Ticketmaster has long been one of the primary ways that people buy tickets for concerts, sports events, and other live entertainment. However, with service fees that can add 25% or more to every ticket, many fans are looking for alternative places to purchase tickets.
Why are Ticketmaster’s fees so high?
Ticketmaster charges fees to both the event host and the ticket buyer. These fees include:
- Facility charge – This goes to the venue hosting the event
- Service charge – This is Ticketmaster’s fee for providing the ticketing service
- Order processing fee
- Delivery fee for printed or mobile tickets
All these extra fees can quickly add up. For example, a $50 ticket can easily cost over $60 after including Ticketmaster’s charges.
Ticketmaster also has contracts with many venues and promoters that make them the exclusive ticket outlet for events. This lack of competition allows them to charge higher fees.
Are there other ways to buy tickets?
Yes! Here are some alternative places you can purchase tickets for live events:
The venue’s box office
Purchasing directly through the box office of the venue hosting the event is one way to avoid Ticketmaster. Many venues sell tickets onsite without the extra fees.
The downside is box offices usually only sell tickets for events at their specific venue. So it is less convenient if you want to buy tickets for multiple events at different locations.
Official event or band websites
Some bands, sports teams, and event promoters sell tickets directly through their official websites. This allows them to avoid third-party fees and pass on the savings to fans.
For example, the band Pearl Jam has long refused to use Ticketmaster and instead sells through their fan club and own website. Many NBA teams sell tickets directly through the team’s site as well.
Resellers and exchanges
There are a growing number of online ticket marketplaces that connect buyers and sellers directly. These include sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, RazorGator, and TicketsNow.
Many tickets on these sites are resells from season ticket holders and other fans who bought tickets and now want to sell them. This can provide more options for in-demand events.
However, some of these sites charge their own service fees. And for very popular events, tickets may be marked up significantly above face value.
Membership programs
Joining an artist or venue fan club can provide early access to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public. This improves your chances of getting a seat for hot shows.
There are also ticketing membership clubs like Qello that offer fee-free ticketing benefits if you pay their annual subscription cost. This could save money versus Ticketmaster fees if you attend enough events.
Pros and cons of Ticketmaster alternatives
| Ticket Provider | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Box Office | – No extra fees – Support local venues |
– Inconvenient for multiple events – May have limited hours |
| Band/Team Website | – Avoid fees – Easier for loyal fans |
– Limited to specific artists/teams |
| Resellers | – Wider selection – Flexible transfers |
– Fees may still apply – Risk of counterfeit tickets |
| Memberships | – Early access – No fees |
– Annual costs – Limited events |
Are Ticketmaster alternatives reliable and safe?
Purchasing tickets from a source besides Ticketmaster comes with some risks to weigh.
Lack of guarantees
Ticketmaster provides guarantees on tickets purchased through them, so you know you’ll get a replacement if there’s an issue. Third-party sellers may not provide the same protections.
Missing out on tickets
Using alternative sellers could mean missing out on shows that sell out quickly, especially if you don’t have access right when tickets initially go on sale.
Counterfeit tickets
There is always a risk of getting scammed with fake or duplicate tickets from resellers. Be sure to only buy from reputable sources.
Non-transferable tickets
Tickets from fan clubs or resellers may come with restrictions that prohibit reselling or transferring them again.
Tips for buying tickets outside of Ticketmaster
Here are some tips to follow to get the best deals and avoid issues when purchasing tickets without Ticketmaster:
- Join fan clubs and email lists for presale ticket access
- Be ready right when tickets go on sale for the fast-selling shows
- Compare fees across multiple sites to get the best deal
- Only buy from trusted sellers with guarantees and buyer protection
- Check ticket transfer policies before reselling tickets
- Use payment methods like PayPal that offer purchase protection
- Confirm the tickets are valid directly through the venue
- Allow enough time for tickets to be mailed if not electronic
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster still dominates much of the primary event ticketing industry, fans do have alternative options to purchase tickets while avoiding high fees.
Direct sales through the box office, official websites, fan clubs, and ticket exchanges can provide cheaper and often more reliable ways to get seats to your favorite shows and events.
Just be aware of the potential risks like lack of guarantees, ticket scarcity, and counterfeits when buying outside of Ticketmaster. But with some savvy shopping, you can find deals on concert, sports, and other entertainment tickets without paying Ticketmaster’s premium prices.
