Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the world. When you purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, one of the key questions you may have is – do they send the tickets right away, or is there going to be a delay before you get them?
The quick answer is: It depends. Ticketmaster offers both “instant” digital tickets, as well as tickets that need to be shipped or picked up. Which option you get depends on several factors like the event, venue policies, and delivery method you choose during checkout.
In this detailed article, we’ll look at how Ticketmaster ticketing works, the different delivery options available, and outline the key factors that determine when you can expect to receive your tickets after purchase.
How Ticketing Works on Ticketmaster
Before looking at delivery methods and timelines, it’s helpful to understand how ticketing in general works on the Ticketmaster platform.
There are two key parties involved in any ticket sale on Ticketmaster – the event organizer/venue, and Ticketmaster itself acting as the ticket distributor. The inventory of tickets available for any event comes directly from the organizer.
Ticketmaster provides the platform and ticketing technology to facilitate sales and delivery. But the organizer defines things like when tickets go on sale, the delivery methods, and how soon tickets must be sent out.
This means Ticketmaster has to follow the policies set by the venue/organizer. Their systems are set up to automatically fulfill and deliver the tickets according to those pre-set rules.
The Two Main Ticket Delivery Methods
There are two main ways tickets get delivered, either:
- Electronically (digital tickets)
- Via mail (hard copy tickets)
Many major events now use digital tickets as their default, which can be accessed instantly online through your Ticketmaster account. But physical hard tickets are still common as well.
What Determines How Tickets Are Delivered?
There are several factors that determine whether a particular event uses digital or hard tickets:
- The venue/organizer’s preferences – Some have fully adopted digital, while others still prefer mailed hard copies.
- Type of event – Sporting events and concerts are more likely to use digital.
- When the event is taking place – Digital has become a lot more common in the past 5 years.
- The city – Digital is more widely used in some cities compared to others.
As an attendee, you don’t have full control. The delivery method is pre-set based on those criteria.
However, in some cases you may get a choice during checkout between digital delivery, mail, or venue pickup. But it depends on the specific event.
Digital Ticket Delivery
Digital tickets have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Instead of getting a printed hard copy, you get a digital ticket file that provides secure online access to the event.
How Digital Tickets Work
Digital tickets from Ticketmaster work as follows:
- During purchase you’ll be prompted to enter your mobile number or email.
- Ticketmaster sends your ticket info and barcode directly to that account.
- You access your ticket by logging into your Ticketmaster account online or in the app.
- Your digital barcode gets scanned at venue to gain entry. You don’t need to print anything.
This means you can safely buy tickets anytime and access them conveniently from your phone right before the event.
Benefits of Digital Delivery
Some key benefits of digital ticket delivery include:
- Fast access – Tickets are available immediately on purchase
- Convenience – Access tickets anytime from your phone
- Eco-friendly – No paper tickets to print
- Secure – Reduced risk of lost, stolen, or counterfeit tickets
For these reasons, most major venues and events now use digital as their primary delivery method.
When Do Digital Tickets Arrive?
The biggest perk of digital tickets is instant delivery. As soon as your Ticketmaster transaction is complete, the ticket barcode is made available in your account.
You’ll also get an email confirmation with ticket details you can access anytime, anywhere. So digital delivery means you get your “tickets” right away.
Physical Ticket Delivery Timelines
While digital tickets provide instant access, physical ticket delivery takes more time. Printed tickets must be produced and then shipped out to customers.
Here’s an overview of approximate timelines for different physical ticket delivery options:
Standard Mail Delivery
This is the most common way hard copy tickets get sent out. Standard mail delivery timelines are:
- Within 7-10 days via USPS in the U.S.
- Up to 3-4 weeks for international addresses
Ship times can vary based on your location. Tickets are usually sent out 1-2 weeks before the event date.
Two-Day or Overnight Shipping
For last minute purchases, Ticketmaster also offers express shipping for hard tickets:
- 2-day shipping – Tickets arrive within 2 business days
- Overnight shipping – Tickets arrive next business day
These expedited options have extra fees, but ensure quicker delivery for your tickets.
Venue Will Call Pickup
Some events allow you to select Will Call pickup and get your tickets on-site. You’ll pick up tickets at the venue box office anytime on or before the event date.
This means you won’t get hard copy tickets until day of the event. But it does avoid shipping times and fees.
Factors That Impact Delivery
While those timeframes are typical, actual physical ticket delivery can be affected by:
- Processing time before mailing
- Shipping carrier used and any delays
- Distance tickets are being shipped
- Time of year and shipping volumes
International addresses tend to take the longest due to customs processing. Shipments around the holidays also often face longer delays.
