When it comes to buying Broadway tickets online, SeatGeek is one of the most popular options. However, many people wonder if SeatGeek is actually trustworthy and reliable for securing tickets to top Broadway shows. There are a few key factors to consider when evaluating SeatGeek for Broadway tickets.
What is SeatGeek?
SeatGeek is an online ticket marketplace that allows users to buy and sell tickets for sporting events, concerts, theater performances, and more. The site was launched in 2009 and has grown significantly over the past decade. SeatGeek does not actually own or sell tickets directly. Instead, it serves as a platform connecting buyers and third-party sellers. Sellers on SeatGeek can be ticket brokers, season ticket holders, or even just regular fans looking to sell an extra ticket.
How does SeatGeek work?
SeatGeek aims to provide a seamless ticket buying experience. Users can search for tickets using the site’s interactive maps to view seat locations and prices. Once a listing is selected, buyers can purchase tickets directly through SeatGeek using a credit card. SeatGeek charges buyers service and processing fees on top of the ticket price. Sellers pay a commission to SeatGeek for each ticket sold. After completing a transaction, e-tickets are transferred securely to the buyer’s account on SeatGeek.
What are the benefits of using SeatGeek?
There are several advantages to using SeatGeek for Broadway tickets:
Access to a large inventory
SeatGeek provides access to an extensive inventory of Broadway tickets. Millions of tickets are posted for sale through various sellers. This gives buyers more options to choose from, including some tickets that may not be available directly through official theater box offices.
Convenience
The entire ticket buying process can be completed online through SeatGeek. There is no need to go to the box office in person or call and wait on the phone. SeatGeek also allows buyers to easily compare listings and prices for particular shows.
Competitive pricing
SeatGeek tends to offer very competitive pricing on Broadway tickets. Dynamic pricing technology helps adjust prices based on current supply and demand. And professional brokers often list highly desirable tickets for popular shows. SeatGeek also incorporates booking fees upfront in listed prices for transparency.
Seating charts and views
SeatGeek provides interactive seating charts so buyers can preview the view from potential seats. For many theaters and shows, you can see an approximate view from listed sections or even individual seats before purchasing. This allows for a more informed ticket buying decision.
Secure transfers
Once a ticket purchase is completed, the e-tickets are securely transferred to the buyer’s account on SeatGeek. This ensures the tickets can be easily accessed via mobile device for entry at the theater. There is no risk of losing a paper ticket or having one stolen.
What are the potential risks of SeatGeek?
Despite the many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of when using SeatGeek for Broadway tickets:
Fraudulent sellers
Since any user can list tickets for sale on SeatGeek, there is a risk of dealing with fraudulent sellers. This is more likely an issue for very high demand, expensive tickets. SeatGeek does have measures in place to monitor sellers and activity on its marketplace. But occasional instances of counterfeit or invalid tickets do occur.
Hidden fees
Service fees, processing fees, and delivery fees are added onto most SeatGeek orders during checkout. These extra charges are not always apparent upfront in the listed ticket price. So the final cost ends up being higher than the initial price displayed. Buyers should be sure to account for about 20% in added fees.
No refunds
SeatGeek ticket sales are final in most cases without refunds. Buyers must be 100% certain of their ticket purchase. If an event is postponed or you can no longer attend, you will likely be stuck with the tickets ordered through SeatGeek. Exceptions are made very rarely for canceled events.
Less customer support
Customer service and support is more limited on SeatGeek compared to directly dealing with a theater box office. There are no phone agents to speak with. All communications go through email ticketing support, which generally takes 1-2 days to respond.
Is SeatGeek trustworthy?
Based on its overall business model and track record, SeatGeek is considered to be a legitimate and trustworthy platform for buying Broadway tickets in most cases. SeatGeek has served over 20 million customers since launching in 2009. The company has raised over $200 million in funding and is valued at over $1 billion. However, users should still exercise caution, especially when purchasing very expensive or high demand tickets.
Here are some key signs that indicate SeatGeek’s trustworthiness:
– SeatGeek is an accredited business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
– No major lawsuits or investigations into fraudulent practices.
