Ticketmaster is the largest ticket sales and distribution company in the United States. When you purchase tickets to a concert, sports event, or other live entertainment through Ticketmaster, you may be wondering – how long does it take for the tickets to arrive?
The answer depends on a few factors, including:
- The delivery method you chose
- If the event is in high demand
- The timing of when you placed your order
In general, Ticketmaster aims to get tickets delivered 1-2 weeks before the event. But it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and purchase your tickets as early as possible.
Here’s an overview of how long to expect for different delivery methods:
Mobile Ticket Delivery
Mobile ticket delivery through the Ticketmaster app is the fastest way to get your tickets. You should get them right away after your purchase, delivered directly to your Ticketmaster account and viewable on your phone.
The advantage with mobile tickets is you don’t have to wait for shipping or deal with will call. Your tickets are available instantly on your device. The only requirement is having the Ticketmaster app installed to view, manage, and scan your mobile tickets.
Standard Mail
If you select standard mail as the delivery method, Ticketmaster will mail your paper tickets to the address you provide.
Standard mail usually takes 7-10 days for delivery in the US. So if you’re ordering tickets 2-3 weeks out from an event, you should receive them in time with standard shipping.
The expected delivery window also depends on your location. International shipping can take 2 weeks or more to some regions. Always check the estimated arrival date before the order cutoff date.
Express Mail
Ticketmaster offers expedited shipping for an additional fee, which sends your tickets through express mail carriers like FedEx.
Express mail shaves off a few days versus standard delivery. You can expect to receive your tickets within 3-5 business days in the US. Express mail has faster processing and priority handling compared to standard.
Keep in mind express shipping costs more, with fees starting around $20 per order. It ensures faster delivery, but standard shipping is probably fine if you order with sufficient lead time.
Will Call
Will call is when you pick up your tickets directly at the venue’s box office on the day of the event. This avoids shipping times completely.
With will call delivery, you’ll need to present the credit card used for purchase and a photo ID to pick up tickets. Keep in mind the box office may have long lines close to showtime. Arrive early to retrieve your tickets if using the will call method.
The main drawback with will call is you won’t have tickets in hand until the event. But it’s a convenient option if you purchased last minute or have concerns over lost tickets.
How Long Before The Event Should You Order?
To ensure you get tickets in time, it’s recommended to order at least 2-3 weeks before the event date.
Here is a table showing recommended order times for different delivery methods:
| Delivery Method | Recommended Order Time |
|---|---|
| Mobile Ticket | Anytime – available instantly |
| Standard Mail | 2-3 weeks before event |
| Express Mail | 1 week before event |
| Will Call | Anytime before event |
Mobile tickets are available immediately after purchase, so you can order those anytime.
For standard mail, allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. If you need tickets sooner, go with express shipping within 1 week of the event. Or you can choose will call to skip shipping and pick up at the venue.
Ideally you should purchase tickets as early as you can, even months in advance for high demand events. But these general guidelines will ensure your tickets arrive in time.
Order Cutoff Dates
Keep in mind most events have an order cutoff date, which is the last day to purchase tickets. This is typically 1 week before the event, but can vary.
Order before the cutoff date to guarantee you can buy tickets. Otherwise if an event is sold out or the cutoff date has passed, you won’t be able to place an order.
The cutoff helps venues finalize ticket numbers and staffing needs. Make sure to order before the cutoff date shown on the Ticketmaster event page. Tickets are not guaranteed available if purchasing after the cutoff.
Getting Tickets Late or Last Minute
What if you need tickets close to the event date? There are still some options:
- Use express 1-day shipping – get tickets shipped overnight
- Choose print-at-home ticket delivery – print anytime
- Select will call pickup – avoid shipping
- Buy from resellers – third party sites may have tickets
As mentioned express shipping via FedEx gets tickets delivered within 1 business day guaranteed. So even if you order a few days before an event, express mail can still get them to you in time.
Print-at-home tickets let you download and print tickets anytime without waiting for mail delivery. Just make sure to print in advance so you’re not rushed before heading to the venue.
Will call avoids shipping completely since you pick up tickets at the box office. It’s convenient albeit you won’t have them in hand early.
If the event is sold out on Ticketmaster, check secondary markets and resellers. Sites like StubHub may have last minute ticket resales, typically at higher prices. But it’s an option if you need tickets immediately. Ordering early directly through Ticketmaster is best when possible.
Ways to Speed Up Ticketmaster Delivery
Here are some tips to help expedite getting your Ticketmaster tickets:
- Select mobile ticket delivery – fastest option, delivered instantly
- Pay for express/overnight shipping if you ordered late
- Double check address entered is correct to avoid delays
- Choose will call pickup to skip mailing time
- Order early, at least 2-3 weeks out from the event date
- Save payment info to checkout faster
- Use the Ticketmaster app for quicker purchasing
Mobile tickets are best if you just need them immediately in your account. Express shipping speeds up delivery versus standard mail as well.
