When you purchase tickets through Ticketmaster, whether online or over the phone, you may be wondering how you will actually receive the tickets for the event. Ticketmaster offers a few different delivery options to get your tickets to you securely and conveniently. Here is an overview of how Ticketmaster sends event tickets to customers.
Digital Tickets
For many events, Ticketmaster now offers digital tickets as the default method of delivery. With digital tickets, instead of receiving paper tickets in the mail, you will get an email with a link to access your tickets online or in the Ticketmaster app. The tickets will be available in your account to view on your phone and scan at the venue. Some of the benefits of digital tickets include:
- No waiting for shipping – access tickets immediately
- Can’t lose them or leave them at home
- Can easily transfer tickets to friends
- Environmentally friendly – no printed paper
If digital tickets are available for an event, they will typically be the default option during checkout on Ticketmaster. You will see your ticket barcode and details displayed on your phone screen rather than receiving a paper ticket.
Transferring Digital Tickets
One great perk of digital tickets is how easy they make transferring tickets. If you can no longer attend an event, you can transfer your Ticketmaster digital tickets to a friend directly through your Ticketmaster account. As long as your friend also has a Ticketmaster account, you can send over the tickets securely without having to meet up to exchange paper tickets.
Screenshots
Some people worry about digital tickets, thinking what if my phone dies or I can’t access the tickets? Even if you run into an issue accessing your digital tickets, you likely will be able to resolve it. As long as you have a screenshot or print out of the ticket barcode, venue staff can still scan and validate your ticket. So just be sure to take a screenshot of your tickets just in case.
Print-at-Home Tickets
For some events, instead of fully digital tickets, Ticketmaster may offer print-at-home tickets. This means you will receive an email with your tickets attached as a PDF to print out at home. The printed ticket will have a barcode, the seat location, and other event details. Print-at-home tickets operate similarly to traditional paper tickets except you print them yourself rather than having them mailed to you.
Printing Your Tickets
When you receive e-tickets to print at home, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Print them on standard 8.5×11 white paper – don’t use card stock or anything thicker than normal printer paper. Use a laser printer if possible for higher print quality. Print in color rather than black and white. Cut along the dotted lines to separate the tickets. Follow any other guidelines provided with your tickets to ensure the barcode scans properly and you can enter the event.
Transferring Print-at-Home Tickets
Transferring print-at-home tickets works a bit differently than digital tickets. Rather than electronically transferring to another Ticketmaster account, you will need to physically give the printed tickets to the person you are transferring to. Treat print-at-home tickets like traditional paper tickets when transferring them to another person.
Mail Delivery
In some cases, Ticketmaster may mail out paper tickets rather than offering digital or print-at-home ticket options. This is less common now with most events going digital, but can still occur in certain situations. If mail delivery is an option during the checkout process, physical tickets will be sent to the mailing address you provide.
Timing of Mail Delivery
If you are having tickets mailed to you, here is an estimate for when to expect them:
- 2 weeks before the event – standard delivery
- 1 week before the event – rush delivery (may require an extra fee)
- Less than a week before – pick up at will call
Of course, exact timing can vary depending on factors like your location and the mailing service used. International addresses tend to have longer delivery times. Be sure to factor in adequate time for mail delivery if your tickets will be mailed to you.
Tracking Your Tickets
For added assurance, ask if tracking is available for your mailed tickets. This way you can monitor the delivery process and see exactly when your tickets arrive. Without tracking, you just have to rely on the estimated delivery timeframe. Tracking gives you visibility as your tickets make their way to your mailbox.
Will Call Pickup
Rather than having tickets shipped or emailed, you may also be able to select Will Call pickup when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster. This means your tickets will be held for you at the venue’s Will Call office and you pick them up on site when you arrive for the event. Will Call can be useful if you are purchasing tickets last minute or want to avoid delivery fees.
A common scenario where Will Call comes in handy is if you purchase tickets right before an event. For example, if you buy tickets the day before a concert, there likely won’t be enough time for standard delivery. So you can select Will Call pickup to get the tickets printed and held for you at the venue Will Call office when you get there. Just be sure to allot some extra time for picking up tickets from Will Call before the event starts.
Identification Needed
When you pick up Will Call tickets, you will need to show the ID of the person who purchased the tickets. This is so the venue can verify you are authorized to retrieve the tickets. The name on the purchasing ID must match the Ticketmaster order. If you are picking up tickets someone else purchased, bring their ID and a copy of the ticket confirmation.
Extra Considerations
Purchasing from Third-Parties
If you purchase resold tickets from a third-party ticket marketplace, delivery will work differently than directly through Ticketmaster. You will need to coordinate with the seller on how they will transfer or mail you the tickets. Only buy from reputable resale platforms to avoid counterfeits or other issues.
Changing Delivery Method
What if you change your mind about the delivery method after purchasing tickets? Contact Ticketmaster as soon as possible to see if you can update the delivery method for your order. This may be possible if the event is still a while away. But changes cannot be made close to the event date when tickets have already been issued. Don’t wait until the last minute to request a delivery switch.
Lost or Stolen Tickets
If your tickets are lost, stolen, or damaged, get in touch with Ticketmaster right away to explore your options. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to reissue replacement tickets. Provide details on what happened so the situation can be evaluated. Act quickly to increase chances of getting replacements in time for the event.
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster offers ticket delivery via digital tickets, print-at-home tickets, mail delivery, and Will Call pickup. Digital tickets provide quick and convenient access on your phone. Print-at-home tickets operate similar to traditional paper tickets. Mail delivery and Will Call are best for last minute purchases or avoiding delivery fees. Be sure to pay close attention to delivery instructions to ensure you receive your event tickets properly through your preferred method.