Ticketmaster is the primary ticket outlet for major entertainment events in Canada. It provides a platform for both event organizers to sell tickets and for fans to resell tickets they can no longer use. Here is a quick overview of how the Ticketmaster system works for Canadians looking to sell event tickets:
How to List Tickets for Sale on Ticketmaster
If you want to sell tickets you can no longer use on Ticketmaster, you need to have a Ticketmaster account. Here are the steps to list tickets for sale:
- Log into your Ticketmaster account online or via the mobile app.
- Find the event for the tickets you want to sell under “My Tickets.”
- Select “Sell Tickets.” You will be asked to verify your ticket barcode numbers.
- Pick which tickets you want to sell from those associated with your account and enter the quantity.
- Set your asking price per ticket. Ticketmaster recommends pricing based on current market value.
- Specify if you want to add a delivery method for mobile tickets being transferred or require the buyer to pick them up.
- Review the listing details and service fees. Click “Post Your Listing” to officially list the tickets for sale.
It’s very quick and easy to get your extra tickets up for sale on Ticketmaster. You can also go back and modify the listing or pricing anytime if the tickets do not initially sell.
How the Ticket Resale Service Works
Once tickets are listed, here is how the resale process works on Ticketmaster:
- Interested buyers will be able to view ticket listings for the event. They can filter by location, quantity, and price.
- When a buyer commits to purchasing tickets from you, the tickets are removed from sale and put on hold.
- The buyer will complete the transaction and payment.
- After Ticketmaster confirms payment, you will receive an email that a sale is pending.
- You need to confirm the sale and transfer the tickets to the buyer within three business days.
- Once confirmed, payment gets processed to you (minus Ticketmaster service fees).
- You will need to formally transfer tickets to the buyer via Ticketmaster’s system.
- The buyer will receive the tickets electronically or have them available for pickup depending on the method you specified.
Ticketmaster keeps the process on track and ensures payment so all you have to do as a seller is confirm the sale and transfer out the tickets. The proceeds (minus fees) will be made available to you via online deposit, mailed check, or donation to charity if you select that option.
What are Ticketmaster’s Seller Fees?
Ticketmaster does charge service fees to sellers listing and selling event tickets on their platform. These fees help cover the costs of running the ticket resale marketplace. The total fees charged to sellers range from about 15% to 20% of the ticket’s sale price. Here is a breakdown of the different fees:
- Listing Fee – This is a small upfront fee when you first list a ticket for sale, usually around $5 per ticket.
- Sell Fee – This is a commission charged on the final sale price of the ticket. It is typically 10% to 15%.
- Service Fee – There is also a standard service fee on all sales. It is usually around 5% of the ticket price.
There may also be a delivery fee if you opt for Ticketmaster to handle transferring mobile tickets to the buyer digitally. Overall, expect to pay 10-20% of the ticket price in fees. The specific amounts for each event and ticket are shown before you list them for sale.
Tips for Selling Tickets Quickly and at Top Price
To maximize your profit and sell tickets fast on Ticketmaster, here are some tips to follow:
- List tickets as early as possible, often as soon as the event goes on sale.
- Price tickets at fair market value based on current sales. Ticketmaster provides guidance on this.
- Avoid pricing tickets higher than similar seats still available from the box office.
- Monitor your listings and adjust pricing if needed to stay competitive.
- Offer in-demand seat locations that are likely to sell.
- Consider low cost local pick-up options to avoid delivery fees.
- Bundle multiple tickets together if you have more than two.
- Promote your tickets on social media to reach interested buyers.
Following these tips will maximize the selling price and minimize the time it takes to sell extra tickets. Ticketmaster makes the process easy, but pricing right and acting quickly are still key.
Pros of Selling Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are some of the major benefits of using Ticketmaster to resell event tickets:
- Huge buyer audience – Ticketmaster dominates event ticket sales, so your listing gets maximum exposure.
- Trusted brand – Buyers feel secure purchasing via Ticketmaster’s well-known platform.
- Guaranteed payment – You don’t get paid until Ticketmaster confirms the buyer’s payment.
- Event transfer technology – Ticketmaster can seamlessly transfer mobile tickets to buyers.
- Fair market pricing – You can see current ticket sales data to price competitively.
- Low effort – The process is designed to be quick and convenient for sellers.
Between the massive buyer traffic Ticketmaster drives and the protections built into the system, it is an ideal marketplace for selling extra tickets.
Cons of Selling Tickets on Ticketmaster
There are also a few potential downsides to keep in mind when using Ticketmaster to sell tickets:
- High seller fees – At 10-20% in fees, significantly cuts into profits from resale.
- Limited control – You must adhere to Ticketmaster’s policies and processes as the platform, not an independent seller.
- Competition – High volume of sellers can make standing out a challenge.
- Buyer disputes – Dealing with any claims from buyers after a sale adds effort.
- Delayed payment – It takes up to a few weeks to receive payment when tickets are sold.
The high service fees are probably the biggest complaint. But for major events with big potential profits, the trade-off is often still worth it.
Alternatives for Selling Tickets
While Ticketmaster is the giant in ticket resale, it is not the only option. Here are a few examples of alternative platforms Canadians can use to resell event tickets:
- StubHub – The second largest ticket marketplace globally, also with high buyer traffic and event transfer technology.
- VividSeats – Allows selling across Canada, the US, and some international events.
- SeatGeek – Focuses on mobile-first ticket resale with competitive fees.
- Craigslist – The classifieds site allows ticket resale by individual sellers in local markets.
- Facebook Marketplace – Enables peer-to-peer ticket sales through Facebook.
- Kijiji – Popular classified platform in Canada for tickets and other items.
These alternative resale sites have smaller audiences than Ticketmaster but may charge lower fees. Craigslist, Facebook, and Kijiji allow sellers to handle the transactions themselves outside a formal marketplace.
Are there Restrictions on Reselling Tickets in Canada?
There are some rules that apply to reselling tickets in Canada that sellers need to be aware of:
- It is illegal to sell fake or counterfeit tickets under the Canadian Criminal Code.
- Ticket scalping laws vary by province. Most restrict selling above the original face value price.
- Ontario repealed its anti-scalping law in 2016 but Quebec’s law remains in place.
- British Columbia leaves ticket resale unregulated without scalping laws.
- Sellers cannot advertise tickets for sale until they physically possess them.
Make sure to research the specific laws in your province. Generally, reselling at fair market value is permitted except in Quebec where face value rules still apply in most cases.
Taxes on Ticket Resales
Another consideration for Canadians reselling event tickets is taxes. Here is how ticket sale profits are treated for tax purposes:
- Casual sellers do not need to report profits and pay taxes on minor ticket resales.
- Frequent sellers conducting ticket resale as a business must report profits as taxable business income.
- There is no clear threshold that distinguishes casual vs. business selling for taxes.
- CRA looks at factors like volume of sales, revenue generated, and seller history.
- Meeting the criteria for business income means paying income tax and GST/HST if registered.
Consult an accountant or tax advisor if you have high volumes of ticket resales to understand possible tax implications. Most casual sellers will not have to worry about claiming ticket profits or paying associated taxes.
Conclusion
Overall, Ticketmaster provides an easy and secure platform for Canadians to resell live event tickets they can no longer use. It connects with massive buyer demand given its dominant position in ticket sales. Sellers simply have to list the tickets, confirm sales, and transfer them out per Ticketmaster’s process. While seller fees are high, the convenience and payment protection often makes it an attractive option, especially for high-demand events. Understanding the policies, fees, and local laws allows Canadian sellers to effectively use Ticketmaster for ticket resales.