliability, protections, and pricing. Ticketmaster secondary tickets offer advantages like guarantees around fraudulent tickets. But exploring all available sources can potentially help you find a better deal in some cases.
Is Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster Worth It?
For those looking to resell an unused ticket, Ticketmaster provides a convenient authorized option. Some pros for sellers are:
- Reputable platform draws buyers looking for resale tickets.
- Process is easy and integrated with your Ticketmaster account.
- Protections against fraud and non-paying buyers.
Potential downsides to consider:
- Seller fees reduce your profit on each resold ticket.
- High competition from other resellers may make it hard to maximize sales price.
- Lack of anonymity – your name and info are tied to your sale listings.
Weighing these factors allows you to decide if Ticketmaster is the best fit or if you should consider other resale platforms or marketplaces instead.
Tips for Saving Money on Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
Resale tickets are often priced higher than face value. But there are some tips that can help you potentially save on Ticketmaster secondary market purchases:
- Shop early – Prices tend to rise as the event date approaches and inventory declines.
- Be flexible – If possible, look at different dates or seat locations to find cheaper options.
- Check regularly – Sellers may drop prices as the event nears if tickets aren’t selling.
- Look for deals – Some sections like obstructed views may be discounted.
- Buy multiple tickets – Per ticket fees are lower when buying a group of 2+ tickets.
While there is no guarantee, being an informed buyer can help find the best prices on the Ticketmaster secondary market.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s ticket exchange platform creates an authorized secondary market for people to resell live event tickets they can no longer use. For buyers, it provides an easy source of resale tickets with reliability and protections against fraud. Sellers also benefit from a convenient marketplace integrated with Ticketmaster accounts and backed by an established brand. While fees are involved, Ticketmaster resale tickets offer advantages over riskier third-party resellers in many cases. Being an informed buyer and seller helps maximize the potential benefits.