Many event ticket sellers find themselves wondering if they can list tickets on multiple resale platforms simultaneously. Specifically, sellers often ask if they can list the same tickets on both StubHub and Ticketmaster at the same time. The short answer is yes, sellers can list their tickets for sale on StubHub and Ticketmaster concurrently. However, there are some important factors to consider when listing tickets on multiple platforms.
How StubHub and Ticketmaster Work
To understand the implications of dual listing, it helps to first look at how StubHub and Ticketmaster function as ticket resale marketplaces.
StubHub was founded in 2000 as an online marketplace for event tickets. Sellers can list tickets for sale and buyers can purchase tickets directly through the StubHub website or mobile app. StubHub charges sellers both a listing fee to post tickets and a commission on each ticket sold. Buyers pay the ticket price and any applicable fees at checkout.
Ticketmaster is an event ticketing company that also facilitates ticket resale through its Ticketmaster Resale (TMR) platform. Sellers can list tickets on TMR and Ticketmaster handles the transfer of tickets from seller to buyer and processes payments. Like StubHub, Ticketmaster charges sellers a fee to list tickets as well as a commission when tickets are sold.
Both StubHub and Ticketmaster act as intermediaries between ticket buyers and sellers. Neither takes ownership or possession of tickets. The seller retains the tickets until they are sold and then must deliver them to the buyer, either electronically or physically.
Is Dual Listing Allowed?
There are no rules prohibiting a seller from listing the same tickets on both StubHub and Ticketmaster at the same time. However, each platform’s terms and conditions require sellers to list tickets they actually own and have the right to resell.
StubHub’s user agreement states that sellers must have “possession of valid, authentic tickets” they list for sale. Similarly, Ticketmaster requires sellers to warrant that they have “full authority to sell” any tickets listed.
Therefore, dual listing is permitted as long as the seller legitimately owns and has possession of the tickets being listed on both marketplaces. The seller should also ensure they can fulfill ticket orders from either platform.
Benefits of Listing on Multiple Marketplaces
There are some potential advantages for sellers listing tickets on both StubHub and Ticketmaster simultaneously:
- Increased exposure – Listing on two platforms can expose your ticket listings to a larger pool of potential buyers.
- Maximized sale price – Sellers can monitor both sites and sell tickets to buyers willing to pay the highest price.
- Faster sales – With tickets available on two marketplaces, they may sell more quickly.
- Mitigated risk – If one site experiences technical issues, the tickets are still listed for sale on the other.
Essentially, dual listing provides sellers the opportunity to maximize profits and liquidity.
Risks of Listing on Multiple Marketplaces
However, there are also some risks to consider when listing tickets on both StubHub and Ticketmaster:
- Overselling – Sellers run the risk of selling the same tickets on both sites and then being unable to fulfill both orders.
- High fees – Sellers pay listing fees and final value commissions to both marketplaces, eating into profits.
- Logistical challenges – Managing ticket listings and orders across two accounts can be complicated and time consuming.
- Account suspension – If a seller fails to deliver tickets sold, either StubHub or Ticketmaster could suspend the seller’s account.
To mitigate these risks, sellers need to closely track all ticket listings and sales activity across both accounts. Manual processes and spreadsheets are prone to mistakes, so sellers should use listing management software to synchronize inventory across multiple channels.
Best Practices for Dual Listing
Follow these best practices for successfully listing tickets on both StubHub and Ticketmaster concurrently:
Use listing management software
As mentioned above, manually tracking dual listings is difficult and error-prone. Specialized software seamlessly posts and updates listings across multiple marketplaces. Software also prevents overselling by keeping real-time inventory counts. Popular listing management tools include TicketManager Pro and Listing Power.
Communicate before finalizing sales
If receiving an order on one marketplace, immediately end or pause the listings on the other prior to finalizing the sale. This prevents the tickets from selling twice. Both StubHub and Ticketmaster allow sellers to communicate with buyers through their platforms.
Understand ticket transfer timelines
Make sure you can deliver either electronic or paper tickets to buyers within the required timeframes. StubHub mandates electronic ticket delivery within three hours. Ticketmaster expects ticket transfers within two hours.
Closely track fees and payouts
To maximize profit margins, diligently monitor the fees charged and payouts issued by each platform. Make sure both sites are remitting the expected amounts.
Provide excellent customer service
Respond promptly if any issues arise with buyers on either marketplace. This helps avoid complaints or poor reviews that could get your accounts suspended. Offering great service also builds your reputation with buyers.
Is Dual Listing Right for You?
Listing your tickets for sale on both StubHub and Ticketmaster simultaneously can be extremely effective, but also adds complexity. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to decide if dual listing aligns with your business objectives and resource constraints. Many high-volume ticket sellers utilize multiple platforms, but smaller sellers may prefer to focus on just one marketplace.
Conclusion
Sellers are permitted to list event tickets for sale on both StubHub and Ticketmaster at the same time. Doing so expands your access to potential buyers, but also creates logistical challenges. With proper preparation and the right tools, dual listing can help maximize profits and sales velocity. But overextending resources across multiple marketplaces can be counterproductive. Assess your own business capabilities and resource capacity to determine if pursuing a dual listing strategy is right for your situation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Increased exposure to buyers | Higher total fees paid |
| Faster sales | Logistical complexity |
| Maximized sales price | Risk of overselling |
| Mitigates risk | Account suspension risk |
Key Takeaways
- Sellers can list the same tickets concurrently on StubHub and Ticketmaster if they own and possess the tickets.
- Benefits include greater liquidity and higher sales prices, but there are also risks like overselling.
- Tight inventory management across both accounts is crucial when dual listing.
- Listing management software helps automate the dual listing process.
- Weigh the pros and cons before pursuing a dual listing strategy.
