Someone else can use your Ticketmaster tickets if you are unable to attend the event yourself. However, there are some important factors to consider when transferring or selling your tickets to ensure a smooth process.
Understanding the ticket policies
Before transferring tickets, it’s crucial to check the specific ticket policies for the event. Most tickets issued by Ticketmaster allow transfer to another person, but some may have restrictions. For example, some tickets cannot be resold above face value or can only be transferred to certain people. Review the fine print when purchasing tickets to understand the transfer rules.
For resale tickets purchased on a marketplace like Ticketmaster Resale, the policies may differ from the original tickets. Carefully check policies before reselling those tickets.
Using Ticketmaster’s official ticket transfer
The safest way to transfer Ticketmaster tickets is by using their official ticket transfer process on their website or mobile app. This allows you to securely change the ticket ownership and send the tickets directly to the recipient’s Ticketmaster account.
To transfer tickets this way, you will need to have the recipient’s email address or mobile number associated with their Ticketmaster account. There is typically no fee for standard digital ticket transfers.
The main benefits of using Ticketmaster’s transfer system are:
- Easy and secure way to update ticket ownership
- Avoid risks of duplicated barcodes or fraud
- Let’s you add the recipient’s name to the ticket
- Sends the ticket directly to recipient’s account
Transferring paper tickets
For events with paper tickets, you will need to physically hand over the printed ticket to the person you want to give it to. This is the only way for them to legally gain entry with a paper ticket in your name.
Before handing over the ticket, sign your name on the back in the designated area so the new holder can sign it as well. Make sure your signature or name does not cover up the barcode.
The main downsides of paper ticket transfers are:
- No way to electronically transfer ownership
- Risk of lost or stolen tickets
- May need to meet in person for exchange
Reselling tickets on a marketplace
Instead of directly transferring to someone you know, you can resell your tickets on a trusted secondary ticket marketplace like Ticketmaster Resale or StubHub.
Reselling through these marketplaces allows you to list your ticket for sale at a price you set. Once it sells, the marketplace will facilitate transfer of funds and tickets securely.
If reselling, be aware of:
- Applicable ticket resale policies and price caps
- The marketplace’s selling fees
- Delivery method for transferred tickets
- Deadline for reselling tickets on the marketplace
Can you sell tickets on Craigslist, Facebook, eBay?
It’s generally not recommended to resell tickets on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or directly between individuals. These methods come with a much higher risk of fraud, wasted time, or prohibited resale activity.
For example, someone could sell you an already used barcode or duplicate the barcode to sell it multiple times. Or the tickets could be fake or reported lost/stolen, leaving you unable to use them. There is also no recourse with peer-to-peer sales if something goes wrong.
Stick to trusted marketplaces designed specifically for ticket resale for a smooth, secure experience.
Transferring tickets as gifts
It’s common for people to purchase event tickets as gifts for others, like family, friends, clients, employees, etc. As the original ticket purchaser, you have a few options for getting the ticket to the gift recipient:
- Transfer to them via Ticketmaster if you have their account info
- Print out and mail paper tickets to them
- Print and physically give them the paper tickets
- Go with them to the event and bring the tickets
If surprised them with last minute tickets, you may need to go with them or meet up to transfer paper tickets. For gifts well in advance, use Ticketmaster’s transfer tools or mail them paper tickets.
Can you transfer tickets already in your Apple Wallet?
If you have Ticketmaster tickets loaded into your Apple Wallet on your iPhone, you can seamlessly transfer them to someone else with an iPhone.
Open the Wallet app, select the event ticket, tap the “Transfer Ticket” option, and choose how you want to transfer – via iMessage, AirDrop, etc. This will instantly beam the ticket barcode securely to their Apple Wallet.
This Apple Wallet transfer process works great for last minute transfers since it’s so fast and convenient. But for non-iPhone users, you’ll need to use Ticketmaster’s transfer tools online.
What to do if you can no longer attend an event
If you can no longer go to an event you have tickets for, you have several options:
- Transfer or resell your tickets – Either directly via Ticketmaster or on a resale marketplace. This allows you to get some money back.
- Give tickets to friend or family member – Ideal if you know someone who wanted to go to the event too.
- Donate tickets – Some events work with charities to accept donated tickets.
- Absorb the loss – If restricted tickets, you may have no choice but to eat the cost.
Ideally, begin the transfer or resale process as soon as you know you can’t attend. The sooner the better to improve chances of selling or transferring the tickets.
Can you get a refund for transferred tickets?
Once tickets have been officially transferred to someone else, the original ticket purchaser can no longer get a refund from Ticketmaster. All sales are final.
However, if the tickets have not been transferred yet, refunds and exchanges may be possible depending on the original ticket terms and timeframes. Act quickly if you need a refund.
For resold tickets, refunds and exchanges are generally not possible either. The buyer would need to relist the tickets for resale themselves if they can no longer attend.
Protecting yourself from ticket scams
To avoid ticket scams when giving away or selling your tickets, always follow best practices:
- Carefully review ticket resale marketplaces and only use trusted platforms
- Meet in person when transferring paper tickets to validate legitimacy
- Never send money to someone via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, etc. for tickets
- Only send tickets after receiving verified payment when reselling
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
As long as you use authorized resale platforms and exercise caution, you can securely allow someone else to use your Ticketmaster tickets if needed.