Selling tickets to concerts and sporting events is common practice for many fans who can no longer attend an event. However, there are some important legal and ethical factors to consider when reselling tickets, especially for high-profile artists like Bruce Springsteen.
Is it legal to resell tickets?
In most states, reselling tickets is legal as long as the seller does not exceed the face value price of the ticket. However, some states have laws restricting how much a ticket can be resold for. For example, in New Jersey, where Bruce Springsteen often performs, it is illegal to resell tickets for more than 20% above face value. Sellers found exceeding this cap may face civil penalties.
There are some exceptions. Tickets obtained through fan clubs, presales, or other privileged access are sometimes subject to more restrictive resale policies. Artists like Bruce Springsteen sometimes require the original purchaser to attend the event and forbid transfer of ownership. Reselling these non-transferable tickets would be illegal.
Does the ticket platform matter?
The platform used to resell tickets may impact legality and restrictions. For example:
- StubHub and other resale marketplaces generally allow legal resales in accordance with state laws.
- Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and other direct resale platforms are unregulated, so sellers must understand applicable state laws.
- Reselling tickets via email or directly in person has fewer safeguards and may be high-risk.
Bruce Springsteen tickets sold through major marketplaces like StubHub are likely to comply with applicable state laws capping resale prices. However, some concert promoters and teams are cracking down on resale through unapproved platforms, so check the original ticket terms.
Are there ethical concerns?
Even if reselling tickets is legal, some people view buying tickets solely to resell at a higher price as unethical. Known as scalping, excessive markups on popular events like Bruce Springsteen concerts frustrate fans. Ethical sellers consider only modest price increases to cover their costs.
Another ethical concern is scamming buyers with invalid or duplicated tickets. Only reselling valid tickets obtained directly from the venue demonstrates good faith.
Bruce Springsteen himself has expressed disdain for scalping practices. Fans may want to respect the artist’s wishes by reselling responsibly and transparently.
How can I resell Bruce Springsteen tickets responsibly?
Here are some tips for ethically reselling Bruce Springsteen tickets:
- Review the original ticket terms and verify resale is allowed. Tickets may be non-transferable.
- Research state laws capping resale prices, usually around 10-20% above face value.
- Sell through reputable marketplaces like StubHub that provide buyer protections.
- Disclose and justify your reasonable markup transparently to buyers.
- Consider egregious markups unethical, especially for loyal fans.
- Ensure your tickets are valid and traceable back to the venue.
Are there risks to reselling tickets?
There are some risks to consider when reselling event tickets:
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| State laws | Violating state laws on ticket resale may result in civil penalties. |
| Venue policies | Resale may violate the original ticket terms set by the venue or artist. |
| Scams | Fake or duplicated tickets defraud buyers. |
| Non-transferable tickets | Restricted tickets could be canceled if resold. |
Mitigate these risks by thoroughly researching applicable laws, platform policies, and the specific Bruce Springsteen ticket terms. Choose reputable resale platforms and demonstrate good faith in all transactions.
What alternatives exist besides reselling tickets?
Instead of reselling Bruce Springsteen tickets, consider:
- Returning tickets – Many primary sellers allow returns for a limited time, perhaps for a fee.
- Gifting tickets – Give tickets freely to friends or relatives to avoid resale laws and ethics.
- Donating tickets – Charitable organizations may accept ticket donations and provide tax benefits.
- Contesting non-transferability – Venues sometimes relax non-transferable ticket rules if contacted.
- Absorbing the loss – Reselling is not always feasible or ethical, so eat the cost.
For high-demand events like Bruce Springsteen concerts, reselling tickets can be complex. But fans unable to attend have options that are legal and consider what’s best for both the artist and the fan community.
Conclusion
Reselling event tickets is common but sometimes legally and ethically questionable. Bruce Springsteen ticket holders should thoroughly research state laws, original ticket terms, and resale platform policies before posting tickets for sale. Price gouging and invalid tickets are particularly problematic. Responsible resellers transparently charge modest markups, use trustworthy platforms, and consider fan interests alongside their own.
