With the advent of the internet, there are now many different websites and apps where you can sell tickets to events online. Whether you have an extra ticket to a concert or sporting event that you can no longer attend, or you purchased tickets speculatively hoping to resell them at a profit, you have several options when it comes to online ticket resale platforms. This article will provide an overview of some of the most popular sites where you can sell tickets, key factors to consider when choosing a platform, and tips for successfully selling your tickets online.
Key Factors When Choosing an Online Ticket Resale Platform
When deciding which site to use to sell your tickets, here are some key factors to consider:
- Fees – Many sites charge seller fees and/or commission fees on each ticket sold. This will cut into your profits, so be sure to understand the fee structure before listing your tickets for sale.
- Buyer protections – Many sites offer guarantees to buyers in case tickets are fraudulent or invalid. This provides buyer confidence but puts more risk on the seller.
- Reputation – Pick an established platform with a good reputation. This will give buyers more confidence in purchasing from you.
- Exposure – Look for sites that can get your ticket listing maximum exposure to potential buyers.
- Ease of use – Find a platform that makes it easy for you to create listings and manage your tickets for sale.
- Payment processing – Ensure the site offers secure payment processing and will promptly pay out your profits.
- Level of support – Look for robust customer support in case any issues arise with your listings or sales.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you choose the best platform for your specific ticket resale needs.
Top Sites to Sell Tickets
If you’re looking for a reputable online marketplace to resell your tickets, here are some of the most popular options:
StubHub
StubHub is one of the largest online ticket marketplaces, allowing buyers and sellers to exchange tickets for sports, concerts, theater, and other live entertainment events. Some key features of StubHub include:
- High exposure – Over 40 million unique visitors per month provides great listing visibility.
- Strong buyer guarantees – Refunds buyers if tickets are invalid or non-deliverable.
- Robust seller tools – Mobile app and tools make it easy to manage listings and sales.
- High fees – Charges a 10% seller fee plus a 15% commission on each sale.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is StubHub’s biggest competitor, offering a marketplace to buy and sell tickets to a wide variety of events. Highlights include:
- All-in pricing – Seller fees start at 10% and there are no commission fees.
- Rewards program – Lets active sellers earn points for free tickets and more.
- FanProtectTM Guarantee – Refunds buyers if tickets don’t arrive in time or are invalid.
- Limitations on high-demand tickets – Restrictions on selling for very popular events.
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster allows season ticket holders and individual ticket owners to resell tickets through its site. Benefits include:
- Trusted brand – Widely recognized as an official ticket source.
- High visibility – Exposure to Ticketmaster’s large customer base.
- Verification process – Helps ensure tickets are valid before listing.
- High fees – Seller fee of 25% plus a 15% service charge applied to ticket price.
eBay
While not exclusively for tickets, eBay is a huge online marketplace where event tickets can be sold successfully. Pros:
- Massive exposure – Over 40 million daily eBay visitors provides reach.
- Low fees – eBay’s seller fees are typically under 10%.
- Flexible policies – Listings good for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.
- No buyer guarantees – Risk of bad tickets falls entirely on buyers.
Craigslist
Craigslist offers a localized online classifieds marketplace that lets you list tickets anonymously. Things to know:
- Completely free – No listing fees or commissions taken.
- Local focus – Buyers must be able to meet locally to exchange tickets.
- Limited exposure – Not optimized specifically for ticket sales.
- Higher risk – No guarantees or protections for buyers or sellers.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek provides an open marketplace for tickets to sports, concerts and theater events. Benefits:
- Lower fees – Sellers pay 10-20% on sold tickets with no listing fees.
- Buyer guarantees – Refunds buyers if tickets are fraudulent.
- Good visibility – Over 20 million monthly site visits.
- Limited events – Smaller selection of listings compared to StubHub.
Tips for Selling Tickets Successfully Online
Once you’ve selected a platform, here are some tips to help you effectively sell your tickets:
Price Tickets Competitively
Do research to determine fair market value pricing and watch for other comparable listings on your chosen site. Price your tickets at or slightly below similar tickets to incentivize buyers.
Provide Detailed Listings
Include important info like exact seat locations, whether the tickets are mobile/paperless, delivery method, and your policies. This builds buyer confidence.
Respond Quickly
Set email alerts so you get notified when you receive inquires about your listings. Respond promptly to questions and offer fast payment and delivery to finalize sales.
Protect Yourself from Fraud
Take precautions like avoiding wire transfers, requiring ID, and using buyer protection programs when available. Only deliver tickets electronically or locally in person for cash.
Consider Best Available Offers
On some sites like StubHub, buyers can submit best available offers if you opt in. This can help sell at a higher price than your list price.
Re-list If Unsold
If tickets don’t sell the first time, experiment with adjusting your price and re-listing them closer to the event date when demand increases.
Conclusion
Selling tickets online has become widely popular thanks to the many reputable resale platforms available. Top sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, eBay, and SeatGeek make the process easy by connecting you with millions of eager ticket buyers. To maximize your profits and experience, compare seller fees and protections, choose a platform that best fits your needs, and utilize promotional tools and good business practices. With some strategy and research, you can turn your extra event tickets into cash quickly and safely.
Site | Fees | Key Features | Buyer Protection |
---|---|---|---|
StubHub | 10% seller fee + 15% commission | High exposure, mobile selling tools | Full refunds for invalid or undeliverable tickets |
Vivid Seats | 10-20% seller fees, no commissions | Rewards program, all-in pricing | FanProtectTM Guarantee refunds buyers |
Ticketmaster | 25% seller fee + 15% service charge | Trusted brand, verifies tickets | Official ticket source, low fraud risk |
eBay | Under 10% seller fees typically | Massive exposure, flexible listings | No guarantees – buyer beware |
Craigslist | 100% free | Local focus, completely free | No protections provided |
SeatGeek | 10-20% fees, no listing fees | Good visibility, lower seller fees | Refunds for fraudulent tickets |