Make sure to enter the right address. Incorrect addresses can delay and return shipments. Will call avoids shipping if you don’t mind picking up at the venue.
Ordering early is always recommended to have sufficient time for mailing. And store payment details and use the app for the fastest Ticketmaster checkout experience.
Following these tips will help minimize wait times and get your event tickets as quickly as possible.
Tracking Your Ticketmaster Order
Wondering when those Ticketmaster tickets will show up? You can easily track the status of orders:
- View status on your Ticketmaster account
- Check the email confirmation for tracking info
- Use the delivery carrier’s tracking with provided number
- Contact Ticketmaster customer support
First, log into your Ticketmaster account which will show order details and status. Also check the confirmation email, which typically includes shipping carrier and tracking number that can be plugged into the carrier’s tracking tool online.
You can also contact Ticketmaster directly. Their customer service can look up order statuses and resend tracking information if needed.
Tracking gives you visibility into where your ticket shipment is and estimated arrival date. Be sure to check delivery progress if your tickets are taking longer than expected to arrive.
Reasons for Ticketmaster Delivery Delays
While Ticketmaster works to process and ship orders quickly, there are a few reasons you may experience delayed ticket delivery:
- High demand events lead to high volume orders
- Weather or other carrier delays slow mail service
- International or invalid addresses increase transit time
- Credit card verification issues hold up order processing
- Purchasing after cutoff date due to limited ticket inventory
For big events like playoffs, concerts, or festivals, a flood of customer orders can slow processing and shipping from Ticketmaster’s end. Poor weather conditions can also disrupt delivery carriers.
International addresses generally take longer for mail transit. Invalid addresses will return shipments to sender and delay arrival. Any payment issues during checkout will hold up an order as well.
Buying tickets after the cutoff date also risks delays since remaining ticket availability is low at that point.
The best way to avoid delivery delays is purchasing event tickets early, at least 2-3 weeks out. But if your tickets are taking longer than expected to arrive, contact Ticketmaster customer support for assistance investigating the issue.
Getting Refunds for Undelivered Tickets
If you haven’t received event tickets from Ticketmaster in time, you may be entitled to a refund or other compensation.
Many events allow refunds if Ticktemaster fails to deliver tickets at least 5 days before the event. You’ll typically need to provide proof of purchase date showing you should have received tickets already.
There are a few steps for getting a refund for non-delivered tickets:
- Contact Ticketmaster by phone and request a refund
- Explain the tickets have not arrived with your order date
- Provide your order confirmation and other details
- Ticketmaster will investigate and process refund if appropriate
If it’s less than 5 days before the event when you contact them, you may receive a credit rather than refund. Make sure to follow up if you don’t see the refund issued after Ticketmaster’s review.
For major delays or non-delivery issues, you can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, and leave reviews describing the issue. This kind of public feedback motivates Ticketmaster to improve customer service.
But ideally you should order early enough to confirm you get tickets in time and avoid the hassle altogether. Following the recommended order times and tracking delivery will help prevent problems.
Preparing for Your Event
Once you receive your tickets from Ticketmaster, here are some tips for getting ready for the big event:
- Carefully check tickets to verify accuracy
- Make copies or take photos in case tickets are lost
- Keep tickets in secure location until event
- Have tickets easily accessible on event day
- Bring ticket copies and order confirmation as backup
- Arrive early in case delays picking up will call tickets
- Know venue entrance locations, parking, and other event details
It’s always smart to double check your tickets for correct date, seating, and other details. Also make copies or take pictures as a backup in case tickets are misplaced.
Keep your tickets safe leading up until the event, and have them handy on the day. Consider bringing backups like your order confirmation just in case.
If doing will call, make sure to arrive with sufficient time to pick up tickets before doors open. Be knowledgeable of the venue layout, parking, and entrances too.
Following these tips will set you up for a smooth experience using your Ticketmaster tickets. Enjoy the show!
Conclusion
In summary, Ticketmaster aims to deliver event tickets 1-2 weeks before the show date in most cases. For fastest delivery, choose mobile tickets or print-at-home options.
To ensure on-time arrival, order at least 2-3 weeks out for standard shipping, 1 week out for express shipping. Will call allows pickup at the venue on the event day.
Track your order and contact customer service if tickets don’t arrive on schedule. Make sure to purchase before the order cutoff date for each event.
Allow plenty of leeway with your Ticketmaster order, and you’ll receive tickets with time to spare. Follow the tips provided to minimize wait times for your next event.
