Ticketmaster is the largest primary ticket outlet for major entertainment, sports, and arts events in the United States. However, in recent years, Ticketmaster has also expanded into the secondary ticket resale market with its Ticketmaster Resale platform. This has led many consumers to question whether Ticketmaster Resale can be trusted as a safe and reliable way to buy tickets from other fans. There are several key factors to consider when evaluating the trustworthiness of Ticketmaster Resale.
What is Ticketmaster Resale?
Ticketmaster Resale is an online secondary ticket marketplace owned and operated by Ticketmaster. It was launched in 2011 to allow Ticketmaster customers to safely resell tickets they can no longer use. Sellers list tickets for sale, set their own prices, and buyers can search for and purchase tickets. Ticketmaster Resale provides a 100% money-back guarantee if tickets turn out to be fraudulent or invalid.
Pros of Using Ticketmaster Resale
There are several potential advantages to using Ticketmaster Resale over other secondary ticket sites:
Reliability and Security
As an extension of Ticketmaster itself, Ticketmaster Resale offers higher reliability and security compared to many other resale sites. All tickets sold on Ticketmaster Resale are 100% guaranteed by Ticketmaster to be authentic and valid. This helps protect buyers from counterfeit or scam tickets. Sellers must have the tickets in-hand before listing them for sale.
Wider Selection of Tickets
With Ticketmaster’s exclusive partnerships with major venues and artists, Ticketmaster Resale often provides access to tickets that may not be available on other resale sites. There is a wider selection of tickets available across numerous popular events.
Fair Market Pricing
Ticketmaster Resale utilizes market-based pricing to help tickets get sold at fair market value. Sellers can see price ranges and historical sales data to help price their tickets competitively. This dynamic pricing model aims to maximize sales.
Buyer Guarantees
In addition to the 100% ticket authenticity guarantee, Ticketmaster Resale also offers a 100% money-back guarantee if an event is canceled and not rescheduled. Buyers are fully protected if the tickets turn out to be fake or the event does not occur.
Seamless Delivery
Ticket delivery via Ticketmaster Resale is facilitated seamlessly through Ticketmaster’s systems. Tickets can be delivered electronically via the Ticketmaster app within minutes or express mailed if there is enough time before the event.
Cons of Using Ticketmaster Resale
However, there are also some potential drawbacks of Ticketmaster Resale to consider:
Higher Fees
The convenience of Ticketmaster Resale comes with higher fees. There is a 10-20% seller fee when tickets sell. Buyers also pay higher service fees compared to some competitor resale sites. The total fees can add up quickly.
Lack of Price Negotiation
Unlike some resale marketplaces, buyers cannot negotiate or make offers on ticket prices on Ticketmaster Resale. The ticket prices are fixed. So buyers may miss out on deals offered on other platforms.
Fewer Listings for Less Popular Events
Ticketmaster Resale tends to have fewer ticket listings for smaller, more niche events and performances. The selection focuses on major mainstream events, so it may lack inventory for more obscure shows.
Sales Are Final
Once tickets are purchased on Ticketmaster Resale, the sales are final and nonrefundable. Buyers do not have the option to return or exchange tickets if plans change. The tickets can be relisted for resale instead.
Lack of Seller Profiles
Unlike some other resale sites, Ticketmaster Resale does not have public seller profiles or reviews. This makes it harder to evaluate the reputation of specific sellers before purchasing from them. The process is more anonymous.
How Does Ticketmaster Resale Work?
The Ticketmaster Resale operation works through the following process:
Sellers List Tickets
After acquiring tickets, sellers can list them for resale on Ticketmaster Resale. They pick the desired sales price and specify details like seat locations. All tickets must be in-hand before listing.
Dynamic Pricing
Ticketmaster provides price guidance based on current market demand, similar ticket sales, and other data. Prices adjust dynamically to find the optimal market value.
Buyers Purchase Tickets
Buyers can search for and purchase the tickets they want. Ticketmaster charges sellers a 10-20% commission fee when tickets sell successfully.
Secure Ticket Transfer
Once sold, Ticketmaster securely transfers tickets from seller to buyer digitally. Tickets are guaranteed valid and authentic.
Event Execution
On the event date, buyers access the tickets on their mobile devices through Ticketmaster’s system. Sellers are paid out after the event occurs.
Is Ticketmaster Resale Legitimate?
Ticketmaster Resale is 100% legitimate and authorized as an approved secondary ticket outlet. Here are some of the reasons it is a legal and valid ticket source:
Owned and Operated by Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster Resale is directly owned and operated by Ticketmaster itself, the largest primary ticket provider in the U.S. This official relationship lends legitimacy.
Approved by Venues, Teams, and Artists
The events, venues, sports teams, and artists that partner with Ticketmaster also approve and authorize Ticketmaster Resale as a valid secondary ticket outlet.
Strict Anti-Counterfeit Measures
Ticketmaster Resale has stringent protections in place to verify tickets and prevent counterfeits. Sellers must have tickets in-hand before listing them.
Adheres to State Resale Laws
Ticketmaster Resale complies with state ticket resale regulations. Their operation adheres to official reseller licensing requirements.
High Accountability
As a large company, Ticketmaster and their Resale marketplace are held to high standards and accountability. This reduces risk versus smaller outlets.
So buyers can feel confident that Ticketmaster Resale is a certified legitimate ticket source approved by event organizers. The tickets sold are guaranteed valid.
