Giving away tickets bought on Ticketmaster is a common question for many ticket holders who can no longer attend an event. There are some important factors to consider when transferring or giving away Ticketmaster tickets to ensure you follow the rules and policies. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide quick answers to key questions on giving away Ticketmaster tickets and outline the steps to legally and safely transfer tickets to someone else.
Quick Answers
Can you legally give away Ticketmaster tickets?
Yes, in most cases you can legally give away tickets purchased on Ticketmaster as long as you follow the transfer policies and procedures outlined by Ticketmaster and the event organizer. This usually involves formally transferring ticket ownership via Ticketmaster.
Is it safe to give away Ticketmaster tickets?
It is generally safe to give away Ticketmaster tickets as long as you formally transfer ownership to the recipient through Ticketmaster’s transfer systems. Avoid informal physical ticket transfers.
What are the risks of giving away tickets informally?
The main risks are lost, stolen, duplicated, or sold tickets if transferring physically without official ticket transfer. Formally transferring via Ticketmaster helps avoid risks.
Can you give away tickets on the day of the event?
Most events do allow transfers on the day of the event, but you will need mobile ticket transfer capabilities and to complete the transfer before entry gates open.
Is there a fee to transfer Ticketmaster tickets?
There is usually a per-ticket transfer fee charged by Ticketmaster to formally transfer ticket ownership to another person.
Can You Legally Transfer Ticketmaster Tickets?
In most cases, it is perfectly legal to give away tickets bought on Ticketmaster, provided you adhere to the official ticket transfer policies. Ticketmaster’s purchase terms generally allow ticket transfers, as long as the transfer is conducted through their official systems.
However, some specific events or venues may place restrictions on transfers. Always check the specific event rules before giving away tickets. There are also some key considerations around formally transferring tickets:
- Transfers can only be done via Ticketmaster’s official transfer systems, which include Ticketmaster’s website, mobile site, or app. Avoid informal physical ticket transfers.
- There are usually fees charged by Ticketmaster for ticket transfers. Fees are generally per ticket.
- Tickets can only be transferred once – the recipient cannot transfer again to someone else.
- Transfers must be completed before the event starts. Cut-off times apply.
- If transferring a paper ticket, you must overnight mail the ticket to the recipient for them to receive it before the event.
Provided these rules are followed, you can legally give away Ticketmaster tickets that you can no longer use.
Is it Safe to Transfer Tickets?
Transferring tickets through Ticketmaster’s official systems is very safe. It allows the ticket ownership to be formally updated in Ticketmaster’s systems and new tickets issued with the recipient’s name.
Avoid informal physical transfers of printed tickets, as this has risks:
- Tickets could be lost, stolen, duplicated, or sold on by the recipient.
- You may still be liable if issues arise with how the tickets are used.
- Entry may be denied at the gate if the named ticket holder doesn’t match the ticket.
Formal transfers via Ticketmaster provide protection and accountability around who owns the tickets. The original buyer is removed from the tickets once transferred.
What Are the Risks of Informal Transfers?
Trying to informally transfer physical paper tickets comes with a few key risks:
- Lost tickets – If tickets change hands multiple times, they could be lost or misplaced. This leads to lost value for the original ticket buyer.
- Stolen tickets – Nothing prevents the recipient from stealing and selling on the tickets if informally transferred.
- Duplicated tickets – Printed tickets could be photocopied and used to create counterfeits if shared widely.
- Sold on tickets – Recipients could sell on the tickets for profit if they receive them informally.
- Refused entry – If names don’t match tickets at entry gates, informal transfers may be denied entry.
These risks are eliminated through Ticketmaster’s formal transfer process, which updates ownership securely in their systems.
Can You Transfer Tickets on the Day?
For most events, tickets can be transferred via Ticketmaster’s systems right up until the event start time. However, there are some limitations:
- There is usually a cut-off time by which transfers must be completed before the gates open. This is normally 1-2 hours prior.
- The recipient must use a smartphone to receive and access the transferred mobile tickets when transferring close to the event time.
- Immediate ticket transfers are not possible on the day an event occurs.
- Last-minute transfers relying on physical tickets require overnight shipping the ticket.
So it is possible, but logistically more difficult, to give away tickets at the last minute. Plan ahead if possible.
Are There Transfer Fees?
Ticketmaster charges a transfer fee for formally transferring tickets between different users in their system. This fee covers the administrative costs of:
- Canceling the original tickets
- Updating the ticket ownership records
- Issuing new tickets with the recipient’s name
The exact transfer fee depends on the event, but is typically $5-$20 per ticket transferred. For high-demand popular events, the fees are sometimes higher. Transfer fees may be capped at a certain maximum amount for large groups of tickets.
While inconvenient, this per-ticket fee is typically small compared to the ticket value and is worth paying for the convenience, security, and protection offered by the formal transfer process.
How Does the Transfer Process Work?
Ticketmaster has made the ticket transfer process convenient and fully digital for most events. To give away tickets, the general process is:
- Log in to your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app.
- Navigate to the event in your order history that you want to transfer tickets from.
- Select the ‘Transfer Tickets’ option.
- Enter the recipient’s name, email address, and mobile number.
- Confirm the transfer details and pay the transfer fee per ticket.
- The recipient will receive the ticket transfer via email and app.
- The tickets in your account will be invalidated and new tickets issued to the recipient.
