Buying tickets from Ticketmaster resale can seem like a convenient way to get tickets to sold out shows. However, there are some risks involved when purchasing resale tickets. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of using Ticketmaster resale and some tips for getting trustworthy tickets.
The Pros of Buying from Ticketmaster Resale
There are some potential benefits to using Ticketmaster resale:
- Access to tickets even when the event is sold out – Resale tickets give you a chance to buy tickets when the primary sale is sold out.
- Large selection of tickets – There is typically a large inventory of resale tickets across many events available on Ticketmaster.
- Established marketplace – Ticketmaster resale has been around for over 10 years as an established secondary ticket marketplace.
- Ticketmaster guarantees – Purchases come with Ticketmaster’s FanProtect Guarantee which provides protection in case issues come up.
- Mobile tickets – Resale tickets can be instantly downloaded via Ticketmaster’s mobile app for convenient access.
The Cons of Buying from Ticketmaster Resale
However, there are also some downsides to keep in mind:
- Higher prices – Resale tickets are almost always priced higher than face value since they are being resold.
- Extra fees – You’ll pay more in fees compared to primary market ticket fees.
- Restricted tickets – Some resale tickets have restrictions that limit how you can use them.
- Scams – There is a risk of buying fake or scam tickets from resellers.
- No seat selection – You often can’t pick exact seat locations with resale tickets.
Are the tickets legit?
One of the biggest concerns buyers have is whether Ticketmaster resale tickets are legitimate. There is always a risk of buying counterfeit or scam tickets from an unknown seller. However, there are a few protections in place on Ticketmaster resale:
- Verified tickets – Ticketmaster verifies the barcodes to ensure the tickets are valid and authentic.
- Screened sellers – Sellers have to be approved and have a valid US payment method before selling tickets.
- FanProtect Guarantee – Provides a full refund if tickets end up being invalid for any reason.
- Secure transfers – Tickets are directly transferred to buyers in a secure, encrypted way.
These measures help reduce the risk of fake tickets, but there’s no 100% guarantee when buying resale. Scrutinizing seller reviews and ratings can help avoid potential scams.
Are there hidden fees?
Ticketmaster resale tickets include more fees compared to primary market tickets. Here are the main fees to expect:
- Service fee – Around 25% of the ticket price as a service charge.
- Order processing fee – A flat per-order fee around $5.
- Delivery fee – For printed tickets delivered by mail if not using mobile entry.
- Seller fee – Up to 20% of the price goes to the seller.
All these fees are disclosed upfront during the checkout process, but it’s important to account for them in your budget. The convenience fees alone can add over 30% on top of the resale ticket prices.
Are the prices reasonable?
Resale ticket prices are almost always higher than face value – often over double the original price or more. Sellers can set their own prices based on demand. Here are some factors that influence resale price:
- How sold out the event is
- The original ticket prices
- Seat location – floor seats or front rows cost more
- Timing – prices tend to go up as the event nears
- The popularity of the event or performers
While prices can get very expensive for hot events, there are sometimes deals found on Ticketmaster resale as well. Being flexible on seat locations can help find better prices. But overall, expect to pay a premium compared to face value.
Can you choose your seats?
One downside of resale tickets is not being able to select your exact seat locations. Sellers may list sections or general areas, but the specific seats are only revealed after purchase. If your seats are important, here are a few tips:
- Filter for listings that show row and/or seat numbers.
- Message the seller to try and get seat details before buying.
- Buy aisle or front row seats which are more consistently located.
- Avoid partial view or obstructed seat listings.
Getting the exact seats you want is not guaranteed when buying resale. So if the seat map matters most, try seeking primary market tickets instead.
Can you resell the tickets?
Some event tickets bought on resale come with restrictions that prohibit reselling them again. This depends on the original issuer. Here are the most common resale restrictions:
- Non-transferable – Cannot be given or sold to someone else.
- Non-resale – Cannot be resold through a secondary marketplace.
- Paperless – Restricts how mobile tickets are transferred.
Ticketmaster will disclose any of these restrictions upfront before purchase. If you may need to resell the tickets later, avoid non-transferable listings.
Is Ticketmaster resale worth it?
Using Ticketmaster resale comes down to a risk vs. reward assessment. The main advantages are convenience and access to sold out events. But this comes at the cost of higher prices, fees, and restrictions in many cases. Here are some final tips on deciding if it’s worth it:
- Compare prices across other resale sites like StubHub.
- Weigh how important it is to secure tickets vs. saving money.
- Only buy from sellers with excellent ratings and reviews.
- Stick to ticket quantities you know you can use.
- Have realistic expectations around seat locations.
For hot shows where demand exceeds supply, Ticketmaster resale provides a relatively safe option for finding tickets. But flexibility around dates, seat locations, and budget can open up more possibilities for deals.
The Bottom Line
While not without risks, Ticketmaster resale provides an established secondary ticket marketplace to find tickets to sold out events. They take measures to reduce fraud and provide buyer guarantees. But the higher convenience fees and prices make it more of a premium option. With careful selection of reliable sellers and realistic expectations, fans can confidently use Ticketmaster resale to access hard-to-get tickets.