The short answer is yes, in most cases it is legal to resell tickets purchased from Ticketmaster. However, there are some important caveats and restrictions that buyers and sellers need to be aware of. Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use prohibit reselling tickets on their platform at a price higher than face value. But reselling tickets through third party sites is generally allowed. Some states also have anti-scalping laws that impact resellers. So while reselling Ticketmaster tickets is often legal, sellers need to follow certain rules and use authorized platforms to avoid legal issues.
Why Would You Want to Resell Your Ticketmaster Tickets?
There are a few main reasons someone may want to resell tickets purchased on Ticketmaster:
Making a profit:
Many major concerts, sports events, and live shows sell out quickly. If you were able to get tickets during the initial on-sale, you may be able to profit by reselling them at a markup to fans who missed out. For high demand events, resale prices can be much higher than face value. Reselling tickets can be a way to earn extra income.
Can’t attend the event:
Sometimes plans change after you’ve already bought tickets. If you can no longer attend the event, reselling the tickets is a way to get some money back rather than letting them go to waste.
Exchanging for better seats:
Fans sometimes try to upgrade their seats by reselling their original tickets and using the proceeds to buy new ones with a better location or view. This allows them to get more desirable seats they may not have been able to get during the initial on-sale.
Is It Legal to Resell Ticketmaster Tickets?
In most cases, reselling event tickets is perfectly legal in the United States under federal law. However, Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use prohibit reselling tickets on their site for more than face value. Some key points on the legality of reselling Ticketmaster tickets:
Reselling on Ticketmaster is prohibited:
Ticketmaster allows customers to re-list tickets for resale, but only at the original price paid. Attempting to resell Ticketmaster tickets on their platform at a higher price is a violation of their Terms of Use.
Reselling through third parties is usually allowed:
Using an authorized secondary ticket market site like Vivid Seats, StubHub, or SeatGeek to resell tickets is legal under federal law. These sites connect buyers and sellers independently from Ticketmaster.
State anti-scalping laws may apply:
Some states have laws restricting how much tickets can be resold for above face value. Sellers need to be aware of any applicable anti-scalping laws in their state.
Venue or event restrictions may prohibit resales:
In some cases, the venue or event organizers may prohibit ticket resales altogether. This is rare for major concerts and sporting events, but is more common for smaller scale events. Sellers need to check for any resale restrictions.
So in summary – reselling Ticketmaster tickets through third party sites is generally allowed under federal law, but may be prohibited under certain state laws or event policies. Reselling on Ticketmaster itself above face value is never permitted.
Does Ticketmaster Allow Resales?
Yes, Ticketmaster does facilitate ticket resales through their Ticketmaster Resale (or Ticketmaster Exchange) platform. However, there are strict rules sellers must follow:
Tickets can only be resold at or below face value price:
Ticketmaster specifically prohibits sellers from relisting tickets for more than the original price paid. If you try to resell for a higher price on their platform, your listing will be removed.
Season ticket holders may have special privileges:
For some teams and venues, season ticket holders may have the option to resell tickets above face value. This is an exception granted by certain team/venue partnerships with Ticketmaster.
There are seller fees and commission charges:
Much like other secondary marketplaces, Ticketmaster charges fees to both the buyers and sellers for resale tickets. These fees can range from 10-20% of the ticket price.
Purchases are protected under Ticketmaster’s Fan Guarantee:
Ticketmaster resale tickets come with the same 100% money-back guarantee against fraud or counterfeits as regular Ticketmaster tickets. This provides buyers extra peace of mind.
So Ticketmaster Resale provides a safe, convenient option for season ticket holders or those wanting to resell at face value or less. But those looking to resell tickets at a profit margin have to use external secondary sites.
Reselling Platforms
If you want to resell your Ticketmaster tickets above face value, you’ll need to use a secondary ticket marketplace. Here are some of the most popular and reputable options:
StubHub
One of the largest online ticket marketplaces, StubHub connects buyers and sellers for a wide variety of sports, concert, theater, and other event tickets. Sellers can list their Ticketmaster tickets at any desired price point. StubHub charges around 15% in fees.
Vivid Seats
Another large secondary ticket site, Vivid Seats allows users to buy and sell Ticketmaster tickets. Seller fees are around 10-20%. The site offers buyer protection and a 100% money-back guarantee on all purchases.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is a ticket search engine that aggregates listings from various resale sites including StubHub, VividSeats, and more. Sellers can compare commission rates and exposure across platforms. Buyers can easily find the lowest price listings.
eBay
While not a specialized ticket marketplace, many resellers also list tickets on eBay. This opens up the auction format for pricing tickets. eBay charges insertion and final value fees.
Craigslist
For local buyers and sellers, Craigslist provides a popular classifieds platform to resell tickets. Listings are free, but users have to arrange payment/delivery independently off the site. Offers less buyer protection.
Always beware of scams and fake ticket sellers on any secondary platform. Only use reputable, verified sites for buying or selling tickets.
State Laws on Ticket Resales
While reselling tickets is legal nationwide, some states impose additional restrictions under anti-scalping laws:
Price caps:
Some states like New York limit the maximum amount tickets can be resold for above face value. The caps are often around 20-25% above face value.
