Getting access to exclusive presale tickets for your favorite artist can be a hassle. As many fans compete for limited tickets, it helps to understand the verified fan presale process and requirements. This ensures you do what it takes to get a spot on the presale list and tickets in your hands.
What is a verified fan presale?
A verified fan presale allows fans to access and purchase tickets before the general public on-sale. To limit scalpers and bots, artists require fans to register in advance. After registering, you may receive a unique code to access the presale. This helps filter out fake accounts and ensure real fans get first dibs on tickets.
The registration period normally occurs 1-2 weeks before the presale. This gives the artist time to verify fans’ accounts. The actual presale occurs 1-2 days before the public on-sale. Verified fans receive a text message with their access code and link to purchase.
Why do artists use verified fan presales?
Verified fan presales emerged in response to growing problems with ticket scalping and bots. Third-party resellers use bots to quickly gobble up tickets and relist them at inflated prices. This made it harder for genuine fans to get seats, especially for hot shows. Verified fan presales help get tickets directly to real fans.
For artists, it also builds loyalty and community. Fans feel special getting exclusive presale access. It rewards their dedication with better tickets before the general public. This makes the ticketing process feel more fair for avid supporters.
How do you become a verified fan?
Here are some key tips for becoming a verified fan and getting into presales:
Sign up on time
Mark your calendar when registration opens. This normally occurs 1-2 weeks before the presale via the artist’s website or email list. Ensure you sign up within the registration period. Late registrations usually aren’t accepted.
Use an active account
Provide an account you actually use and check regularly, like your primary email address and mobile number. Avoid dummy accounts as you’ll need access to them later for the presale code.
Share your info accurately
When registering, share info about past shows attended, albums purchased, streaming activity and more. This helps prove you’re a real fan. Providing inaccurate info could get you flagged as a scalper and rejected.
Link social accounts
Linking accounts like Spotify and Ticketmaster provides more data points. This further validates your fandom to increase your chances of verification.
Follow presale instructions
Carefully follow all presale registration and ticket purchase instructions. Botching steps like not entering your presale code properly could cost you tickets.
What makes a fan account “verified”?
Artists use varied criteria to verify fans including:
- Attended past live shows
- Streamed artist’s music on Spotify, Apple Music etc.
- Follow artist on social media
- Purchased artist’s music and merchandise
- Subscribed to artist’s email list
- Active social media engagement with artist
- Linking accounts like Ticketmaster and Spotify
These signals help identify real fans who’ll actually attend the event. It weeds out reseller bots that only want hot tickets.
What are some verified fan presale platforms?
Here are some common platforms running verified fan presales:
Ticketmaster Verified Fan
Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan platform is used by major artists like Taylor Swift. Fans register and get presale codes via text.
AXS Verified Fan
AXS tickets provides a verified fan program for select shows. You can register online and receive presale passwords via email.
Spotify Verified Fan
For artist partners like Taylor Swift, Spotify emails presale codes to qualified premium users.
Fanatics Verified Fan
Fanatics offers verified fan presales for sports, concerts and theater shows. Registration is on their website.
Artist fan clubs
Big artists like Metallica operate their own fan club presales. You need an active fan club membership for access.
What are pros and cons of verified fan presales?
Here are some key pros and cons of verified fan presales:
Pros
- Better ticket access for real fans
- Fewer scalpers and bots
- Rewards avid supporters
- More fair process
- Prevents fake accounts
Cons
- Registration can be tedious
- You may not get verified
- Doesn’t guarantee tickets
- Can create longer on-sale delays
- Require sharing lots of personal data
Tips to increase your odds
Here are some tips to boost your chances of getting verified and scoring presale tickets:
- Register on time
- Use your most active accounts
- Link all relevant social and music streaming accounts
- See the artist live if you can
- Buy merchandise and music
- Engage on their social media
- Follow presale instructions perfectly
- Use fast internet and devices
- Have payment info saved
Be ready when on-sale begins
When you get presale access, here are some tips to prep for tickets going on sale:
- Save payment info ahead if possible
- Set calendar alerts so you don’t forget
- Use a fast computer and internet connection
- Refresh and keep trying if you encounter errors
- Follow all presale ticket links and codes precisely
- Only open one browser window to avoid conflicts
- Don’t panic if you don’t score tickets initially
Often more presales and general on-sales follow that provide more chances. Persistence and preparation increases your odds of success.
Be wary of ticket resellers
If you can’t score tickets from the initial verified fan presale or on-sales, be wary of using secondary resellers. Many jack up prices substantially higher than face value. Some common warning signs of predatory resellers include:
- Prices far above face value
- Vague or inconsistent seat locations
- Pressuring sales tactics
- Billing additional hidden fees
- Refusing to show the tickets upfront
When possible, purchase from trusted vendors like Ticketmaster Verified Resale who show the tickets and pricing upfront.
Conclusion
Getting exclusive presale ticket access takes effort but pays off for diehard fans. Understanding the verified fan presale process improves your chances. Be diligent about registering on time, linking accounts, and accurately providing info. Follow all presale instructions carefully. With persistence and good preparation, you can beat the scalpers and bots to score those coveted tickets.