When buying tickets online for concerts, sports games, and other live events, buyers are often faced with a choice between using Ticketmaster or a resale marketplace like StubHub. While both platforms provide access to event tickets, one key difference is the fees charged to buyers. In this article, we’ll compare the fee structures on Ticketmaster and StubHub to determine which site tends to charge higher fees.
Ticketmaster Fees
As the primary ticket provider for many major venues and events, Ticketmaster charges fees to buyers on top of the base ticket price. Here are some of the main fees to expect when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Service fee – This fee goes to Ticketmaster for providing the ticket sales platform. It is typically around 10-20% of the base ticket price.
- Order processing fee – This fixed fee covers the processing of ticket orders and varies based on the number of tickets purchased. Often around $5-10 per order.
- Facility charge – This goes to the venue to cover facility maintenance and operations. Generally around 10-20% of ticket price.
- Shipping fees – If tickets are mailed, charges apply for shipping and handling.
- Taxes and fees – Local taxes and jurisdiction fees are added on top of ticket prices.
With all these extra fees, a $50 base ticket could end up costing $75-$80 by the time you checkout on Ticketmaster. The exact fees charged will depend on the event, venue, and number of tickets purchased.
StubHub Fees
As a resale marketplace, StubHub connects buyers to resellers who are offloading event tickets. StubHub collects fees from both the buyer and seller sides of each transaction. Here are the main fees charged by StubHub:
- Service fee – Charged to sellers and typically 10-15% of the ticket sale price.
- Fulfillment fee – Charged to sellers to cover ticket delivery costs.
- Buyer fee – Around 10-20% fee charged to buyers on each ticket purchased.
- Shipping fees – If ticket delivery is required, shipping fees apply.
- Taxes and fees – Local taxes and jurisdiction fees are added onto orders.
Similar to Ticketmaster, the base cost of a ticket can increase substantially after StubHub tacks on their various service, fulfillment, and buyer fees. A $75 ticket could end up costing the buyer over $100 after all fees are included.
Comparing Fees
When deciding whether to buy from Ticketmaster or StubHub, one of the most important factors is the total fees charged. Here is a direct comparison of the fees buyers can expect to pay on each platform:
| Fee Type | Ticketmaster | StubHub |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | 10-20% of ticket price | Around 10-20% of ticket price |
| Order/Buyer fee | Fixed fee around $5-10 per order | 10-20% of each ticket price |
| Delivery fee | $2.50-12 for USPS shipping | $10-25 for UPS or FedEx |
| Taxes and fees | Varies by location | Varies by location |
As shown in the fee comparison table, both Ticketmaster and StubHub charge 10-20% service fees. StubHub tends to have higher buyer fees, while Ticketmaster delivery fees are generally cheaper for basic USPS shipping.
The total fees paid can also vary based on where the buyer is located. Some states like New York have strict limits on the fees Ticketmaster can charge, while other states have looser regulations.
Additional Factors Impacting Fees
In addition to the type of fees charged, there are several other factors that can impact the total fees paid by buyers on Ticketmaster and StubHub:
- Ticket demand – For very high demand events where tickets are scarce, both platforms may tack on higher service fees.
- Seller prices – Since StubHub is a resale marketplace, sellers can set their own ticket prices and fees charged to buyers will be a percentage of the sales price.
- Promotions – Occasional promotions can deduct a percentage off service fees on either platform. But these are not common.
- Memberships – Ticketmaster offers fan club memberships that provide access to presales and can sometimes reduce service fees.
The popularity and scarcity of the event tickets, as well as the individual prices set by resellers, contributes to the total fees paid by buyers on both platforms.
Are Ticketmaster or StubHub Fees Higher?
Based on a general fee structure comparison, StubHub tends to charge higher total service and processing fees to buyers compared to Ticketmaster. This is especially true when reseller ticket prices are high or in states that don’t cap Ticketmaster fees.
However, there are some cases where Ticketmaster could end up being more expensive:
- Shipping multiple tickets in one Ticketmaster order results in fewer total order fees.
- StubHub delivery fees are avoided when using instant download tickets.
- States like New York that limit Ticketmaster fees can make StubHub relatively more expensive.
When deciding between the two platforms, buyers should carefully compare the ticket listings and watch out for all the additional fees that will be added at checkout. Some tips include:
- Consider the base ticket prices on both sites before fees.
- Understand the different types of fees charged by each platform.
- Factor in delivery method costs.
- Check for any available promotions or discounts to reduce fees.
- Purchase tickets well in advance to get the lowest prices and fees.
While Ticketmaster and StubHub provide convenient ways to buy tickets online, the various tacked on fees can quickly increase the total cost for buyers. Carefully evaluating ticket listings and fees across both platforms can potentially save buyers money when purchasing tickets.
Conclusion
StubHub tends to charge higher total fees in most cases thanks to larger buyer fees that are a percentage of ticket prices set by resellers. However, Ticketmaster fees can also add up quickly for popular events and with multiple individual ticket orders. When deciding between the two platforms, buyers should compare the base ticket prices first, then closely evaluate the type and amount of fees added during the checkout process. While StubHub fees are usually higher, there are some cases where Ticketmaster ends up being more expensive, so buyers need to assess both options carefully.
