This is a common question for people purchasing tickets to events that have a will call ticket option. Will call tickets allow purchasers to pick up their tickets at the venue box office on the day of the event, rather than having them shipped ahead of time. This provides convenience and security. However, it also leads to the question – can I transfer my will call ticket to someone else if I can’t attend the event?
What are will call tickets?
Will call tickets, sometimes also called “hold at the door” tickets, are event tickets that are held for pickup at the venue’s box office on the day of the event. Rather than being printed and mailed to the purchaser ahead of time, the tickets are left at will call under the purchaser’s name. To pick them up, the purchaser just needs to show a photo ID matching the name the tickets were purchased under. Will call tickets became popular before electronic ticketing, when paper tickets needed to be physically delivered. Today, they are still used when:
- The purchaser wants added security of not having the tickets mailed.
- The event is coming up soon and there is not enough time for standard shipping.
- The purchaser is local and can easily pick up the tickets.
- The event requires strict ID checks or wristbands to be handed out.
Will call provides convenience for local attendees and security against lost or stolen tickets being used fraudulently. However, it also means the purchaser must be the one to pick up the tickets in person on the day of the show.
Can will call tickets be transferred to someone else?
Whether will call tickets can be transferred to another person depends on the policies of the event organizer or ticketing platform used. There are a few common policies:
- Non-transferable – The most restrictive policy is making will call tickets completely non-transferable. The tickets will only be released to the original purchaser with matching photo ID. This ensures security but provides no flexibility if the purchaser cannot attend.
- Transferable with notification – Many event organizers allow ticket transfers but require advanced notification. The original purchaser will need to contact the box office and provide the name of the person picking up the tickets instead. Proper identification still will be required.
- Fully transferable – Some events allow will call tickets to be picked up by anyone, with just the confirmation number rather than an ID check. This provides the most flexibility but less security around fraudulent use.
If tickets are non-transferable, the original purchaser has no option but to attend themselves or forfeit the tickets. Transferable policies allow giving them to someone else, but a process must be followed and restrictions may still apply.
Notifying event organizers of a ticket transfer
If an event has a transferable will call policy, you will need to notify them of passing your tickets to someone else. Here are some tips for making the transfer smoothly:
- Check the event or ticket seller’s website for instructions on transferring tickets. There may be a form to fill out or a phone number to call.
- Have the original order confirmation number and your reference number ready.
- Know the first and last name of the person you are transferring tickets to. They will need to bring valid photo ID.
- Notify the box office at least 24 hours in advance, if possible.
- Follow up with the recipient to ensure they can pick up the tickets you transferred.
Giving the box office lead time on transfers helps them lookup the tickets and enter the new person’s name for will call pickup. Confirming with both the box office and recipient also reduces confusion. Make sure to communicate clearly so your extra tickets do not go unused!
Selling will call tickets
If you purchased will call tickets but can no longer attend, you may want to sell them. Again, transferability depends on the event policies. There are a few options for selling will call tickets:
- Sell locally – List the tickets on a local classifieds site and arrange to meet the buyer at the venue to transfer tickets. Only do this if permitted.
- Use a resale marketplace – List the tickets on a secure resale platform. When they sell, change the pickup name to the buyer through the box office.
- List without transferring – List the tickets but require buyers pick them up using your name. Reimburse after if non-transferable.
Selling non-transferable tickets is risky, as you would need to be present to hand them off. It’s safest to resell transferable will call tickets using a secure marketplace that allows changing the pickup name. Check policies carefully before advertising tickets you can’t personally hand over.
Picking up will call tickets
If you end up as the recipient of transferred will call tickets, make sure you can smoothly pick them up onsite. Be prepared with:
- The name the tickets are held under
- A printed copy of the ticket transfer notification, if available
- Valid photo ID that matches the ticket name
- Knowledge of the onsite will call location
Arrive early enough to retrieve the tickets and get inside for the event on time. Locate will call signs or ask staff to direct you. When you reach the window, provide the original buyer’s name, your own ID, and any transfer notice. After verifying, they will hand over the tickets. Thank the box office staff for their assistance to make the process easy.
Conclusion
Will call tickets provide a convenient pickup option for events but have some restrictions around transfers. Purchasers should check the specific event policies carefully before assuming tickets can be given away or resold. With proper communication and paperwork, many organizers will allow transferring tickets from the original buyer to a new guest. Both parties just need to follow procedures at the box office for a smooth handoff. This allows full use of will call tickets, even when the purchaser cannot attend themselves.