Restricted locations:
Many anti-scalping laws prohibit selling tickets within a certain distance from the venue on event day. This is intended to curb predatory scalping practices near the venue.
Required licensure:
A few states require resellers to register for a license or permit to legally resell tickets either online or in-person.
Event exemptions:
Major sporting events like the Super Bowl may get exemptions from state anti-scalping laws. This allows the NFL & teams to implement their own resale rules.
Before selling tickets in any state, resellers should research the applicable laws. Violating scalping laws could lead to fines or seizure of tickets by law enforcement near venues. The National Conference of State Legislatures provides a full 50 state listing of ticket resale laws online.
Safely Reselling Your Tickets
Here are some best practices for legally and safely reselling your Ticketmaster tickets:
Review Ticketmaster’s Terms of Use:
Be aware of any special limitations that may apply for that specific event. Make sure reselling is not prohibited.
Choose a reputable resale platform:
Use a secure secondary ticket marketplace with buyer guarantees. Avoid risky sites.
Check your state’s anti-scalping laws:
Make sure your planned sale complies with any price caps, location restrictions, or other state laws.
Understand the resale site’s fees:
Factor the commission percentage into your listing price so you still net the amount you want.
Provide detailed listing information:
Note important details like seat location, ticket transfer method, delivery timeframe, and restrictions.
Use safe payment and delivery:
Process payments through the platform, avoid cash transfers. Use trackable delivery for hard tickets.
Transfer tickets securely:
If transferring digital tickets, only send via official team/venue apps when payment is confirmed.
Following these tips and platform policies will help ensure a smooth, legal ticket resale transaction.
Risks of Reselling Tickets
While reselling event tickets can be lucrative, there are also some notable risks to be aware of:
Invalid or fraudulent tickets:
Scam artists sell fake or already-used tickets, leaving buyers unable to get into the event. Only resell through trusted platforms.
Canceled events:
If an event is postponed or canceled, you may still be obligated to provide refunds as the seller. Force majeure clauses won’t always protect you.
Violating resale terms:
Improperly reselling tickets could lead to account suspensions, canceled orders, or inability to secure tickets in the future.
State scalping penalties:
Violating local anti-scalping laws could potentially lead to confiscated profits, fines, or criminal charges in some jurisdictions.
Reduced fan protection:
Reselling tickets outside of Ticketmaster forfeits protections like their 100% money-back guarantee against fraud.
Increased buyer disputes:
Dealing directly with buyers opens up the chance of more complaints, demands for refunds, and negative feedback.
While reselling can be a profitable side business, the risks involved are real. Sellers need to follow best practices, comply with all policies, and set proper expectations with buyers.
Ethical Issues Around Ticket Resales
There are also some ethical debates surrounding the practice of reselling tickets at marked-up prices:
Unfair pricing:
Critics argue resellers exploit demand by pricing regular fans out of affordable tickets – making events unaffordable to many.
No added value:
Resellers don’t provide any added product or service beyond what the venue/team offers. Their profits are seen as rent-seeking.
Unequal access:
Wealthy resellers crowd out genuine fans during high-demand on-sales thanks to bots and bulk purchases. This is seen as denying fair access.
Predatory scalping:
Aggressive scalpers who mislead or pressure buyers near venues give professional resellers a bad name.
Counterfeit risk:
Fake ticket scams sour public perception of secondary sales and make buyers more skeptical.
Detrimental to teams & artists:
Performers and promoters dislike unofficial reselling because they don’t share in the added revenue generated.
While these arguments persist, others view a free and open ticket resale market as economically efficient. Teams and artists couldaddress ethics concerns more directly via pricing strategies and distribution policies. Like it or not, ticket resale appears deeply entrenched in the industry.
Alternatives to Reselling
If you don’t want to engage in public ticket resales, here are some alternative options to consider:
Return/exchange tickets through Ticketmaster:
If an event was rescheduled or you can’t attend for another approved reason, Ticketmaster may allow you to return tickets for a refund or account credit.
Sell tickets to friends & family:
Circulating tickets privately within your social circles allows you to recoup costs while avoiding public resale hassles.
Donate extra tickets to charity:
Write off unwanted tickets as a tax-deductible donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Run ticket promotions & contests:
Companies or influencers can give away extra tickets as prizes to generate publicity and goodwill.
Just eat the cost:
For inexpensive events, it may not be worth the effort to resell. Cut your losses and avoid the hassle.
Avoid speculative ticket purchases:
Only buy tickets you’re 100% sure you’ll use to avoid having extras.
Finding alternative solutions can help you get rid of extra tickets without the public hassle or risk of online resales.
Conclusion
Reselling Ticketmaster tickets is permissible in most cases but comes with caveats. While legal under federal law, resellers must follow Ticketmaster’s terms, state anti-scalping statutes, and posted event policies. Selling through secure secondary marketplaces allows pricing above face value but opens sellers up to various risks and criticism. With proper precautions, reselling can be an effective way to recoup costs on unused tickets. But those uneasy with public resales have several alternative options as well. Understanding the complex factors at play is crucial for operating legally and ethically.