– Backed by reputable investors like Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
– SeatGeek provides buyer guarantees on valid event tickets. Refunds are issued if invalid tickets are sold.
– Uses industry standard encryption technology to protect user data.
– Partnered with major event providers like MLS, NBA, and NCAA.
– Generally positive customer reviews on third party sites.
– Very high website traffic with 35 million monthly visitors.
Tips for safely buying Broadway tickets on SeatGeek
While SeatGeek takes measures to ensure valid ticket transactions, there are some best practices buyers should follow for an optimal experience:
– Carefully verify seller ratings and reviews before purchasing. Higher rated sellers are safer options.
– Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true compared to box office rates. This could indicate fraudulent tickets.
– Avoid buying tickets last minute. More time allows better vetting of sellers.
– Use buyer guarantees and purchase protection when available. This provides reimbursement if issues arise.
– Buy from sellers with a high sales volume, which indicates an established operation.
– Never pay sellers directly outside of SeatGeek’s secure checkout process.
– Double check ticket details to confirm they match exact event, date, seats etc.
– Download e-tickets to a mobile device soon after purchasing for safe keeping.
– Sign up for order updates and tracking information from SeatGeek.
– Contact SeatGeek support if any problems arise with an order.
Case studies on SeatGeek Broadway ticket experiences
Looking at real life examples can help illustrate if SeatGeek delivers as promised when purchasing Broadway tickets. Here are a few anecdotal case studies from SeatGeek customers:
Hamilton tickets
James needed 2 tickets to see Hamilton on Broadway. The box office was sold out for months. On SeatGeek, he found resell tickets in the mezzanine for $250 each. After fees, the total order was $540. The e-tickets transferred instantly after checkout. James was thrilled to see Hamilton from decent seats that would have been impossible to get otherwise.
The Lion King tickets
Lindsey bought 3 tickets to The Lion King musical for her kids’ birthday. She found aisle seats in the rear orchestra for $195 per ticket on SeatGeek. With fees, she paid $640 total. The delivery was quick and smooth. The kids loved seeing the show up close from such good seats.
Come From Away tickets
Tyler purchased 2 tickets to Come From Away on SeatGeek as an anniversary gift. He paid $120 per ticket plus fees for a total of $265. The tickets ended up being fake, showing as already scanned at the theater. SeatGeek provided a full refund after investigating since Tyler used buyer protection.
Book of Mormon tickets
Madison needed tickets to Book of Mormon but wanted to save money. She found listings on SeatGeek for just $50 per ticket. This was suspiciously cheap, but the seller had good reviews. She took a chance and purchased 2 tickets. Unfortunately, the tickets were fraudulent. SeatGeek refused a refund since Madison did not opt for buyer protection.
Is it better to buy Broadway tickets from SeatGeek or the box office?
The main trade-off between buying Broadway tickets on SeatGeek versus directly from the theater box office is access vs. reliability.
SeatGeek | Box Office | |
---|---|---|
Ticket availability | High availability even for sold out shows | Limited to current box office inventory |
Convenience | Purchase online anytime | Limited hours for phone/box office sales |
Price | Usually competitive prices, but added fees | Face value ticket prices |
Seat selection | View and choose exact ticket locations | Select seating categories only |
Reliability | Risk of fraudulent tickets from 3rd party sellers | Extremely reliable; no risk |
Buying directly from the Broadway box office is lower risk. But SeatGeek opens up access to sold out shows and specific high demand seats. For very popular shows that are sold out at the box office, SeatGeek becomes a more appealing option for buyers willing to accept a bit more uncertainty.
Conclusion
When used with proper precautions, SeatGeek provides a valuable marketplace for buying Broadway tickets with added access and convenience. There is some increased risk dealing with resellers compared to box offices. But SeatGeek has a generally positive reputation and track record overall. As long as you verify seller details, use buyer protections, and avoid deals that seem questionable, SeatGeek is typically a safe option for Broadway ticket purchases. Just bear in mind occasional issues can occur with any ticket reseller. With the right expectations set, SeatGeek is a decent choice for finding and buying tickets to sold out Broadway shows.