Yes, in some cases it is possible to take tickets off resale on Ticketmaster. However, there are a few key factors that determine whether or not this is allowed. Keep reading for a quick overview of the process and requirements for removing tickets from resale on Ticketmaster.
How Resale Ticketing Works on Ticketmaster
First it’s important to understand how Ticketmaster’s resale platform works. Ticketmaster has an official resale marketplace where fans can resell tickets they can no longer use. Sellers list their tickets for sale at the price they want. Buyers can then purchase the resale tickets through Ticketmaster instead of dealing with scalpers or unofficial resale sites.
So when you list a ticket for resale on Ticketmaster, you are essentially transferring the rights to that ticket over to a new buyer through Ticketmaster’s system. The original ticket is invalidated and the buyer receives a new ticket that is now in their name and tied to their Ticketmaster account.
Requirements for Removing Tickets from Resale
Because of how Ticketmaster’s resale system works, there are restrictions in place for removing tickets from resale once they are listed.
The main requirements are:
- Tickets can only be removed if they have not yet been purchased by another fan
- There are limited timeframes before the event where you can remove tickets
- Fees may apply to remove and relist tickets
So you cannot simply remove tickets from resale at any time if they do not sell. Ticketmaster put these rules in place to protect buyers who have already purchased resale tickets.
How to Remove Tickets from Resale
If you meet the requirements, here are the steps to take tickets off resale on Ticketmaster:
- Sign into your Ticketmaster account
- Go to the Sell section
- Find the listing for the tickets you want to remove
- Select the option to “Withdraw from sale”
- Confirm you want to remove the tickets
The tickets will then be removed from resale and put back in your account. However, there will likely be a fee you have to pay for removing and relisting the tickets. This is to cover Ticketmaster’s costs.
Key Tips
- Act quickly if you want to remove tickets. There is usually only a short 1-2 week time period after listing them where you can withdraw them.
- Be aware you will have to pay a relisting fee that is often close to the original selling fee. So removing tickets comes at a cost.
- Always check the specific removal deadlines for your event. Each event has its own cutoff date where removals are no longer allowed.
- If tickets are removed too close to the event, buyers may not receive a refund of their fees which can lead to complaints.
Alternatives to Removing Tickets
Instead of removing tickets from resale, you may want to consider:
- Simply lowering the price if tickets are not selling. This avoids fees for removing and relisting.
- Gifting tickets to friends and family if you can no longer attend.
- Donating tickets to charity so they can be used by those less fortunate.
Removing and relisting tickets should be a last resort. Only use this option if you have no other choice and meet Ticketmaster’s requirements.
The Benefits of Selling on Ticketmaster Resale
Despite some of the hassle of removing tickets, there are significant benefits to using Ticketmaster’s resale platform:
- It is an official marketplace approved by venues and artists.
- You can recoup costs by setting your own prices.
- Tickets are verified and delivered securely to buyers.
- The marketplace has high visibility to millions of potential buyers.
So in most cases, it is worthwhile to relist tickets at a lower price rather than remove them completely from the marketplace.
Common Questions
What are the fees to remove tickets from resale?
Fees can vary, but are typically about 10-20% of the ticket’s resale price. There will also be a new seller fee when relisting the tickets.
Can tickets be removed right before an event starts?
No, there is usually a cut off 1-3 days before the event where removals are no longer allowed. This helps ensure buyers have time to receive the tickets.
What if my tickets already sold on resale?
If your tickets sold to another fan, you cannot remove them. The buyer is now the legitimate owner of the tickets and you would have to repurchase tickets if you wanted to attend the event.
Will I get a refund if I remove tickets?
No, you will not get a refund of any fees paid when originally listing the tickets. You will also have to pay additional fees to relist the tickets for resale again.
Conclusion
While Ticketmaster does allow fans to remove tickets from resale under certain conditions, there are often significant fees and restrictions involved. It is usually better to relist or gift tickets instead of removing them completely. But in limited cases where a fan meets the requirements and has no other options, Ticketmaster does provide the ability to take tickets off resale before they are purchased.