This is a common question for people purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster. The short answer is – it depends. Ticket delivery methods and timing can vary based on the event, venue policies, and delivery method chosen by the buyer.
How Ticketmaster Ticketing Works
Before diving into ticket delivery timing, it’s helpful to understand how Ticketmaster ticketing works. When you purchase a ticket on Ticketmaster, you are not actually buying the physical ticket. Instead, you are buying a ticket voucher or claim check. This voucher grants you the right to receive the actual event ticket later on.
There are a few reasons Ticketmaster uses this voucher system:
- It allows tickets to be transferred or resold easily through Ticketmaster’s exchange and resale marketplaces.
- It provides flexibility for venues to distribute actual tickets when they are ready. Large venues need time to print and distribute tens of thousands of tickets.
- It helps prevent counterfeiting and duplicated tickets since the venue controls distribution of the official event tickets.
So in summary – when you make a Ticketmaster purchase, you are buying a voucher, not the ticket itself. This is important context for the timing around when you’ll receive event tickets.
Ticket Delivery Methods
Ticketmaster offers three main delivery methods for event tickets:
Mobile Delivery: Tickets are delivered electronically to your smartphone as barcode or QR codes which can be scanned directly from your phone screen for entry.
Print-at-Home: Ticket buyer prints ticket barcodes or QR codes on paper at their home or office.
Mail: Hard stock ticket stubs are mailed to the shipping address provided.
Mail was traditionally the standard default, but Mobile Delivery and Print-at-Home have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Mobile Delivery in particular has risen in popularity due to the convenience and security of digital barcodes.
The delivery method chosen by the ticket buyer can impact delivery timing. Print-at-Home and Mobile Delivery allow for faster delivery of ticket vouchers compared to mail. Event promoters and venues ultimately decide which delivery methods are enabled for their events.
When Are Tickets Delivered?
So when exactly will you receive the tickets through your chosen delivery method? Here are some general guidelines on Ticketmaster’s timing:
Immediately For Print-at-Home and Mobile Delivery: If you select Print-at-Home or Mobile Delivery, the ticket vouchers are typically available immediately on your Ticketmaster account. You can print anytime leading up to the event or transfer to your phone’s digital wallet.
2-4 Weeks Before Event For Mail Delivery: If you select traditional mail delivery, allow 2-4 weeks before the event for the hard tickets to arrive by postal mail.
1-3 Days Before For Last Minute Purchases: For purchases within a week of the event date, expect a 1-3 day turnaround time before vouchers or tickets are accessible. Rushed shipping fees generally apply.
After Tickets Are Released by Event/Venue: While Ticketmaster aims to deliver vouchers quickly, the actual event tickets are not released until the venue provides them, which can be days or weeks after purchase. High demand events sometimes take longer.
Special Cases: For specialized events like concerts with collectible tickets, ticket delivery may be delayed until closer to the event when tickets are ready. Events may also hold tickets at will call to prevent lost tickets.
Getting Event Tickets Late
In some cases, buyers may find their event rapidly approaching without tickets in hand. There are a few common reasons for this:
- Buyer chose mail delivery too close to event
- High demand delayed ticket availability
- Venue held tickets to prevent counterfeiting
- Purchaser failed to check account for vouchers
If it is getting close to the event and you still lack your tickets, contacting Ticketmaster customer service is recommended. They can confirm the delivery status and method for your order. Just be aware that last minute ticket transfers or will call pickup may incur additional fees.
Tips for Ensuring Timely Delivery
Here are some tips for making sure your event tickets arrive on schedule when ordering through Ticketmaster:
- Choose Print-at-Home or Mobile Delivery for fastest voucher delivery
- Avoid mail delivery for events less than 1 month out
- Check your Ticketmaster account frequently for voucher status updates
- Confirm your delivery method carefully during checkout
- Save Ticketmaster order confirmation emails containing delivery details
- Contact customer service if tickets are delayed and event is approaching
Following these best practices will help minimize the chances of late ticket situations.
Tracking Your Ticketmaster Order
Wondering when those event tickets you purchased will actually show up? Here are some tips on tracking and monitoring your Ticketmaster order status:
- Check your Ticketmaster account online – vouchers will be posted here first
- Look for ticket delivery email confirmations from Ticketmaster
- Reference your order confirmation email for delivery method, timing, and other details
- Call Ticketmaster customer service if order status is unclear as event approaches
- Scan postal mail daily as mail event tickets will not have tracking numbers
- Save Ticketmaster customer service contact information in case ticket issues arise
Actively monitoring your Ticketmaster orders helps avoid problems and surprises. Being proactive is key, especially as the event date nears.
If tickets remain outstanding days before the event, promptly contact Ticketmaster to get the problem resolved. They have experience handling late and missing ticket situations. Most issues can be fixed, most commonly by having tickets held at will call for pickup.
Why Your Tickets Might Be Delayed
Despite best efforts, ticket orders can sometimes encounter delays. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- High Demand – Very popular events sell out quickly. Producing and shipping thousands of tickets takes time.
- Venue Timing – Large venues control distribution and may hold tickets until 1-2 weeks pre-event.
- Mail Issues – Mail delivery allows more opportunities for errors or delays versus digital transfers.
- Third Party Sellers – Tickets sold via third parties must be transferred, which adds time.
- Lost Tickets – Mailed hard tickets are prone to loss, requiring replacements.
- Order Issues – Incorrect shipping address or delivery methods can delay tickets.
Being aware of these potential issues can help buyers be patient and proactive. Contacting Ticketmaster as soon as a delay is noticed is key to resolving problems promptly.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster aims to deliver ticket vouchers instantly for digital formats like Mobile Delivery and Print-at-Home. For mail orders, allow 2-4 weeks before event. Actual event tickets are dependent on venue release policies, which often occurs 1-2 weeks pre-event.
Monitoring your Ticketmaster account and order emails is important to track status. If issues arise, promptly contact customer service. With millions of ticket sales annually, delays are inevitable but solvable when detected early. Just know the wait is usually worth it when you finally attend that highly anticipated event!