Ticketmaster offers customers several different shipping options when purchasing tickets online or over the phone. The method of delivery, timing, and cost can vary depending on the shipping method selected. Understanding how Ticketmaster fulfills ticket orders can help buyers make the best choice for their situation.
Ticketmaster Shipping Methods
Ticketmaster offers three main shipping options for tickets purchased online or by phone:
- Standard Mail – The tickets are mailed via USPS First-Class Mail. This is the default shipping method.
- Express Delivery – The tickets are shipped via major express carriers like FedEx or UPS for faster delivery.
- E-Tickets – The ticket barcodes are emailed to the customer and can be printed at home or scanned on a mobile device.
The delivery time and cost for each shipping method depends on various factors like where the event is located and when the order is placed. Here are some additional details on each shipping method:
Standard Mail
Standard Mail is the default shipping method when customers purchase tickets on Ticketmaster. Here are some key facts about Standard Mail delivery:
- Tickets are mailed via USPS First-Class Mail, the regular letter mail service.
- Delivery time is typically 3-10 business days in the US, but can take longer for events farther away.
- This is the lowest cost delivery option, starting at $2.95-$3.95 per order.
- An additional $15-$20 charge per order applies for “will call” pickup at the venue box office.
- Standard Mail includes basic mail tracking but no guaranteed arrival date.
- Delivery to PO boxes is supported with Standard Mail.
Standard Mail is the best choice for most US customers who are ordering tickets well in advance of the event and don’t require expedited delivery. It provides an affordable shipping option directly to your mailbox.
Express Delivery
Ticketmaster also gives customers the choice of expedited delivery through major express shipping companies:
- Tickets are shipped via FedEx or UPS express services.
- Guaranteed delivery in 1-3 business days to most US addresses.
- Cost ranges from $15-$25 for regular Express Delivery.
- Overnight and Saturday delivery are available for an additional charge.
- Tickets can only be shipped to a street address, not a PO box.
- Tickets ship from a warehouse, not the venue.
- Full package tracking is included.
Express Delivery ensures tickets arrive quickly, but is more expensive than Standard Mail. It’s recommended for orders placed close to an event date or that require secure, expedited handling.
E-Tickets
E-Tickets provide digital delivery and eliminate shipping costs and delivery wait times:
- Tickets are emailed to the customer as barcode files.
- Can be printed at home or scanned directly from a phone.
- E-Tickets are usually delivered within 1 hour after order completion.
- Convenient for last-minute purchases since no shipping is required.
- Good option for international customers to avoid customs delays.
- No shipping cost for E-Tickets (a per order fee still applies).
E-Tickets sacrifice the traditional ticket stub for convenience and instant delivery around the world. They are best for rush purchases near event time or cost-conscious international orders.
When Are Tickets Shipped?
The time when Ticketmaster processes and ships ticket orders also depends on the shipping method selected:
- Standard Mail – Tickets are mailed out 2-3 weeks prior to the event via USPS First-Class Mail.
- Express Delivery – Tickets ship within 48 hours of the order being placed for expedited delivery.
- E-Tickets – Electronic ticket files are sent within 1 hour after the order is complete.
These timelines represent the standard fulfillment policies, but actual ship times can vary based on order volume, where the tickets are sourced from, and other factors. Buyers will receive shipping confirmation emails and tracking numbers if applicable.
Ways to Access Tickets
Ticketmaster provides a few options for how customers can ultimately access their tickets:
Hard Stock Tickets
The traditional printed tickets shipped to the buyer or held at will call:
- Standard hard stock ticket with details printed and a stub to tear off.
- Required for most entry gates, unless e-tickets are accepted.
- Can be shipped to a home address or held at the venue will call.
- Extra fees apply for will call pickup at the box office.
Hard stock tickets offer a tangible collectible ticket but require delivery time and have higher shipping costs. They are the default option with Standard and Express shipping.
E-Tickets
Digital ticket files delivered by email:
- Ticket details are provided in a PDF or mobile barcode.
- Can be printed at home or scanned directly off a mobile device.
- No delivery wait time, ships instantly by email.
- Convenient for online purchases and international orders.
- Works for entry if the venue accepts e-tickets.
E-Tickets provide instant access and avoid shipping costs and issues. But some venues still require physical tickets, so verify e-tickets are accepted.
Mobile Entry
Gain admission with the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone:
- Transfer tickets directly to the Ticketmaster app.
- Gain entry by having tickets scanned from the app.
- Convenient way to access e-tickets and avoid carrying printed tickets.
- CMust have a smartphone to display the ticket barcode.
- The venue must support mobile entry ticketing.
Using Ticketmaster’s mobile app allows customers to conveniently store e-tickets on their phone for scanning at the door. This gives flexibility and organization.
Will Call Pickup
Ticketmaster also allows customers to select “will call” delivery and pick up tickets directly at the event venue:
- Tickets are held at the venue box office under the buyer’s name.
- Photo ID is required to collect tickets at will call.
- Standard times for will call pickup are box office open through end of event.
- An extra service fee of $15-$20 applies for will call delivery.
- Convenient for guests without a confirmed arrival time or address.
Choosing will call shipping allows buyers to collect tickets on-site without waiting for delivery. But it costs more than standard shipping and requires pickup during box office hours.
Tracking Your Ticket Order
Ticketmaster provides tracking features so customers can follow the progress on their ticket order:
- Email Confirmations – Emails are sent when the order is placed, shipped, and delivered.
- Ticketmaster Account – Sign in to view current order status and tracking info.
- Courier Tracking – Express orders have tracking numbers to follow package progress.
- USPS Informed Delivery – See incoming mail notifications for Standard Mail parcels.
Buyers are provided with order updates by email as their ticket shipment goes through processing, shipping, and delivery. Signing into a Ticketmaster account grants access to detailed tracking tools and history.
Changing Your Shipping Method
Ticketmaster allows customers to request changes to their ticket shipping method in certain cases:
- Shipping upgrades must be made within 3-5 days of the order date.
- Upgrades are subject to carrier cut-off times for express/overnight services.
- E-Ticket delivery can be selected up until event start time.
- Will call pickup can be selected as long as tickets haven’t already been shipped.
Buyers can get in touch with Ticketmaster Customer Support to check if a shipping method upgrade or change is possible for their order and event. The earlier this request is made, the more likely options are still available to expedite or change delivery type.
Troubleshooting Tickets Not Arriving
If a ticket order is not received as expected, Ticketmaster recommends contacting their support team. There are also some steps buyers can take:
- Allow time for Standard Mail to be delivered, up to 10 business days.
- Check junk mail folders for any emailed e-tickets.
- Look for delivery attempt notifications from the shipping courier.
- Contact the shipping carrier directly if a package appears delayed or lost.
- Verify the shipping address used is correct and able to receive mail.
- Request will call pickup or e-ticket resend as a backup option.
Ticketmaster will work to investigate and resolve any ticket delivery issues reported by customers before the event date. They can resend e-tickets instantly and may be able to coordinate replacement ticket pickup in certain approved cases.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster aims to provide customers with clear shipping options and tools to track ticket orders from purchase to delivery. Buyers can choose the best shipping method for their needs – whether that’s affordable Standard Mail, expedited Express Delivery, instant E-Tickets, or box office Will Call pickup. Understanding timelines, costs, tracking capabilities, and policies around Ticketmaster ticket shipping ensures a smooth experience from order to event.