Is Ticketmaster Resale Worth It?
Whether Ticketmaster Resale is worth using depends on the benefits you value most as a buyer or seller.
For Buyers
The key advantages of Ticketmaster Resale for buyers are reliability, security, selection, and buyer guarantees. So it can be worthwhile for risk-averse buyers who want peace of mind purchasing tickets. But the higher fees may deter buyers who are more price-sensitive or flexible.
For Sellers
For sellers, the major benefits are Tapuat and seamless delivery through Ticketmaster systems. However, the 10-20% seller commissions may be unattractive compared to lower-fee alternatives like Craigslist and Facebook. Sellers with exclusive access to high-demand tickets stand to profit the most.
In general, Ticketmaster Resale tends to provide convenience, security, and selection over the lowest prices. Buyers and sellers have to weigh how much those benefits are worth compared to other secondary ticket outlets. There are good reasons to use Ticketmaster Resale, but also scenarios where alternatives may be more attractive depending on priorities.
What to Watch Out for on Ticketmaster Resale
While Ticketmaster Resale is a legitimate and generally safe marketplace, there are still some precautions buyers should take:
Double Check Ticket Details
Before purchasing, carefully confirm details like seat locations, venue entrances, dates, and any ticket restrictions. This ensures you get the right tickets.
Review Delivery Timeframes
Make sure digital or express mail delivery allows enough time for you to receive the tickets before the event.
Watch Out for Price Gouging
Some sellers may inflate prices far above fair value for very high-demand events. Comparison shop to avoid overpaying.
Beware of Scam Listings
In rare cases, scam ticket listings may get posted before being detected and removed. Use common sense judgment when evaluating listings.
While Ticketmaster Resale is trustworthy overall, it’s still smart practice for buyers to take responsibility for double checking ticket details in any resale transaction.
How to Buy Tickets Safely on Ticketmaster Resale
Here are some tips for finding and purchasing tickets safely and securely on Ticketmaster Resale:
– Set price drop alerts – Get notified if ticket prices for an event drop to your target range.
– Search nationwide – Expand your search beyond just local listings to all of Ticketmaster Resale for more options.
– Sort by “Best Value” – Filter ticket search results by “Best Value” to put the optimal deals up top.
– Compare ticket views – Toggle between interactive 3D seat maps and list views to evaluate options.
– Use Ticketmaster wallet – Store payment info securely in your Ticketmaster account wallet for faster checkout.
– Review purchase details – Carefully examine ticket details, fees, and totals before confirming purchase.
– Choose digital delivery – Opt for instant digital ticket delivery to your Ticketmaster account where possible.
– Save confirmation – Keep the Ticketmaster purchase confirmation as proof of purchase and for ticket references.
– Register tickets – Register the tickets in your Ticketmaster account and Ticketmaster app as an extra precaution.
By following security best practices, buyers can shop Ticketmaster Resale with greater confidence and assurance.
Top Tips for Selling Tickets on Ticketmaster Resale
For those looking to sell extra tickets, here are some tips to maximize your Ticketmaster Resale strategy:
– Price competitively – Research current price ranges using Ticketmaster’s tools to price your tickets attractively.
– List early – Get your ticket listings up as soon as possible after acquiring the tickets.
– Highlight ticket details – Note important features like seat locations, access to VIP areas, etc.
– Be responsive – Reply to buyer inquiries and offers in a timely manner. Communication can clinch sales.
– Offer e-delivery – Electronic ticket delivery makes the transaction easier and may sell faster.
– Consider delivery time – For physical ticket shipping, ensure you can mail them out in time for events.
– Remove once sold – Immediately remove ticket listings from sale after they have been purchased.
– Don’t underprice – Avoid drastically undervaluing your tickets just to sell fast – aim for optimal value.
– Track your profits – Log your net earnings after Ticketmaster’s fees to assess your return on investment.
These tips can help sellers maximize profits and success rates when reselling tickets on Ticketmaster Resale.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Resale
For buyers and sellers who want to explore other secondary ticket marketplaces beyond Ticketmaster Resale, here are some top alternative options:
StubHub
One of the largest secondary ticket sites, StubHub offers competitive buyer and seller fees with a points rewards program. They also have their own ticket guarantees.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is another big secondary marketplace with a loyalty program, collateral-free payment plans for buyers, and a 100% buyer guarantee.
SeatGeek
SeatGeek is a search aggregator that compiles listings from multiple ticket sites. They offer cluster maps to show comparative ticket value.
Craigslist
For a more personal, localized resale experience, Craigslist offers classified-style listings with individual sellers and buyers in each market.
Facebook Marketplace
Similar to Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace features event ticket listings and sales between local community members.
Gametime
Last minute buyers can score deals on Gametime, which focuses exclusively on same-day event tickets. Minimal fees for mobile delivery.
There are lots of secondary ticket outlets to choose from beyond Ticketmaster Resale. It’s worth exploring which options might best match your specific preferences and priorities as a buyer or seller.
The Bottom Line
Ticketmaster Resale provides a legitimate, secure marketplace to buy and resell event tickets with the backing of Ticketmaster systems and guarantees. However, buyers and sellers have to weigh the higher convenience against potentially higher fees compared to some alternative resale platforms. For maximum peace of mind, Ticketmaster Resale has advantages. But for maximum savings, other secondary ticket sites may be more price-competitive. There are good reasons to use Ticketmaster Resale, but also reasons you may want to consider other options too.
