Does Ticketmaster price include fees?

This is a common question for those looking to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. The short answer is no – Ticketmaster prices do not include additional fees and service charges that are added at checkout. Keep reading for a more detailed look at Ticketmaster’s pricing and fees.

Ticketmaster Base Ticket Prices

The ticket prices listed on Ticketmaster are just the base ticket prices set by the event organizer or venue. These base prices do not include any additional fees that Ticketmaster charges.

For example, if you search for tickets to a concert on Ticketmaster, the prices you see listed are the basic ticket prices – these are the prices set by the concert promoter or venue. These base ticket prices generally do not include any extra charges or fees added by Ticketmaster.

Service Fees and Other Charges Added at Checkout

While browsing tickets on Ticketmaster, you’ll only see the base ticket price. But when you go to checkout, you’ll notice additional fees and charges added.

These extra fees often include:

• Service fee – Ticketmaster service charge added to each ticket
• Order processing fee – Fee to process the ticket order
• Facility charge – Extra fee some venues charge per ticket
• Shipping fees – If tickets are shipped to you
• Taxes and government-mandated charges

The service fee is Ticketmaster’s main charge – this can range from around $5-$25 per ticket depending on the event. The other fees are additional charges added on top.

Estimating Total Ticket Cost

It’s difficult to estimate the full cost of a ticket on Ticketmaster before going through checkout. Fees can vary greatly depending on the event, venue, and number of tickets.

However, Ticketmaster does provide an estimate of the total ticket costs during the purchasing process. This “estimated total” calculation includes the base ticket price plus estimated fees – giving you a better idea of the full price before checkout.

You can also use Ticketmaster’s Fee Estimator tool online for certain events. This will show you a breakdown of estimated fees for that event before making a purchase.

Ways to Reduce Ticketmaster Fees

While Ticketmaster fees are unavoidable, there are some ways you may be able to reduce the amount of fees you pay when booking through Ticketmaster:

• Avoid shipping fees by using e-tickets or will call pickup
• Look for Ticketmaster sales or promotions that offer discounted fees
• Buy tickets as part of a group or package to spread fees across more tickets
• Use a discount or promo code – some may deduct fees
• Purchase Platinum tickets for certain events – these carry lower fees

Service Fees for Popular Ticketmaster Events

To give you a better idea of Ticketmaster’s fees in action, here are some examples of estimated service fees for popular events purchased directly through Ticketmaster:

Keep in mind these are just estimates – actual fees vary for each event and ticket. The fees can be higher or lower depending on demand and other factors.

Breakdown of Ticketmaster Service Fees

Ticketmaster’s service fees go towards covering their operating costs and profits. According to Ticketmaster, these are the main components of their fees:

• Technology investment – Maintaining their website and ticket sales infrastructure
• Staffing costs – Customer service, security monitoring, sales
• Data analytics – Collecting and analyzing ticket data
• Advertising costs – Marketing events and ticket sales
• Venue support – Some fees help venues cover their costs
• Profits – Portion goes to Ticketmaster’s profits

However, many consumers feel these fees are excessive and overpriced. There have been numerous class action lawsuits and complaints against Ticketmaster’s pricing practices over the years.

Is Ticketmaster Required to Charge Fees?

Ticketmaster is not required by law to charge service fees – they choose to add these fees as part of their business model. Their user agreement states they can charge “convenience fees” and other charges at their discretion.

In some cases, part of their fees go back to the venues, sports teams, and event organizers. This helps incentivize those groups to sell tickets through Ticketmaster. But Ticketmaster has complete control over setting their own service fees for ticket orders.

Alternatives to Avoid Fees

If you want to avoid Ticketmaster fees entirely, here are some alternative ways to purchase tickets:

• Buy directly through the venue box office – no fees, but limited availability
• Use a ticket resale site – prices may be marked up, but avoid base fees
• Purchase from authorized vendor sites – check for lower fees
• Buy from a season ticket holder reselling tickets
• Find free ticket giveaways and promotions

However, Ticketmaster still tends to have the widest ticket selection for major concerts, shows, and sporting events. So you’ll have to weigh the convenience of using Ticketmaster vs. avoiding their fees.

Are Ticketmaster Fees Refundable?

If you need to cancel your Ticketmaster order and request a refund, most of the fees you paid are non-refundable.

Usually only the base price of the ticket is refunded. Service fees, processing fees, and shipping costs are generally not refunded even if you don’t use the tickets.

Make sure to read the refund policy closely for the specific event you are attending. But in most cases, expect to lose out on the fees if you cancel a Ticketmaster order.

Contacting Ticketmaster About Fees

If you have concerns about fees charged on your Ticketmaster order, you can contact their customer service department for assistance or to voice complaints. Here are some ways to get in touch with Ticketmaster support:

• Call Ticketmaster customer service at (800) 653-8000
• Initiate a live chat on their website during business hours
• Email them at [email protected]
• Reach out on social media – Twitter, Facebook
• Contact them via postal mail at their corporate headquarters

When contacting Ticketmaster, have your order confirmation number ready for reference. Be prepared that their phone support typically has long wait times.

Conclusion

In summary – no, Ticketmaster’s listed ticket prices do not include any fees or service charges. Substantial fees are added once you proceed to checkout and purchase tickets.

These mandatory fees cover Ticketmaster’s operating costs and profits. Many consumers feel these extra charges are excessive given the company’s revenues and virtual ticketing monopoly.

While Ticketmaster fees are unavoidable if purchasing through their website, you can shop around for lower fees if buying tickets elsewhere. But balancing convenience and availability with lower fees is generally the tradeoff when buying tickets online.