SeatGeek is an online ticket marketplace that allows users to buy and sell tickets for sporting events, concerts, theater shows, and more. One of the key things potential buyers wonder about when considering using SeatGeek is: are the fees too high?
In short: SeatGeek fees are competitive but not the absolute lowest possible. SeatGeek charges buyers transaction and delivery fees that typically add 10-15% to the base ticket price. This is fairly standard among major ticket resale marketplaces. However, some sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats offer lower fees in certain cases.
When examining SeatGeek fees specifically, there are a few key types:
SeatGeek Buyer Fees
– Delivery fee per ticket – This covers the costs of getting tickets to the buyer digitally or via mail. It ranges from $2-$12 per ticket depending on method.
– Service fee per ticket – This is SeatGeek’s commission on each ticket sale. It is typically 10-15% of the ticket price.
– Processing fee per order – A small fee applied per order that covers payment processing costs. It is usually under $5.
So on a $100 ticket, a SeatGeek user could expect to pay around $115-$125 total with fees included. The exact fees depend on delivery method chosen.
How do these SeatGeek fees compare to other ticket sites? Let’s take a look:
SeatGeek Fees vs. Other Ticket Sites
To see how SeatGeek fees measure up against other major ticket marketplaces, we’ll compare them across a few key categories:
Service Fees
Site | Typical Service Fee |
---|---|
SeatGeek | 10-15% of ticket price |
StubHub | 10-20% of ticket price |
Vivid Seats | 10-20% of ticket price |
Ticketmaster | Around 25% of ticket price |
TickPick | $5-10 per ticket |
When it comes to service fees, SeatGeek is very comparable to StubHub and Vivid Seats in charging 10-15% on average. Ticketmaster tends to be higher at around 25%, while TickPick stands out with flat per ticket fees.
Delivery Fees
Site | eTicket Delivery | Standard Mail | UPS Next Day |
---|---|---|---|
SeatGeek | $2.50 | $7.50 | $12 |
StubHub | $5.35 | $10.80 | $19.95 |
Vivid Seats | $2.49 | $14.99 | $29.99 |
Ticketmaster | Free | $19.75 | $24.75 |
TickPick | Free | $10.00 | $30.00 |
For delivery, SeatGeek tends to be very competitive, with $2.50 eTicket delivery and reasonable fees for expedited shipping. Vivid Seats has the cheapest eTicket delivery at $2.49, while TickPick and Ticketmaster stand out with free eTicket delivery.
Processing Fees
Most sites charge small processing fees per order to cover payment costs. These are typically under $5:
– SeatGeek – $3.95
– StubHub – $4.95
– Vivid Seats – $4.99
– Ticketmaster – $0-$3.95
– TickPick – None
TickPick is the only site that doesn’t charge an additional processing fee.
Tips for Saving on SeatGeek Fees
While SeatGeek fees are fairly average, here are some tips for buyers to minimize the fees and costs:
Use eTicket Delivery
Choose eTicket delivery instead of physical ticket shipping to save on delivery fees. eTickets can be accessed instantly online or via the SeatGeek app.
Buy Together to Save
Service fees are charged per ticket, so buyers can save by purchasing all tickets in one order instead of separately.
Compare All-In Pricing
Be sure to compare the total price including fees across sites. While fees vary, the all-in cost may be cheapest on a site with higher fees.
Use Discount Codes
Look for SeatGeek promo codes online which can help waive certain fees or provide discounts on the total order. Signing up for email lists can provide access to exclusive promos.
Buy Early and Avoid Surges
Last minute purchases often have much higher delivery fees as time is limited. Buy early to secure the lowest pricing.
Sell to Avoid Fees
Those with extra tickets can offset fees by reselling them. SeatGeek charges a 15% seller commission, which could still result in profit.
The Bottom Line on SeatGeek Fees
Overall, SeatGeek fees are fairly average and competitive in the ticket resale marketplace. For comparison:
– Service fees are 10-15%, on par with StubHub and Vivid Seats and lower than Ticketmaster.
– Delivery fees range from $2.50 to $12, generally competitive for eTickets and expedited shipping.
– Processing fees are under $5, again standard for major ticket marketplaces.
Savvy shoppers can minimize SeatGeek fees through reselling, promo codes, and other tips. But fees in the 10-15% range are typical when using any major secondary ticket provider. Those fees allow SeatGeek to provide buyer protections and convenient services.
So while not the absolute lowest, SeatGeek fees are reasonable given the features, inventory, and security provided. Buyers should focus on comparing all-in ticket prices to find the best deal. For many big events, SeatGeek remains a top option even with its fees.