Can I cancel tickets I just bought on Ticketmaster?

Buying tickets to a concert, sports event, or show is always exciting, but sometimes plans change and you need to cancel your Ticketmaster order. Fortunately, Ticketmaster does allow you to cancel tickets you have purchased directly through their website. Here is what you need to know about canceling Ticketmaster tickets.

How to Cancel Ticketmaster Tickets

The process for canceling tickets on Ticketmaster is straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Log in to your Ticketmaster account and go to “My Account.”
2. Click on “Order History.”
3. Find the order with the tickets you want to cancel and click “Cancel Order.”
4. Select the tickets you want to cancel from your order.
5. Choose a reason for canceling. Options include:
   • Event was postponed/rescheduled
   • I can no longer attend
   • I purchased tickets by mistake
   • Other
6. Confirm that you want to cancel the selected tickets.

Ticketmaster will send you a cancellation email confirmation once the cancellation has been processed. Refunds may take 7-10 business days to process depending on your original method of payment.

Deadlines for Canceling Ticketmaster Tickets

To cancel Ticketmaster tickets, you’ll need to meet the cancellation deadline. Deadlines vary depending on the event type:

• Concerts: Typically 24-48 hours before the scheduled start time.
• Sporting Events: Varies by league. NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB games usually have a deadline 1 day before the event.
• Theater Shows: Typically 4-24 hours before showtime.
• Festivals: Often 7 days before the first day of the festival.

Once the cancellation deadline has passed, you can no longer cancel your Ticketmaster order online. You would need to contact Ticketmaster customer service and request a cancellation exception.

Are There Cancellation Fees?

In most cases, Ticketmaster does not charge fees for standard cancellations made before the deadline. However, some specific rules apply:

• If you chose UPS delivery for print-at-home tickets, you’ll be charged the $5 UPS fee even if canceling.
• A cancellation fee may apply for specialty, non-transferable tickets that have strict limitations.
• If an event restricts cancellations, there may be a 10-25% cancellation fee deducted from your refund.

Make sure to check your event’s cancellation policies closely so you are aware of any potential fees. Fees will be displayed during the cancellation process before you complete it.

Getting a Refund for Canceled Tickets

Getting your money back from canceled Ticketmaster tickets requires a refund being processed:

• Refunds go back to the original method of payment used to purchase the tickets.
• Debit/credit card refunds take 7-10 business days after cancellation.
• PayPal refunds are typically 5-7 business days.
• Cash refunds for retail locations take 20 business days.

Here is an overview of the typical Ticketmaster refunds timeframes:

If you have not received your refund after the specified timeframe, you will need to contact Ticketmaster customer support for assistance.

Transferring Your Tickets

Instead of canceling your Ticketmaster tickets, you may have the option to transfer them to someone else. Here is how it works:

• Listed Price Transfers: You can transfer tickets at the original listed ticket price, with the transferee paying you directly.
• Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange: Resell tickets at any price you want through Ticketmaster’s resale platform.
• Event Transfers: Some events permit free ticket transfers to a friend or family member.

Transferring tickets avoids cancellation fees and can allow you to recoup the cost of tickets if reselling. Just make sure transfers are permitted before considering this option.

Steps for Transferring Your Ticketmaster Tickets

If transfers are available, follow these steps to transfer your tickets via Ticketmaster:

1. Access your Ticketmaster account and find your order/tickets.
2. Select the transfer option (may be listed as Ticket Exchange).
3. Enter the recipient’s name, email address, and ticket details to transfer.
4. Follow the prompts to complete the transfer process.
5. The recipient will receive a ticket transfer email to accept the tickets.

Make sure your event allows transfers before going through these steps. There are no guarantees that all tickets can be transferred.

Selling Ticketmaster Tickets

If you cannot attend an event but still want to get money back from your tickets, reselling them is an option in many cases. Here are some tips for reselling Ticketmaster tickets:

• Use Ticketmaster’s Ticket Exchange resale platform to conveniently relist tickets.
• Season ticket holders may have special resale options through Ticketmaster.
• Research demand and current resale prices before listing tickets.
• Price tickets competitively based on similar listings to improve chances of selling.
• Transfer tickets immediately to the buyer upon selling to complete the transaction.

Reselling can take more effort than cancellation but lets you recoup costs. Make sure to understand all policies around reselling before utilizing this option.

Can You Cancel or Resell Resale Tickets?

If you purchased resale tickets on Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange, your options are limited:

• Resale tickets usually cannot be canceled or refunded, only resold again.
• Immediate transfers may be restricted, requiring the event to occur before transfer.
• All sales are final, so you must relist to recoup costs if unable to attend.

Carefully review the details before purchasing tickets from a resale listing, as policies can vary significantly from standard Ticketmaster tickets bought at face value prices.

Using Your Ticketmaster Ticket Insurance

Some Ticketmaster tickets include ticket insurance that allows enhanced cancellation, refunds, or rescheduling options. Features may include:

• Refunds for illness, travel issues, schedule conflicts, and more.
• Fully transferrable tickets with no restrictions.
• Extended cancellation and refund timeframes.
• Changes to event dates or times accommodated.

Ticket insurance costs a small fee but provides peace of mind for your purchase. Review your ticket to confirm if insurance was included during checkout.

Contacting Ticketmaster Customer Service for Help

If you have any trouble canceling, transferring, or reselling tickets through standard self-service options, you can contact Ticketmaster directly for assistance:

• Phone: +1 800-653-8000
• Email: [email protected]
• Live Chat: Available from the Ticketmaster website.

Customer service can guide you through any issues, including processing cancellations or refunds past deadlines when special circumstances apply. Provide as much detail as possible when you contact them.

Key Takeaways – Canceling and Managing Ticketmaster Tickets

Here are some key tips to recap when it comes to canceling, transferring, reselling, or managing Ticketmaster tickets:

• Act quickly to cancel tickets before the event cancellation deadline.
• Understand any cancellation fees that may apply.
• Allow time for refund processing based on original payment method.
• Consider transferring tickets to someone else to avoid fees.
• Reselling tickets takes effort but can help recoup costs.
• Resale ticket policies are very restrictive.
• Ticket insurance provides more flexible options.
• Contact customer service if you need cancellation assistance.

With the right information, you can successfully manage your Ticketmaster tickets. Carefully review all policies before making purchases to understand your rights as a ticket holder.

Conclusion

Ticketmaster provides several options for canceling, transferring, or reselling tickets if you can no longer attend an event. Make sure to act quickly before cancellation deadlines pass and understand any fees you may incur. Refund processing can take 7-10 business days or longer depending on your original payment method. Contact Ticketmaster customer service for help with any issues managing your tickets.