Getting concert tickets refunded can be tricky and depends on the policies of the ticketing company or venue. In general, tickets for concerts are final sale and non-refundable. However, there are some cases where you may be able to get a refund if you can no longer attend the show.
Reasons You May Get a Refund
Here are some of the main reasons you may be able to get a refund for concert tickets:
- The concert is postponed or rescheduled – If the concert date changes, ticketing companies will often allow ticket holders to get a refund if they can no longer attend the new date.
- The concert is canceled – If the concert is canceled altogether, ticket holders are generally entitled to a full refund of the ticket price and fees.
- You bought ticket insurance – Some ticketing companies and third-party vendors offer ticket insurance that allows you to get a refund for covered reasons like illness, travel issues, or work conflicts.
- The tickets are unusable – If there is an issue with the tickets themselves, like duplicate copies or incorrect seat assignments, you may be able to get a refund and have new tickets issued.
- You are reselling through an approved marketplace – Many ticketing sites now allow fans to resell unwanted tickets through official resale marketplaces, allowing you to recoup the costs.
Policies Vary By Company
Keep in mind that refund and exchange policies can vary widely depending on the concert promoter, ticketing company, and venue. Here are some of the major players and their general policies:
Ticketmaster
- Most tickets are non-refundable
- Refunds offered if event is canceled or postponed
- Ticket insurance available for purchase
- Official resale marketplace available
AXS
- All sales final – no refunds
- Exchanges offered for select postponed or rescheduled events
- Ticket insurance available from third parties
- Official resale marketplace available
Live Nation
- Refunds for canceled or postponed shows
- No refunds for fan rescheduled events
- Vouchers offered in some cases
- Official resale through Ticketmaster
StubHub
- Refunds offered if event is canceled and not rescheduled
- No refunds if event goes on as scheduled
- Cancellation insurance available for purchase
- Resale through StubHub marketplace
Vivid Seats
- 100% Buyer Guarantee on refunded tickets
- Refunds if event is canceled and not rescheduled
- Cancellation insurance available
- Official resale marketplace
How to Request a Refund
If you believe you are entitled to a refund based on the company’s policy, here is how you generally request one:
- Contact the ticketing company directly – Look on their website or your confirmation email for customer service contact info.
- Explain why you are requesting a refund – Detail if the event was canceled or your personal circumstances.
- Provide supporting documentation if required – This may include a doctor’s note, travel receipts, etc.
- Allow time for processing – Refunds can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Follow up if you do not receive the refund.
What if My Request is Denied?
If your refund request is denied, here are some options:
- Ask again nicely – Sometimes speaking to another customer service agent gets different results.
- Involve your credit card company – They may be able to reverse the charges if goods/services were not delivered.
- Sell them – Use an approved resale marketplace to get some money back.
- Gift them – Friends or family may still enjoy attending.
- Donate them – Many charities accept ticket donations and provide a tax receipt.
Tip for Getting Refunds
Here are some tips that may help in getting your concert tickets refunded if possible:
- Act quickly – Refund time limits range from 48 hours to 30 days.
- Know the policies – Check the fine print when purchasing for any refund clauses.
- Buy insurance – Ticket insurance can be a lifesaver if issues come up.
- Use credit card – Doing so provides added fraud protection and support.
- Avoid resale sites – They often have much stricter policies.
- Be persistent and polite – Calmly state why you deserve a refund.
Conclusion
While most concert tickets are non-refundable, you may be able to get your money back if the show is postponed, canceled or you purchased additional insurance or guarantees. Policies vary between venues and sellers, so check carefully when buying. Act quickly and kindly in requesting a refund, and be prepared to sell or gift the tickets if your request is denied.