When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other live entertainment, there are often different options available. Many people choose to purchase tickets directly from the venue or promoter. However, buying tickets resale from a secondary ticket provider is also a popular option. This raises the question – do you get VIP privileges and perks if you buy resale tickets?
Quick Answer
In most cases, buying resale tickets does not grant you access to VIP amenities or experiences. VIP tickets are usually sold directly by the venue or event organizer and come with perks like premium seating, exclusive lounge access, and more. Resale sites may advertise “VIP” tickets, but these don’t carry the same privileges. There are some exceptions if the original VIP ticket buyer sells or transfers their specific ticket to you.
VIP Tickets vs Standard Tickets
To understand VIP tickets, it helps to first understand what makes them different than standard event tickets. Standard tickets simply grant admission to the event, with seating in the general areas. VIP tickets offer amenities above and beyond basic access.
Some common VIP perks can include:
- Premium views or seating locations, like floor seats near the stage
- Access to exclusive VIP-only lounge or bar areas
- Food and drinks – sometimes unlimited or with VIP menu options
- Gifts like souvenirs, merch or signed memorabilia
- Opportunities to meet performers, athletes or speakers
- Valet parking, separate entrances and private restrooms
In addition to these special amenities, VIP tickets are purchased directly via the source – whether that is the sports team, concert promoter, theater, etc. This official source is who controls and grants VIP access. It is not something that can simply be resold aftermarket.
VIP Tickets Direct from Source
VIP tickets can be purchased directly from primary sources like:
- The event venue’s box office or website
- The promoter or producer’s official website
- Official fan clubs, season ticket holders or sponsor presales
- Charity auctions or lotteries benefiting the artists or event
These official channels are where you can ensure you are getting authentic VIP tickets with full privileges. This access cannot simply be replicated by reselling standard tickets marked up as “VIP.”
No VIP Status with Resale Sites
In contrast to direct event sources, most resale websites do not offer true VIP status. Sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster Resale provide aftermarket ticket sales between buyers and sellers.
While they may advertise certain tickets as VIP, these tickets were originally standard admission tickets. The resale site or seller does not have the authority to upgrade regular tickets to VIP status. Any promises of VIP amenities are usually empty and cannot be fulfilled. The exception is if the original ticket holder sells or transfers the specific VIP ticket they purchased.
When Resale Tickets Include VIP Access
Despite most resale tickets lacking VIP status, there are some select cases where resale tickets can still come with VIP privileges:
VIP Ticket Transfers
Some tickets issued directly by the venue, team or artist are transferable. The original buyer can resell their specific VIP ticket to someone else. Ticketing platforms like AXS and Ticketmaster allow for transfers and sales of the original VIP tickets. As long as the new buyer receives the exact ticket, they inherit the same access.
Unused VIP Tickets Resold
If a VIP ticket buyer can no longer attend an event, they may choose to resell their unused ticket. As long as the resale site can confirm it is the original VIP ticket being resold, the new buyer gets the same privileges.
VIP Packages and Hospitality
Some third-party vendors and travel/hospitality companies sell verified VIP and hospitality packages. These can bundle tickets with hotel stays, transportation, and official event credentials for VIP admission. These packages can be resold while maintaining amenities.
Luxury Suites and Boxes
Luxury suites, boxes and similar premium sections may be sold and resold while still retaining some VIP status. However, access is usually still tied to the original contract holder and subject to approval.
How to Verify Resale VIP Ticket Validity
To help ensure you are getting actual VIP access with resale tickets, here are some tips:
- Ask the seller for full details on the original source of the tickets and what benefits are included. Their response can help identify any risk of misrepresentation.
- On reputable resale platforms, search for tickets officially classified as VIP rather than checking general admission tickets labeled as “VIP.”
- Confirm that any required credentials or passes for VIP entry are included, not just the tickets.
- Review the platform or seller’s policies on misleading listings and ability to help if VIP access is not valid.
- Where possible, choose platforms that guarantee validity of tickets and privileges.
Inspecting the tickets carefully is also important. Compare any VIP designations, sections, or ticket codes to the venue seating chart to understand the actual locations. Additionally, look for details like the original purchaser’s name to flag private transfers.
Pricing of Resale VIP Tickets
As demand for VIP access increases, resale ticket prices can reach very high amounts compared to standard admission. However, it is important to differentiate between:
Genuine VIP Tickets
These will be the highest priced on resale, but reflect the fair value of originally purchased VIP tickets. You pay the premium, but get full amenities.
“Fake” VIP Listings
Dishonest sellers may markup tickets and attach VIP labels without validity. This takes advantage of buyers seeking exclusivity. Be wary of deals that seem too good for true VIP access.
Verified Resales
Platforms that authenticate resale VIP tickets can demand high prices, but give buyers peace of mind. Costs can rise the closer to the event as supply decreases.
In some cases, those with unused VIP tickets may sell them below original costs to recover some value. But in general, expect to pay above standard ticket pricing, sometimes exponentially so.
When Resale Sites Market VIP Tickets
Many resale sites advertise having VIP ticket options. But most don’t clarify that these were originally standard tickets. By labeling listings as VIP, they generate interest and higher prices from buyers specifically seeking premium experiences.
Every platform handles non-verified VIP tickets differently. StubHub and SeatGeek clearly highlight which listings come with actual amenities. Meanwhile, Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster Resale take a more vague approach about what VIP promises can or can’t be kept.
As a buyer, you need to confirm the details. Don’t assume resale VIP automatically grants special access unless the site provides seller proof or a guarantee.
Is Purchasing Resale VIP Tickets Worth the Risk?
Ultimately, it comes down to buyer beware when dealing with resale VIP tickets. There are legal repercussions like bans and fines for resellers misrepresenting products and amenities. But most buyers are left paying over market prices for standard admission in the name of “exclusivity.”
These misleading listings negatively impact consumers. They also divert sales from venues, who can’t always distinguish illegitimate resale VIP tickets from ones they issued. It hurts their own premium ticket programs and revenues.
While the potential convenience and cheaper costs compared to true VIP tickets is appealing, lack of privileges ruins the experience. Without a solid guarantee of authenticity, it becomes a risky proposition relying on resale sites for VIP access.
For guaranteed admission to special lounges, exclusive gifts and premier views, verified VIP tickets from official sources are the safest option. Paying more provides certainty, supporting fair market practices and the teams, artists and organizations as well.
Conclusion
VIP ticket privileges are controlled by those hosting events, not secondary resellers. While some resale platforms claim to offer VIP access, it is rarely the case unless a specifically issued VIP ticket is being transferred or resold directly. To ensure you receive advertised amenities like premium seating, exclusive lounge admission, gifts, and special experiences, verified VIP tickets should be purchased through primary sources like venues and organizers. Otherwise, “VIP” resale tickets often fail to deliver on promises due to lack of formal rights attached to the tickets. They end up functioning as general admission tickets but sold at higher price points. Guarantees, seller transparency and platform policies offer some protection, but overall resale VIP tickets carry risk.