Ways to Get Tickets Faster
Here are some tips if you need your tickets sooner:
- Choose digital delivery if available – Instant access
- Select expedited shipping during checkout
- Buy early – Tickets are sent out as soon as available
- Use Will Call pickup for last minute purchases
Buying tickets with enough time is always recommended. Digital delivery or Will Call pickup are the fastest ways to get your tickets.
Tracking Your Ticket Delivery
Wondering when those tickets will show up? Here’s how to track things:
Digital Tickets
Since digital tickets are instant, there’s nothing to track. Just log into your Ticketmaster account any time to access your e-tickets.
You’ll also get an email with ticket details right after purchase.
Physical Tickets
Tracking features for mailed tickets include:
- Email confirmation with estimated delivery date
- Tracking number to follow shipment status (for USPS or major carriers)
- Delivery confirmation email when sent out
- Up-to-date tracking in your Ticketmaster account
You can check delivery status directly on the carrier website using your tracking number. USPS mail can take a few days to start tracking.
If Tickets Are Late
If your tickets haven’t arrived within the estimated time frame, you can get help via:
- Online chat support on Ticketmaster
- Contact form on the Ticketmaster website
- Phone support – number on back of your ticket or credit card
They’ll look into the delay and can resend your tickets if needed. Be sure to reach out before the event so there’s time to get replacements.
The Ticketmaster Verified Resale Market
Ticketmaster also operates an official resale marketplace for tickets. This is different than the primary market.
On the verified resale market, tickets are resold by other fans rather than the venue/organizer. Delivery times depend on what method the seller chooses.
How Resale Delivery Works
With Ticketmaster resale tickets:
- Sellers choose to offer digital or physical ticket delivery
- Digital tickets are transferred instantly when purchase is complete
- Physical tickets must be overnight shipped by the seller to the buyer
So digital resale tickets provide instant access, while physical require 1-2 days for overnight shipping.
Guarantee With Resale Tickets
One advantage of the Ticketmaster resale marketplace is their ticket guarantee:
- Valid tickets guaranteed or your money back
- You’ll be able to access or receive tickets in time for the event
- Replacement tickets if any issues with tickets
So if a seller doesn’t send the tickets in time, they’ll work to get you replacement last minute tickets. This provides buyer protection.
Ways to Access Your Tickets
Once your Ticketmaster tickets arrive, either digitally or physically, here are some of the ways you can access them:
Digital Ticket Access
- Ticketmaster website – Log into your account
- Ticketmaster app – View barcodes right on your phone
- Mobile wallet – Add to Apple Wallet/Google Pay
- Email link – One-click access from confirmation email
You’ll want to load the barcode into your phone for fastest access at the event entrance.
Hard Copy Ticket Access
For mailed physical tickets, you’ll need to hold onto the printed tickets for entry. Some options include:
- Print at home – For PDF tickets emailed to you
- Box office pickup – Avoids shipping time and fees
- Mail delivery – Standard, 2-day, or overnight
Be sure to leave enough time for delivery or pickup before the event. Having printed tickets provides backup over digital in case your phone dies.
Getting Through Ticketmaster Delivery FAQs
To wrap things up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ticketmaster ticket delivery:
How long does it take to get tickets from Ticketmaster?
Digital tickets are instant – available as soon as your purchase is complete. Physical mailed tickets take 7-14 days in the U.S. or 3-4 weeks international via regular mail.
What shipping methods are available?
Standard mail is used by default (7-14 days U.S. or 3-4 weeks international). For faster shipping, you can choose 2-day or overnight during checkout (for an added fee).
Can I pick up my tickets at the venue?
Some events allow Will Call pickup so you can get tickets on-site. Check if available during the Ticketmaster checkout process.
What if my tickets don’t arrive on time?
If your tickets are late, contact Ticketmaster by phone, chat, or email. They’ll look into the issue and resend your tickets if needed.
How do I track my ticket shipment?
You’ll get an email confirmation with delivery estimate and tracking number (if applicable). USPS mail can take a few days to start tracking. Check delivery status directly on the carrier website.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster offers a range of delivery options for event tickets. Digital tickets provide instant access – available as soon as your transaction is complete. For physical tickets, standard delivery takes 7-14 days in the U.S. and 3-4 weeks for international shipping.
Faster shipping is available for a fee. And some events allow Will Call pickup so you can get tickets on site. Be sure to choose instant digital delivery or leave enough time for mail delivery to ensure you get your tickets in time for the event.