If transferring close to the event date, mobile ticket transfers are recommended so the recipient can immediately access the tickets on their phone. Paper tickets require overnight shipping if transferring near the event.
Ticketmaster also allows transferring tickets directly to someone else logged into Ticketmaster, removing the need to enter contact details.
The transfer is only complete once payment is confirmed – your tickets remain valid until the transfer process finishes. The recipient cannot re-transfer the tickets to someone else.
Transferring Paper Tickets
For events still issuing paper tickets, you will need to physically mail the tickets via registered post or courier if giving away close to the event date.
Ticketmaster recommends using registered overnight delivery services like FedEx to track the ticket shipment. Both parties must consent to the terms and sign agreements accepting the transfer.
Leave plenty of time for postal transfers – they take significantly longer than digital transfers. It is also riskier relying on physical shipment.
When transferring paper tickets, Ticketmaster will mail you new invalidated tickets showing they are no longer valid. This protects you in case the mailed tickets are duplicated or stolen.
Tips for Giving Away Tickets
Follow these tips when giving away tickets bought on Ticketmaster:
- Start the transfer process early – at least a few weeks before the event if possible.
- Avoid informal physical ticket sharing – only use Ticketmaster’s official transfer process.
- Double check the recipient’s contact details when entering them.
- Inform the recipient to expect ticket transfer emails/texts from Ticketmaster.
- Use mobile ticket delivery for convenience if transferring close to the event date.
- Don’t close your Ticketmaster account after transferring – you may need to access records.
- Make sure the recipient knows not to re-transfer the tickets to someone else.
Can Tickets be Refunded After Transfer?
Once a ticket transfer is completed in Ticketmaster, the tickets cannot normally be refunded. The original purchaser is no longer the ticket owner after transfer.
Some events may allow recipients to independently request a refund if they can no longer attend. But the original buyer has no refund rights once transferring tickets over.
Refunds can only be requested prior to completing a ticket transfer in most cases. Be sure before transferring tickets, as generally it cannot be reversed afterwards.
Pros of Transferring Tickets
The main benefits of formally transferring tickets via Ticketmaster rather than informally include:
- Convenience – Easy fully digital ticket transfers.
- Speed – Recipients immediately get valid tickets.
- Security – Transfer is documented in Ticketmaster’s systems.
- Updated ownership – Tickets are in recipient’s name.
- Peace of mind – Original buyer is removed from tickets.
- Support – Get help from Ticketmaster if issues arise.
Overall, transferring via official channels is simpler, safer and gives greater protection compared to informal physical ticket sharing.
Cons of Transferring Tickets
There are a couple of potential disadvantages to formally transferring tickets:
- Fees – Transfer fees can add up, especially for large groups.
- No re-transfers – Recipient cannot transfer tickets again.
- Timing cut-offs – Transfers may close prior to the event starting.
- No refunds – Once transferred, tickets normally cannot be refunded.
However, these limitations are generally outweighed by the benefits of securely transferring tickets through official channels.
Common Ticket Transfer Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about giving away Ticketmaster tickets:
Can I transfer tickets to someone as a gift?
Yes, Ticketmaster’s transfer process works perfectly for gifting event tickets to someone. Simply follow the transfer process and rather than selling tickets, you can transfer them as a gift. Enter the recipient’s details so Ticketmaster issues them the new tickets.
What if I made a mistake entering the recipient’s details?
Contact Ticketmaster customer support as soon as possible if you entered incorrect recipient details, such as a wrong email address. Depending on the timing, they may be able to cancel the transfer so you can re-do it correctly. Always double check details before confirming transfer.
How does the recipient access mobile tickets?
If you transferred tickets electronically, the recipient will receive a link via email and text message to download the Ticketmaster app. New tickets will be issued to them in the app via Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android). Advise them to set up the app before the event.
What happens to my old tickets?
Your old tickets will be invalidated in Ticketmaster’s system once new tickets are issued to the transfer recipient. For paper tickets, you will receive invalidated ticket copies in the mail for your records after transferring them.
Can I transfer tickets back to the original owner?
No, Ticketmaster does not allow transferred tickets to be moved back to the original owner. Transfers are strictly one-way only. The recipient cannot formally transfer the tickets to anyone else after receiving them.
Is there a time limit on transfers before an event?
Yes, there is usually a 1-2 hour cut-off before the event start time after which transfers close. This allows time for Ticketmaster to process and issue the new tickets. Always leave plenty of time for transfers – don’t leave it to the last minute.
What if my tickets get transferred to the wrong email address?
Contact Ticketmaster as soon as possible and explain the situation. They may be able to cancel the transfer if it was very recent, allowing you to redo it to the correct recipient. Be very careful when entering recipient details to avoid this.
Summary
Transferring tickets properly through Ticketmaster is the safest and most convenient way to give away tickets. While fees and timing restrictions apply, it provides accountability and support should anything go wrong.
Avoid informal physical ticket transfers, which have risks if tickets are lost, stolen or duplicated along the way. Only share tickets with someone you trust to use them appropriately.
Follow Ticketmaster’s transfer steps fully and don’t bypass their systems if legally giving away tickets. This ensures you comply with the rules and minimizes any risks as the original ticket purchaser. Enjoy the peace of mind that your unused tickets will get to someone else to enjoy the event!
