Ticketmaster fees can really add up when purchasing tickets for concerts, sports events, and other live entertainment through Ticketmaster. These fees include an order processing fee, a service fee, and sometimes an additional venue or promoter fee. Many Ticketmaster customers feel these fees are excessive and make tickets too expensive. The fees can equal 20-30% or more of the base ticket price. This article will provide tips on how to avoid paying some or all Ticketmaster fees when buying tickets.
Buy Directly from the Venue Box Office
One of the best ways to avoid Ticketmaster fees is to purchase tickets directly from the box office at the venue where the event will take place. Often the box office only charges the base price without any additional service fees. However, you usually have to purchase tickets in person at the box office to avoid online convenience fees. Call ahead to ask if the box office sells tickets without fees. Some venue box offices now charge convenience fees for box office purchases too. But it’s still worth checking, as fees are often lower buying direct.
Use Ticketmaster Discount Codes
Ticketmaster offers discount codes and promotions from time to time that can help you save on fees. You can find these codes online or sometimes directly on Ticketmaster’s website. The codes provide percentage discounts off your entire order, including fees. So a 10% discount code could save you a nice chunk of change on those service fees. Search Google for “Ticketmaster promo code” and on sites like RetailMeNot before purchasing.
Examples of Ticketmaster Discount Codes
| Code | Discount |
| SUMMERFUN | 10% off |
| TICKETS10 | $10 off $30+ order |
| VIP20 | 20% off |
Use a Ticket Reseller
Popular ticket resale marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek often have lower service fees than Ticketmaster. Compare all-in prices on Ticketmaster and resale sites, as sometimes you can get a better deal on the resale sites once Ticketmaster fees are added. Reseller sites have security guarantees in case of invalid tickets. Make sure to read reviews before purchasing from a reseller.
Ticket Reseller Fee Comparison
| Site | Fees |
| StubHub | 10-15% of ticket cost |
| VividSeats | $6-$12 per ticket |
| SeatGeek | 10-20% of ticket cost |
| Ticketmaster | 25-30%+ of ticket cost |
Buy Season or Group Packages
If you plan to attend multiple events, buying season ticket packages or group tickets can reduce per ticket fees. Sporting events and concert venues often sell bulk ticket packages with discounted or no fees included. Even just buying 2 or 4 tickets reduces fees per ticket versus buying single tickets. Split the cost with friends by buying in a group.
Avoid eTicketing When Possible
Print-at-home eTickets purchased through Ticketmaster often come with higher fees compared to having physical hard tickets mailed to you. Look for the “Hard Tickets” option during checkout and choose mail delivery to avoid eTicketing fees. This isn’t always available, but can save on fees when it is.
Use a Ticketmaster Rewards Credit Card
The Ticketmaster credit card provides cardholders with special offers, discounts, and rebates on Ticketmaster purchases. One key perk is getting reimbursed for Ticketmaster service fees charged to the card. So while you still have to pay the fees upfront, you can get a statement credit reimbursing you for those amounts. If you buy a lot of tickets through Ticketmaster, the credit card rebates can add up to major savings.
Buy at a Retail Location
Some retail chains like Walmart and supermarket chains sell event tickets in stores without service fees. Look for the Ticketmaster kiosks or customer service desks inside stores to ask about getting fee-free tickets. Selection is usually limited compared to buying online, but can save on fees. Often the retail locations only offer the convenience fee-free option on select events.
Wait Until the Last Minute
Ticketmaster often drops or reduces fees on unsold tickets as events get closer when they need to unload inventory. Fees may be non-refundable, so this strategy risks missing out on purchasing tickets. But if you don’t mind waiting until the last minute to buy tickets, you may luck out with lower or no fees to fill empty seats. Follow events on Ticketmaster to watch for last minute fee reductions.
Buy General Admission Tickets
If a concert or event offers general admission or “lawn” tickets without reserved seating, these tickets often have much lower fees. The base price will be cheaper too without a reserved seat. So opting for general admission can provide big savings over buying reserved tickets in this case.
Join Fan Clubs
Musicians and bands sometimes offer fee-free ticket presales for fan club members or email newsletter subscribers. Join email lists and fan clubs to get access to special presales dates before the general public. Presale offers may include discounted tickets without fees too.
Use a Ticket App
Ticket apps like TodayTix offer discounted Broadway and other event tickets without service fees. You can enter lotteries for popular shows to win $10-40 tickets through the app too. The app tickets are usually non-refundable, so flexibility is lower. But TodayTix is a fee-free way to get last minute deals on event tickets.
Buy a Ticket Insurance Plan
Some credit cards and insurance companies offer ticket protection plans than can refund you for Ticketmaster fees if you have to cancel your tickets. File a claim under the insurance policy after you cancel to recoup fee costs. This doesn’t help avoid fees upfront but can recover them if plans change. Make sure to read the coverage details carefully when buying ticket insurance. There are often a lot of exclusions around what is covered.
Negotiate With the Box Office
If you are buying a lot of tickets or have special circumstances, you can try negotiating with the box office for fee waivers or reductions. For example, if you are buying tickets for a large group or party, ask if they can waive the fees. Or if you are traveling from out-of-state to an event, politely ask if they can consider reducing or removing the excessive fees. It never hurts to nicely ask, and box office staff have some discretion to make exceptions on fees.
Conclusion
Avoiding Ticketmaster fees requires some workarounds like buying directly from venues, using discount codes, or purchasing last minute. For most events, fees are unavoidable if you want to buy through Ticketmaster. But being a savvy shopper by using fee-free alternatives when possible can save a lot on your ticket purchases. With ticket fees reaching record highs, it pays to explore your options when buying tickets for concerts, sports, theater and other events. A little effort goes a long way towards reducing those pesky fees and keeping more money in your wallet.
