When buying tickets on Ticketmaster, you may notice that the confirmation says you purchased more tickets than you actually did. For example, you may buy 2 tickets but the confirmation says 4 tickets. There are a few reasons why this happens.
Ticketmaster Counts Each Ticket Separately
The main reason for the discrepancy is that Ticketmaster counts each ticket as a separate purchase. So if you buy 2 tickets, Ticketmaster considers that 2 purchases of 1 ticket each, resulting in a total of 4 tickets.
This allows Ticketmaster to charge per ticket fees and track each ticket separately. So even if you buy multiple tickets in a single transaction, Ticketmaster’s system processes each ticket as its own purchase with its own associated fees.
Tickets Have Multiple Barcodes
In addition to counting each ticket separately, most event tickets nowadays have multiple barcodes on them. There is usually one main barcode for the first ticket holder to scan, and then a second barcode that can be scanned by additional ticket holders in the group.
So a single physical ticket often has 2 barcodes on it – one for the “main” ticket holder and a second for a “guest.” This allows groups to enter an event together even if they don’t arrive at the same time – the first person scans the main barcode and then when the additional people show up, they can scan the second barcode.
For example, if you buy 2 tickets, each physical ticket will have 2 barcodes. So there are 2 barcodes for the first ticket holder and 2 more barcodes for the second ticket holder. That totals 4 barcodes which Ticketmaster counts as 4 “tickets.”
Extra Barcodes Allow Ticket Transfers
The extra barcode also facilitates transferring or selling a ticket. If the main ticket holder can’t attend the event, they can electronically transfer the extra barcode to someone else by managing the ticket through their Ticketmaster account.
So the physical ticket stays the same, but the extra barcode gets assigned to a new ticket holder. This way tickets can be securely transferred without having to physically hand over the ticket.
So in summary, the multiple barcodes on each ticket allow for more flexibility in how the tickets can be used. Even if you only bought 2 tickets, each one likely has an extra barcode that Ticketmaster counts as a separate ticket.
Ticketmaster’s Fees Are Per Ticket
Counting each ticket separately also allows Ticketmaster to charge fees on each individual ticket. So if you buy 2 tickets, you’ll pay the quoted fees on both tickets instead of just once for the total purchase.
Some common Ticketmaster fees charged per ticket include:
- Service fee – typically around $15 per ticket
- Facility charge – varies by venue
- Order processing fee – around $5 per ticket
So if you buy 2 tickets, you’ll pay the service fee twice, the facility charge twice, etc. That’s how Ticketmaster makes extra revenue – those fees really add up, especially on large multi-ticket orders.
Tickets are Tracked and Counted Electronically
Ticketmaster uses electronic ticketing for most events nowadays instead of traditional printed hard tickets. When you purchase tickets online, no physical tickets are issued. Instead, you receive a confirmation email with a QR code or mobile barcode.
Your ticket is tracked electronically and tied to your name and the barcode. When you arrive at the event, your ticket barcode is scanned from your phone which validates and records your ticket electronically.
In this digital ticketing environment, each barcode essentially acts as a separate ticket. That’s why Ticketmaster’s system counts every barcode as a unique ticket, even if multiple barcodes are on the same physical ticket.
Breakdown of a 2 Ticket Purchase
To illustrate how Ticketmaster counts tickets, here is a breakdown of what happens when you purchase 2 tickets to an event:
Ticket # | Main Ticket Holder | Guest Ticket Holder |
---|---|---|
Ticket 1 | Main barcode for Person A | Second barcode for Person A’s guest |
Ticket 2 | Main barcode for Person B | Second barcode for Person B’s guest |
So when you buy 2 tickets, you are actually getting:
- 2 “main” barcodes, one for each main ticket holder
- 2 “guest” barcodes, one for each main ticket holder’s guest
That totals 4 barcodes, which Ticketmaster counts as 4 ticket purchases. Hopefully this breakdown explains why you may see a different ticket total than you expected!
Should You Be Concerned?
In most cases, you don’t need to be concerned if your Ticketmaster confirmation shows more tickets than you purchased. As long as the total amount you paid is correct, the extra tickets are just due to the multiple barcodes and Ticketmaster’s per ticket counting system.
However, there are a few cases when you may want to follow up:
- If your total charge amount is too high – check that you weren’t charged for more tickets than you bought
- If tickets seem to be assigned to random names – the tickets should be assigned to you or whoever you specify
- If you only bought 1 ticket but see 2 – single tickets don’t usually have a second barcode
Unless any of those cases apply, you can rest assured that you will get the correct number of tickets that you purchased. The extra tickets in the confirmation are just artifacts of Ticketmaster’s per-ticket system and don’t represent additional tickets you are charged for.
Ways to Avoid Higher Fees
Since Ticketmaster charges fees per ticket, buying more tickets in a single order means you pay more fees overall. Here are some tips to avoid inflated fees when buying multiple tickets:
- Buy tickets as part of a season ticket package – packages often include discounted or no fees
- Buy tickets for a group or team – group rates sometimes have lower fees
- Buy from the venue box office – box office prices avoid Ticketmaster fees
- Look for ticket promotions – some offers include free or lower fees
It takes some extra effort, but finding ways to minimize fees can really pay off for large group purchases through Ticketmaster.
Contact Ticketmaster Support If Issues
If you believe there is an error with the number of tickets purchased or the total amount charged, reach out to Ticketmaster customer support for help. You can contact them via:
- Online chat on the Ticketmaster website
- Email at [email protected]
- By phone at +1 800-653-8000
Ticketmaster’s support team can confirm exactly what tickets are assigned to you and resolve any discrepancies. Be sure to have your order confirmation handy when you contact them.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s per-ticket fees and electronic barcode system leads to more tickets showing on your order confirmation than you physically purchased. You are likely not being charged extra, but be sure to verify the total amount and assigned ticket holders.
To minimize fees on large group purchases, take advantage of season ticket packages, group rates, box office pricing, and promotions when possible. If any issue comes up, get in touch with Ticketmaster customer service for help resolving it.