Selling concert tickets quickly when you can no longer attend an event can be a challenge. However, with some preparation and using the right sales methods, you can successfully sell your tickets right away. This article will explore tips on pricing, where to post them for sale, safely completing transactions, and more.
How should I price my tickets to sell quickly?
Setting the right price is key when you want to sell your concert tickets fast. Consider these tips when pricing your tickets:
- Check the original price paid – This provides a baseline for what to charge. You likely won’t recoup 100% of what you paid if reselling at the last minute.
- Research the current market price – Search for your exact tickets or similar ones on resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats to see the going rate. Price competitively based on the current market.
- Factor in fees you paid – Add back in theprocessing fees and shipping costs you incurred when originally buying the tickets to set an acceptable minimum price.
- Consider demand and other factors – If the event is sold out or in high demand, you may be able to price at the higher end. If demand seems low, you may need to price on the lower side.
- Adjust for how quickly you want to sell – Set prices on the lower end if your priority is selling immediately. Higher prices may take longer to attract buyers.
In most cases, you’ll need to lower your prices somewhat below face value or what you paid to attract last minute buyers. But research carefully so you don’t under-price and lose out on potential earnings.
Where should I post tickets to reach interested buyers quickly?
Reaching the largest pool of targeted potential buyers is critical for fast ticket sales. Some top options include:
- Specialty ticket resale sites – StubHub, Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek and other reputable resellers attract large buyer audiences specifically for events and concert tickets.
- General marketplace platforms – eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace allow ticket resale and have wide user bases.
- Event pages and fan forums – The event’s official Facebook page or subreddit, performer fan groups, venue fan pages can all help connect with interested buyers.
- At the venue – If allowed, offering tickets outside the venue on the day of the event catches last minute planners.
Posting in multiple venues and using images helps maximize visibility. Targeting niche sites frequented by the event’s fanbase also improves chances of connecting with buyers.
What payment methods work best for quick transactions?
To complete the sale smoothly and promptly, use secure and convenient payment methods. Good options include:
- Online payment processors – Services like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle allow fast electronic transfers once the buyer has your email address or account details.
- StubHub/Vivid Seats – Their integrated payment systems securely handle transactions and e-ticket transfers when selling on their sites.
- Cash – For in-person exchanges, cash is fast and convenient. But take precautions when accepting large cash payments from strangers.
- Avoid checks – Waiting for checks to clear can slow down the transaction and risk non-payment.
Only accept online payments or cash equivalents like credit/debit transactions from established platforms. This reduces payment risks and delays compared to personal checks, money orders, or wire transfers.
How can I ensure safe ticket transfers and avoid scams?
When selling event tickets online, there are risks of scams and fraudulent transactions. Here are some tips to ensure safe exchanges:
- Only sell via secure platforms that guarantee transactions – Sales on StubHub, Vivid Seats, eBay and others have buyer/seller protections.
- Handle electronic transfers privately – Don’t share financial account details publicly. Privately share PayPal or Venmo IDs once buyer details are confirmed.
- Beware direct bank/wire transfers – These lack protections so it’s easier for a “buyer” to reverse fraudulent payments after ticket transfer.
- Confirm buyer identity beforehand – Talk to buyers by phone/text if needed to vet them and avoid anonymous sales.
- Only send hard tickets by registered mail – Require a signature and tracking to ensure delivery. E-tickets have more protections.
- Meet at public locations – For in-person sales, choose a safe meeting spot like outside the venue or a cafe.
- Accept cash only in person – Don’t take cash payments through the mail due to counterfeiting risks.
While it’s unlikely issues will arise, exercising reasonable precautions helps avoid problems. Have contingencies ready if a buyer tries to reverse online payments.
What are some tips to improve my ticket listing?
Creating an appealing, informative listing improves your chances of attracting buyers quickly. Good practices include:
- Use clear title and description – Include key details like performer names, tour dates, seat info, ticket details.
- Show images of the tickets – Images prove authenticity and help buyers assess seat locations.
- Note important specifics – Mention if tickets are will call, e-tickets, include parking passes, etc.
- Advertise desirable features – Highlight VIP amenities, exclusive access, good seat locations that add value.
- Share reason for selling – Let buyers know why you can’t attend to provide reassurance.
- Highlight urgency to sell fast – Note you need to sell tickets immediately if that’s your priority.
- Provide contact information – An easy way for buyers to reach you helps facilitate sales.
Optimizing your listings for search visibility and proactively reaching out to potential buyers interested in quickly grabbing last minute tickets can also help convert listings to sales faster.
What other tips can help me sell tickets quickly?
Some other handy tips for selling tickets fast include:
- Sell early for best results – The sooner you list tickets, the higher the chances of fast sales.
- Price below market as event nears – Lower prices as the event date approaches to attract last minute buyers.
- List individually or as a lot – Breaking up tickets can allow more buyers but reduces convenience.
- Offer e-ticket transfer – Electronic tickets allow instant delivery so buyers don’t worry about receiving hard tickets on time.
- Highlight if tickets are below face value – This can attract bargain shoppers looking for deals.
- Be responsive to inquiries – Quickly answer potential buyer questions to facilitate fast transactions.
- Repost frequently – Refreshing listings keeps them active and visible to new potential buyers daily.
Following ticket resale best practices tailored to the specific event and seats you’re offering helps optimize the sales process so transactions happen quickly.
Conclusion
Selling concert and event tickets quickly when you can no longer use them requires some strategy and preparation. By properly pricing your tickets, marketing them across the best platforms, safely handling transactions, and optimizing your sales approach, you can successfully sell your tickets right away. Avoid common mistakes like under-pricing or using risky payment methods. With the right techniques, you can convert unused tickets to cash fast, while allowing other fans the chance to attend the event you’ll miss.