Getting tickets to popular concerts and events can be incredibly difficult these days. Many artists and promoters have started using “verified fan” presales to try to get tickets directly into the hands of their biggest supporters and cut down on scalpers buying up all the tickets. However, this has led some fans to wonder – can I still buy tickets if I’m not a verified fan?
What is a verified fan presale?
A verified fan presale allows artists and event promoters to vet ticket buyers before the general public sale. Fans must register ahead of time and prove that they are actual human fans of the artist, not resellers or bots. This is done through various identity checks, such as:
- Requiring a fan club login or artist website account
- Having fans link their social media accounts
- Entering a code from a previous purchase
- Completing a survey about the artist
Fans who successfully complete the verification process then get early access to purchase tickets through an exclusive presale before the general public onsale. This gives the biggest supporters first dibs on the best seats.
Promoters may hold back some of the best tickets entirely for verified fans to keep them out of the hands of scalpers looking to resell them at a huge markup.
Benefits of verified fan presales
Verified fan presales have become popular because they offer some big benefits:
- They help get tickets directly to real fans.
- They reduce opportunities for scalpers and bots.
- They give artists and promoters more control over the ticketing process.
- They reward loyal fans with early access.
- They generate buzz and hype before the onsale.
By vetting buyers, artists and promoters can ensure that more tickets go to fans who actually want to attend the event, rather than those just looking to resell them at a profit.
Downsides of verified fan presales
However, verified fan presales also come with some downsides:
- The verification process can be time consuming and exclude casual fans.
- Technical issues can prevent fans from completing verification.
- Not all tickets are held for verified fan presales.
- Resellers can still exploit the system once regular sales open up.
- Fans have to share more personal data for the verification checks.
The limited nature of presales also necessarily means some fans who want tickets may not be able to purchase them during this period.
Can you still buy tickets without verified fan access?
So this brings us back to the original question – can you still buy tickets even if you don’t have access to the verified fan presale?
The short answer is yes – you still have a chance at getting tickets even without going through the verified process. However, it may be more difficult.
Here are some key points on buying tickets without verified fan access:
- You’ll have to wait until the general public onsale date and time.
- You’ll be competing with all other fans and any scalpers/bots for the remaining tickets.
- The best tickets are likely to already be gone from the presales.
- For very high demand shows, you risk the event selling out completely.
- You can try waiting for possible re-releases later, but no guarantees.
- Premium tickets on resale sites may be your only option left.
So getting tickets in the public onsale will be harder than the presale, but not necessarily impossible if you’re persistent and strategic. Here are some tips:
Tips for buying tickets without verified fan access
- Be ready right at the onsale time with websites/apps loaded.
- Try for single seats rather than groups if you’re on your own.
- Check for seat release over time as holds expire.
- Don’t rule out obstructed view or high cost seats if you’re desperate.
- Consider VIP or fan club packages if available.
- Try calling the box office if you can’t get through online.
Following fan forums and social media can also provide tips on when and where tickets may be released in various sales. While harder, buying tickets without verified fan access is possible with preparation and persistence.
Should you try to get verified fan access?
Given the advantages verified fans have in getting the best tickets, it’s generally worth trying to get verified if you really want to attend an event that offers a presale. Here are some pros and cons of trying to get verified status:
Pros
- Earlier access to purchase tickets
- First pick of best available seats
- Fewer competing buyers in the sale
- May allow you to buy more tickets together
- Often better pricing before sellouts
Cons
- No guarantee you’ll get verified
- Verification can take time and effort
- Must share personal data for verification process
- Non-transferrable tickets if you can’t go
Overall, getting verified fan access gives you a big advantage and better odds of getting tickets. But it’s not required, so fans can choose if it’s worth the effort for certain events.
How does the verification process work?
If you do want that verified fan access, here is a quick rundown of how the verification process generally works:
- A registration period will be announced before the onsale.
- Fans sign up and provide info during the registration window.
- Artists and promoters vet registrants through various identity checks.
- Verified fans are identified and notified prior to the presale.
- Verified fans get a code or link to access the presale.
- The presale allows purchases before the general public onsale.
The key is registering during the set verification period in advance, which may be days or weeks before the actual ticket sale begins. Be sure to monitor the event and artist’s social media and mailing lists for announcements of when verification signups will open.
The identity checks to get verified vary, but commonly include:
- Linking existing fan club or artist website accounts.
- Providing personal info like your name, email, and phone number.
- Connecting social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter.
- Supplying partial payment info or prior ticket/merch purchase history.
- Agreeing to anti-scalping terms and conditions.
The process requires sharing more personal data, but that’s what allows promoters to vet buyers as real human fans before the presale.
Tips for getting verified fan status
Here are some top tips for successfully getting through the verification process:
- Sign up as soon as registration opens – don’t procrastinate.
- Make sure to complete all steps in the process accurately.
- Provide as much requested info as possible – more data helps verification.
- If you have an existing fan club account, use that to register.
- Link multiple social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Be sure to confirm any verification emails or codes you’re sent.
- Use the same device and internet connection throughout the process.
Essentially, the more identifiable info you can provide, the better your chances of proving you’re a real fan to unlock presale access. If you’re still having trouble getting verified, contacting the event promoter or fan support may help resolve any issues before it’s too late.
Dealing with failed verification
Some fans inevitably won’t be able to complete the verification process, for reasons like:
- Providing incorrect personal details
- Not confirming verification steps like emails
- Technical errors or glitches in the system
- Failed identity checks
If you end up falling into this unverified group, all is not necessarily lost:
- You can try contacting support to resolve verification issues.
- Additional presales may offer more chances.
- Keep trying if the artist holds regular verifications.
- Still try your luck in the general public onsale.
- Don’t rule out last minute tickets closer to the event.
While frustrating, fans who miss out on verification should still try all options to land seats. And you can learn from any issues to improve chances for future verifications.
Conclusion
In the world of modern ticketing, verified fan presales are becoming a huge part of getting the best seats to top concerts and live events. The verification process grants earlier access but requires sharing more personal data. It can take effort and good luck to become a verified fan.
However, tickets still go on sale to the general public after presales wrap up. So while non-verified fans are at a disadvantage, they aren’t completely out of luck. Persistence, preparation, and flexibility can help overcome the lack of presale access.
The best approach depends on your priorities and how badly you want to attend. Get verified if you want to maximize your chances. But don’t assume all hope is lost if you can’t get verified – where there are unsold seats, there’s still a chance.
