Ticketmaster’s verified fan program has become an increasingly popular way for fans to get access to tickets for high-demand concerts and events. The system requires fans to register ahead of time and get verified before having the chance to buy tickets. This is meant to give more power to actual fans rather than scalpers and bots. But it raises the question – once you have Ticketmaster verified fan tickets, can you resell them?
The short answer
In most cases, Ticketmaster sets strict limits on verified fan tickets to prevent unauthorized resales. Typically, the tickets will be non-transferable and you will need the original purchaser’s credit card and ID to enter the event. However, some events do allow limited resales through Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan ticket exchange. The exact resale policy depends on the event promoter.
Ticketmaster’s stance on resale
Ticketmaster has created the verified fan system specifically to cut down on unauthorized ticket resales. Their website states:
“Verified Fan ticket limits are strictly enforced – tickets are non-transferable and if you are unable to attend the event, any refunded tickets will go back into the Verified Fan allotment for other registered fans to purchase instead of ending up in the hands of brokers or others not intended to have the tickets.”
With most verified events, the tickets are tied to the purchaser’s name and cannot be resold privately. Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan ticket exchange is the only authorized way for some limited resales to occur.
Limits enforced at entry to the event
To prevent unauthorized ticket transfers, Ticketmaster typically requires the following to enter a verified fan event:
- The original credit card used to purchase the tickets
- Photo ID matching the ticket purchaser’s name
- The original ticket purchaser must be present
If you want to transfer or sell your Ticketmaster verified tickets, you will run into problems at the venue entrance unless the event specifically allows resales and transfers.
Exceptions for Ticketmaster fan-to-fan resale
While strict no-resale policies are the norm, some event organizers do permit limited resales to occur. This is done through Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan ticket exchange, allowing verified ticket holders to relist their tickets.
The tickets can only be resold for their original price – no markups allowed. There may also be a cap on how many tickets each person can resell, often just a single ticket. All resales are subject to additional fees.
This type of controlled, limited resale through Ticketmaster provides a middle ground. It offers fans some flexibility if their plans change while still restricting mass resales.
How fan-to-fan resale works
If fan-to-fan resale is enabled, Ticketmaster will provide a window of time when verified tickets can be resold. Here is how it works:
- The verified ticket purchaser logs into their Ticketmaster account and selects the tickets they want to relist.
- The tickets are posted for resale at their original price on Ticketmaster’s exchange.
- Other verified fans for the event can log in and purchase the resale tickets.
- The seller is reissued the credit for their tickets, minus a resale service fee.
There are no guarantees that resale tickets will find buyers. Unsold tickets are refunded to the seller shortly before the event. The tickets are then made available to other verified fans.
Policies depend on the event organizer
While Ticketmaster provides the verified fan and ticket exchange platforms, individual event organizers decide on what resale restrictions to put in place. Policies can vary greatly between different concerts, sports events, and festivals.
Some organizers prohibit all resales – meaning tickets are 100% non-transferable. Others permit limited resales through the official Ticketmaster exchange. The only way to know the specific policies is to check the details when registering for ticket sales.
Tips for buying verified fan resale tickets
If you are looking to purchase verified fan tickets through Ticketmaster’s exchange, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure to register as a verified fan when the event initially goes on sale. This is required to qualify for any potential resales later.
- Regularly check the Ticketmaster site leading up to the event to look for resale listings.
- Be ready to buy immediately once tickets are posted since they go quickly.
- Double-check the delivery method and make sure you can receive mobile tickets if those are issued.
Risks of unauthorized resales
While the limited resales through Ticketmaster’s fan exchange are permitted, any unauthorized transfers come with major risks, such as:
- Ticketholders being denied entry: The new ticket holder’s ID and credit card won’t match the original purchase, so they can be turned away at the door.
- Cancelation and blacklisting: Ticketmaster can cancel tickets suspected of being resold and blacklist the accounts involved from future sales.
- Being defrauded: There is little recourse if an unauthorized resale ends up being a scam.
Event organizers and Ticketmaster take unauthorized resales very seriously. The verified fan system is designed specifically to cut down on this practice. Before reselling any verified tickets, carefully check the official transfer policies.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that Ticketmaster verified fan tickets are meant to be non-transferable in most cases. While some limited resales may be permitted through Ticketmaster’s official exchange, buyers and sellers need to be aware of the strict restrictions in place.
Attempting to resell or transfer verified fan tickets through unauthorized channels is extremely risky and will likely result in cancelations, blacklisting, or being denied entry. The only safe way is to check for approved resale windows and stick to Ticketmaster’s official process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sell Ticketmaster verified fan tickets?
In most cases, no. Ticketmaster’s verified fan tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold privately. Some events do allow limited resales through Ticketmaster’s official fan-to-fan exchange, but private resales are typically prohibited.
What happens if you resell a Ticketmaster verified fan ticket?
If you resell verified fan tickets through unauthorized channels, Ticketmaster will likely cancel the tickets and ban the accounts involved. The new ticket holder may also be denied entry to the event since their ID won’t match the original purchaser.
Can you transfer a Ticketmaster verified fan ticket?
No, verified fan tickets cannot be privately transferred or given to someone else. The only authorized transfers occur through Ticketmaster’s official ticket exchange, and those are only permitted at select events. For most events, tickets are fully non-transferable.
What if I can no longer attend a Ticketmaster verified fan event?
If you can no longer attend, you will need to request a refund through Ticketmaster. Your tickets will be refunded and then made available to other verified fans, not resold. If the event allows limited resales, you may be able to relist your tickets through the official Ticketmaster exchange.
Is reselling Ticketmaster verified fan tickets illegal?
It is not necessarily illegal, but it does violate Ticketmaster’s terms of service. If you resell verified tickets through unauthorized channels, Ticketmaster can cancel your tickets, ban you from future sales, and deny entry to the ticket holders. So there are major deterrents in place.
What if I bought a resold verified fan ticket unknowingly?
If you purchase a resold verified fan ticket from an unauthorized source, you risk being turned away at the door and losing the money spent. Ticketmaster is unlikely to make exceptions since these resales go directly against their policy.
Can you sell Ticketmaster verified fan tickets on Stubhub?
No, reselling Ticketmaster verified fan tickets on secondary sites like Stubhub is not permitted and risky. These unauthorized resales often result in cancelations. Only Ticketmaster’s official ticket exchange allows some events to be resold.
What if I need to change the name on my Ticketmaster verified fan tickets?
You cannot change the name on verified tickets, as they are tied specifically to the original purchaser. Some events do allow you to fully transfer ownership through the Ticketmaster ticket exchange, but name changes are not possible.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s verified fan ticket system is designed to get tickets directly to the fans who want to attend events, not scalpers and resellers. As a result, strict no-transfer policies are usually in place. Before assuming you can resell or transfer verified fan tickets, check the event’s official resale policy. Limited exchanges may be permitted, but private resales come with major risks and should be avoided.