Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket providers in the world, offering tickets to concerts, sports events, theater shows, and more. One key feature of Ticketmaster tickets is the ability for the original ticket buyer to transfer or resell their ticket if they can no longer attend the event.
The Basics of Transferring Ticketmaster Tickets
Most event tickets sold through Ticketmaster allow for transfers or resales through their ticket exchange platform. This allows the original ticket buyer to list their ticket for resale if they cannot attend the event.
There are a few key things to know about transferring Ticketmaster tickets:
- Tickets can be transferred an unlimited number of times, as long as each transfer occurs before the event starts and through Ticketmaster’s official ticket exchange.
- The original ticket buyer initiates the transfer by listing their ticket for resale at a price they set.
- Once the ticket sells to a new buyer, the transfer is complete. The new buyer’s name is now associated with the ticket.
- The new ticket buyer may also opt to list the newly acquired ticket for resale if they cannot attend.
So in summary, there is no limit to how many times a Ticketmaster ticket can be transferred or resold, as long as it occurs through their official ticket exchange platform prior to the event date.
Why Unlimited Transfers Are Allowed
There are a few key reasons why Ticketmaster allows tickets to be transferred an unlimited number of times:
- Convenience for buyers – With unpredictable schedules or changing plans, buyers appreciate the flexibility of being able to resell or transfer tickets if needed.
- Combats ticket fraud/scalping – By only allowing transfers through their official exchange, Ticketmaster can void fraudulent tickets and ensure valid tickets are being sold.
- Generates additional revenue – Ticketmaster makes commission on resale tickets, so more transfers means more potential revenue.
- Better for event organizers – Unlimited transfers helps ensure seats are filled with genuine fans, even with last-minute transfers.
The unlimited transfer policy provides benefits for buyers, Ticketmaster, event organizers, and more. It gives buyers flexibility while optimizing Ticketmaster’s business interests.
The Ticket Transfer Process on Ticketmaster
If you are looking to transfer or resell a Ticketmaster ticket, it is a straightforward process using their online ticket exchange. Here are the basic steps:
- Sign in to your Ticketmaster account online or via the app. Navigate to the “Tickets” section.
- Select the ticket you want to transfer. Choose “Sell Tickets” or “Transfer Tickets.”
- You will be asked to verify your ticket for transfer. This ensures the ticket is valid.
- Pick your transfer/resale method. You can transfer directly to someone you know, list for resale at a set price, list as an auction, or donate the ticket.
- For direct transfers or resales, the tickets are instantly transferred to the recipient once paid. You will no longer have access.
- If listing for resale, you choose a price and the tickets remain available in your account until sold. You can cancel a listing if needed.
The process is quick and intuitive. Within your Ticketmaster account you have full visibility into pending transfers/sales and completed transactions.
Key Restrictions on Transferring Tickets
While Ticketmaster tickets can typically be transferred an unlimited number of times, there are some key restrictions in their transfer policy to be aware of:
- Transfers can only be initiated by the original ticket buyer in most cases.
- Tickets can not be transferred after the event starts or occurs.
- Tickets can only be transferred via Ticketmaster’s official ticket exchange platforms.
- Season tickets or other ticket packages may have specialized transfer rules.
- Some event organizers or teams implement special transfer limits for high-demand events.
So while unlimited transfers are the norm, for certain ticket types or high-profile events, special transfer rules may be in place. These are visible when initiating a transfer on Ticketmaster.
Tips for Transferring Tickets Successfully
To ensure a smooth ticket transferring process, keep these tips in mind:
- Only transfer via official Ticketmaster platforms. Avoid private resale sites.
- Make sure tickets fully transfer before assuming the transaction is done. Check your account.
- Transfer as early as possible before the event if you need to resell.
- Buy insurance when first purchasing tickets in case you need to cancel and transfer later.
- Avoid buying tickets from unofficial third-party resellers as they may not allow transfers.
- Be aware of any special event transfer limits that may be in place.
Taking these precautions allows you to seamlessly transfer Ticketmaster tickets as needed.
Data on Frequency of Ticket Transfers
Ticketmaster has not released any official data on exactly how many times the average ticket is transferred or resold. However, some statistics provide clues into the frequency of ticket transfers:
- Up to 20% of tickets for high-demand concerts are listed for resale across major ticketing platforms.
- Less than 5% of tickets for regular season sporting events are typically resold.
- For extremely high-profile events like the Super Bowl, over 60% of tickets are resold on secondary markets.
- On average, a single ticket may be posted for resale across multiple platforms up to five times before selling.
While each event has very different resale/transfer activity, it’s clear that a significant portion of tickets are transferred at least once, and high-demand tickets often multiple times. Ticketmaster’s unlimited policy facilitates this liquidity and flexibility in the ticket market.
Does Transferring Reset the Ticket Barcode?
A common question around transferring tickets is whether it resets the barcode, requiring re-entry at the venue. The answer is no – here is how it works with Ticketmaster ticket barcodes when transferred:
- Each Ticketmaster ticket has a unique barcode that serves as its permanent identifier.
- When a ticket transfer occurs, only the ticket owner name is changed in Ticketmaster’s systems.
- The barcode remains exactly the same throughout any transfers.
- Whoever holds the ticket with the barcode at entry time can gain admission.
- The barcode does not reset or change until after the event occurs.
This means you do not have to worry about re-validating tickets or updating the barcode when receiving a transferred Ticketmaster ticket. The original barcode remains active through all transfers prior to first use.
Other Key Facts on Transferring Tickets
Some other notable facts around transferring Ticketmaster tickets include:
- There are no fees for directly transferring tickets to someone you know.
- A transfer fee applies if listing tickets for open resale on Ticketmaster’s exchange.
- Tickets transferred very close to event time often have special expedited electronic delivery options.
- Transferring tickets across Ticketmaster international regions (U.S., Canada, Australia, etc) may have restrictions.
- Onsite ticket resale outside a venue is illegal in many jurisdictions, despite transfers being allowed online.
Being aware of these other miscellaneous factors around transfers ensures you have a smooth experience.
Summary
In summary:
- Ticketmaster tickets can be transferred an unlimited number of times through their official ticket exchange.
- Transfers are allowed for convenience, fraud prevention, and maximizing sales.
- Tickets can easily be listed for sale or transferred directly in your Ticketmaster account.
- Special restrictions may apply for season tickets or high-demand events.
- The original ticket barcode remains intact through all transfers.
- Many tickets are transferred at least once, some even multiple times.
By understanding the open transfer policy and process, Ticketmaster buyers can confidently purchase tickets knowing they retain flexibility if plans change.