Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket sales and distribution companies in the world. They sell tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows and more. If you need to exchange or refund tickets purchased through Ticketmaster, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding fees and policies.
Ticketmaster Exchange Policies
Ticketmaster has an exchange policy that allows ticket buyers to exchange tickets for an event if plans change and they can no longer attend. There are a few key things to know about Ticketmaster’s exchange policy:
- Exchanges must be made before the event occurs – you cannot exchange tickets after the event date has passed.
- Most tickets can be exchanged, but some restrictions may apply for specialty events or promotions.
- Exchanges are only allowed for the exact same event, date and venue.
- You must exchange for equal or lower value tickets. Upgrades require additional payment.
The exchange process must be initiated through your Ticketmaster account either online or through their mobile app. You cannot exchange tickets in person at the venue’s box office unless otherwise stated.
Fees for Exchanging Tickets on Ticketmaster
When you exchange tickets on Ticketmaster, there are typically fees involved. Here are the most common fees associated with Ticketmaster ticket exchanges:
- Exchange Fee – This is a per ticket fee that Ticketmaster charges for processing an exchange. It is typically around $5-$20 per ticket.
- Price Difference – If you exchange your ticket for a lower priced ticket, there is no refund for the price difference. If you exchange for a higher priced ticket, you must pay the price difference.
- Shipping Fees – Any new tickets issued via an exchange may have a shipping/delivery fee.
- Service Fees – The new tickets will also have the standard Ticketmaster service fees applied just like any new ticket purchase.
So in summary, the main costs are the exchange fee per ticket and any potential price difference or added service/shipping fees if exchanging for higher value tickets.
Refund Policies
In some cases, you may want to get a full refund on tickets instead of exchanging them. Here is an overview of Ticketmaster’s refund policies:
- Refunds are only allowed on tickets that have not yet been shipped or sent via mobile delivery.
- Instant download tickets and will call tickets cannot be refunded – only exchanged.
- Refunds must be completed before event date.
- Refund method will be the original payment method if done directly through Ticketmaster.
- All service and handling fees are refunded except for UPS and insurance fees if applicable.
So in most cases, you can get a full refund on tickets that have not been sent or used yet. Refunds initiated closer to the event date may take longer to process.
Estimating Exchange/Refund Costs
The overall cost to exchange or refund tickets can vary greatly depending on:
- Number of tickets
- Original ticket price
- New ticket price (if exchanging)
- Per ticket exchange fee
- Service and shipping fees
To estimate the total cost, you would need to:
- Look up the current exchange fee per ticket for that event.
- Calculate price difference between old and new ticket selection.
- Factor in estimated service and shipping fees.
- Multiply exchange fee by total number of tickets.
This would give you a ballpark estimate of the total fees to exchange tickets. Actual costs may vary slightly.
Examples of Exchange/Refund Costs
Here are some examples to illustrate potential exchange and refund scenarios and costs:
2 Tickets at $100 Each, Exchanging for $50 Tickets
- Original Ticket Price: $200 ($100 x 2 tickets)
- New Ticket Price: $100 ($50 x 2 tickets)
- $15 exchange fee per ticket = $30 for 2 tickets
- $15 estimated service fees on new tickets
- Total Fees = $45
So exchanging 2 $100 tickets for 2 $50 tickets would cost $45 in this example.
4 Tickets at $60 Each, Refund Requested
- Original Ticket Price: $240 ($60 x 4 tickets)
- $10 refund fee per ticket = $40
- Total Fees = $40
Requesting a full refund on 4 tickets originally $60 each would cost $40 in fees in this case.
6 Tickets at $500 Each, Exchanging for $600 Tickets
- Original Ticket Price: $3000 ($500 x 6 tickets)
- New Ticket Price: $3600 ($600 x 6 tickets)
- $20 exchange fee per ticket = $120 for 6 tickets
- $600 ticket price difference ($600 – $500 x 6 tickets)
- $75 estimated service fees on new tickets
- Total Fees = $795
Exchanging 6 $500 tickets for 6 $600 tickets would incur fees totaling approximately $795 here.
Tips for Saving on Exchanges/Refunds
Here are some tips to potentially save on fees when exchanging or refunding tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Request refund immediately if you know you can’t attend – refunds get harder closer to event date.
- Avoid exchanges that increase ticket prices – price differences add up.
- Exchange for same number of tickets if possible – per ticket fees add up.
- Consider reselling unwanted tickets instead – may recoup more value.
- Look for coupon codes – sometimes can find discounts on fees.
While exchanges and refunds on Ticketmaster do typically incur fees, taking advantage of policies early and minimizing price differences can help reduce costs.
Other Ticket Exchange Options
Aside from directly exchanging tickets via Ticketmaster, you may also consider:
- Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale – Resell tickets via Ticketmaster’s resale platform.
- Other Resale Sites – Sites like Stubhub let you resell event tickets.
- Ticket Swap Services – Trade tickets directly with other fans.
- Event Box Office – Check if exchanges allowed here instead.
- Gifting/Selling to Friends – Transfer or sell tickets to someone you know.
These alternative options may have lower fees in some cases or allow you to recoup more of your ticket value by reselling at market prices.
Key Takeaways
A few key points to summarize Ticketmaster’s exchange and refund policies and fees:
- Exchanges incur a per ticket exchange fee, usually $5-$20 per ticket.
- You must pay ticket price differences when exchanging for higher value tickets.
- Refunds are only allowed on tickets not yet sent or used.
- Refund and exchange timeframes are limited leading up to events.
- New shipping, service and processing fees typically apply to reissued tickets.
- Policies, restrictions and fees can vary between different events.
- Exchanging/refunding closer to event date increases costs.
- Reselling unwanted tickets may offer more value recovery in some cases.
While Ticketmaster exchange and refund fees can add up, especially for multiple tickets, being aware of policies and requesting early can help minimize costs in many cases.
Conclusion
Exchanging and refunding tickets on Ticketmaster does typically involve paying additional fees. The exact fees charged will depend on factors like:
- Number of tickets
- Exchange vs. refund
- New ticket price
- Timing relative to event date
By understanding the typical fees involved, estimating total costs, and following tips to minimize fees, you can better navigate the exchange and refund process. Refunding tickets quickly or reselling unwanted tickets can sometimes help avoid fees entirely. While the convenience of Ticketmaster comes at a cost, being an informed consumer can help you manage those costs.
