If you’re wondering why you can’t transfer your reading tickets to someone else, there are a few key reasons this is typically prohibited by entertainment venues and ticketing platforms.
Protecting Against Scalping and Resale
The main reason venues and ticketing platforms don’t allow ticket transfers is to protect against scalping and resale. Scalping is when someone purchases event tickets with the sole purpose of reselling them at a higher price to make a profit. This goes against the desires of venues who want tickets to be affordable and accessible to their target audience.
By disabling transfers, it makes it much more difficult for scalpers to resell tickets since the tickets are tied to the original purchaser. Scalpers would have to sell an entire account which is riskier and more complicated than just transferring or selling individual tickets.
Maintaining Accurate Attendee Lists
Another reason transfers are prohibited is that it allows venues to maintain accurate lists of who will be attending events. When tickets can’t be transferred, venues can be confident that the person who purchased the ticket is the one that will actually be using it. This helps with planning and coordination for things like security and crowd control.
It also ensures that any ticket holder promotions, discounts, or gifts end up in the hands of the intended recipient. If tickets could be freely transferred, the person who ends up with the ticket may not be the one it was originally issued to.
Reducing Lost Ticket Fraud
Disabling transfers also helps reduce the potential for lost ticket fraud. This is when someone claims they “lost” a ticket so they can get a replacement issued to sell while the original is still valid. If transfers are not allowed, then even if someone gets a replacement ticket issued, they can’t transfer the original to someone else for resale. This loophole is closed.
Simpler Ticketing Platform Rules
A final benefit is that it simplifies the rules and procedures around ticketing. Open transfers mean dealing with additional validations, tracking, and mechanisms to handle disputes around transfers. By outright disabling it, the system and rules can remain simple and straightforward for venues and customers alike.
When Ticket Transfers May Be Allowed
There are certain cases where ticket transfers may be allowed by venues or ticketing platforms:
- Small local events or venues may allow transfers as they don’t draw large scalping/resale interest
- Transfers may be enabled for a fee or commission that is shared with the venue
- Some ticketing platforms only restrict re-selling tickets above face value
- Tickets can be transferred to someone going with you, like a friend or family member
- Exchanges may be allowed for equivalent or lower value tickets
So while major concerts, shows, and leagues typically prohibit transfers, exceptions could exist in some cases. The rules are ultimately up to the discretion of the venue or ticketing partner.
Alternatives If You Can’t Transfer Tickets
If you find yourself unable to attend an event you purchased tickets for, and transfers are not allowed, you still have some options:
Sell Through Official Resale
Many ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or AXS allow you to resell or return tickets through their official resale exchange. This lets you recoup the cost while keeping the sale within their authorized marketplace.
There may be fees involved, but it abides by the venue’s no transfer policy and gives you a way to recover your investment.
Gift or Relist the Entire Account
While you can’t transfer individual tickets, you can gift or sell your entire account to someone else. They would gain access to the tickets by taking over ownership of the account.
This approach works best when you have other tickets or purchases on the account besides just the single event you can’t attend.
Donate the Tickets
You may be able to donate unused tickets to a registered nonprofit organization. Many venues work with charities to distribute tickets to disadvantaged youth, military families, sick children, and other deserving causes.
Donating allows you to get a tax deduction for the ticket value. It prevents the tickets from going to waste, and helps support charitable initiatives in your community.
Absorb the Loss
If the event has passed and you weren’t able to transfer the tickets in time, you may have no choice but to absorb the loss. Consider it an expensive lesson to only buy tickets you are sure you can attend, or verify the transfer policy before purchasing.
You can provide feedback to the venue that their restrictive policy cost them a customer and lost business. Over time, if enough customers complain, they may revisit their rules around transfers.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key summary points on why most venues prohibit ticket transfers and what options you still have:
- Transfers are restricted to prevent scalping and high resale prices
- It allows venues to maintain accurate attendee lists
- Disabling transfers reduces the potential for lost ticket fraud
- The ticketing system can remain simple without enabling transfers
- Some small venues may allow transfers or exchanges for a fee
- You can still gift or sell your entire account if you absolutely can’t attend
- Donating to charity, resale through official partners, or absorbing the loss are other options
Check the transfer policy closely before purchasing tickets, and understand why many venues and partners disable this functionality. With some advance planning and research, you can avoid getting stuck with tickets you can’t use.
More Reading on Ticket Transfers
If you still have questions around ticket transfers, here are some additional resources:
Ticketmaster Transfer Policy
Ticketmaster generally prohibits transfers for NFL, NHL NBA, NCAA, and MLS teams. Some concerts, theaters, and smaller events may allow transfers for a fee. Read their full transfer policy here:
https://help.ticketmaster.com/s/article/How-do-I-transfer-tickets?language=en_US
StubHub Transfer Guidelines
StubHub has different rules around ticket transfers depending on the event and location. Review their transfer policies and restrictions here:
https://help.stubhub.com/en/articles/4409200-are-transfers-available-on-all-events
AXS Transfer FAQ
The AXS ticketing platform provides this FAQ on their transfer functionality and associated requirements:
https://support.axs.com/hc/en-us/articles/4431418158532-Transferring-Tickets
Vivid Seats Ticket Transfer Guide
Vivid Seats allows some transfers in specific cases. Here is their detailed transfer guide:
https://www.vividseats.com/help/article/ticket-transfer
Conclusion
Ticket transfers are commonly prohibited to prevent scalping and reselling. But you still have options like official resale, donations, or gifting your account. Carefully review the transfer policy before buying tickets, and plan ahead in case you can’t attend an event.