Buying concert tickets has become increasingly difficult in recent years due to bots and scalpers buying up tickets and reselling them at inflated prices. Fans are often left frustrated when trying to purchase tickets, only to find them sold out immediately and available again at 2-3 times the face value. However, there are some strategies fans can use to improve their chances of buying tickets before resellers get to them.
Purchase pre-sale tickets
Many artists and venues offer pre-sale opportunities for loyal fans and customers. Pre-sales take place before the public on-sale date and provide early access to tickets. There are a few common ways to get access to pre-sales:
- Join fan clubs – Artists will often provide pre-sale codes to members of their official fan clubs.
- Sign up for artist newsletters – Follow your favorite artists on social media and sign up for their email updates to receive notice of any pre-sales.
- Check with your credit card company – Some major credit cards partner with ticket vendors to offer cardholder-only pre-sales.
- Check venues for fan club or email list – Venues will host pre-sales and allow their club or email subscribers early access.
These pre-sales can sell out quickly too, but they provide fans a chance at tickets before the bots and scalpers come out.
Get verified fan status
Some artists like Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen use ‘Verified Fan’ programs to make buying tickets less chaotic. Fans register in advance and are ‘verified’ as real human customers. Verified fans are then given a code that provides access to buy tickets.
Registering for these programs well in advance is key. While being verified is no guarantee of getting a ticket, it does help limit purchases to real fans.
Use ticket retailer apps and rewards programs
Many ticket retailers like Ticketmaster and AXS have their own apps and rewards programs that fans can use to gain early ticket access:
- Ticketmaster – Offers Ticketmaster Verified Fan status and boosts for Ticketmaster rewards members.
- AXS – Provides AXS Mobile App Smart AXS feature to save preferred delivery and payment options.
- Ticketfly/Eventbrite – Allows early checkout and quick payments through stored account info.
Having an account, with info and payment ready to go, saves critical time during the high-demand on-sale rush.
Use pre-queue systems
Some retailers now use “waiting room” or “queue-it” systems right as tickets go on sale. Fans click to buy tickets and are placed in a virtual line. This helps eliminate issues with overloaded websites and bots overloading the system.
While waiting can be frustrating, queues create a fair system for all fans to eventually reach the front and have a shot at purchasing.
Be ready at on-sale time
When the public on-sale starts, fans need to be ready to pounce.
- Get online several minutes early and continuously refresh the ticket page.
- Have accounts created on ticket retailers, with payment and shipping info saved.
- Use desktop AND mobile apps – Whichever gets through the queue first.
- Keep trying if tickets sell out – More are sometimes released.
Persistence is key, especially in that first frenzied minute of the sale opening.
Avoid resale sites at first
Sites like StubHub can be helpful later to find last-minute tickets, but should be avoided at the initial on-sale.
First, prices will be inflated right after public sale. Second, buying from a reseller site means one less ticket available during the primary on-sale.
Consider VIP or bundled packages
VIP packages with perks like premium seats, meet & greets, merchandise, etc often are available in the primary on-sale. The added cost essentially functions as paying for a fast pass.
These packages get far fewer buyers than regular tickets, so they can be an option if you want a near-guaranteed way to get in the door.
Use General Admission strategically
For concerts with “General Admission” or standing room only tickets, you don’t purchase a specific seat. That means getting in line early is key.
Research the venue layout and best entrance gates ahead of time. Arrive early to get as close to the stage as possible. Being early ensures you’re in before resellers gobble up prime spots.
Purchase fan club or VIP tickets in advance
As mentioned before, joining an artist’s official fan club is one of the best ways to get great seats. Fan club members frequently get first access during pre-sales, or even exclusive packages and offerings.
Similarly, premium VIP packages purchased directly via the venue provide benefits regular tickets don’t – at a premium price of course.
Buying these well in advance eliminates having to scramble with the masses during the general on-sale.
Consider seat and row preferences
When purchasing reserved seat tickets, research the seating chart carefully beforehand. Map out ideal sections, rows, and seat numbers.
During the on-sale, first focus on locking in an open seat rather than getting caught up with details. But if you have a choice, go for sections closer to the stage.
Use multiple devices
As mentioned before, have both desktop and mobile ready to go. Most mobile carriers will temporarily lift data restrictions when major on-sales open.
If possible, use multiple mobile devices connected to different networks. The goal is to get one through the digital waiting room first.
Act quickly on links from fan pages
Follow fan accounts on social media for your favorite artist. Fan pages will often post direct ticket links or special promo codes right as sales open.
Be ready to click and enter these immediately. Links can reach capacity within seconds.
| Social Media | Type of Help |
|---|---|
| Facebook fan groups | Codes and links posted |
| Artist subreddits | Tips and tricks shared |
| Twitter fan accounts | Direct ticket links posted |
Buy early bird tickets for festivals
Music festivals often offer discounted tickets during initial “Early Bird” sale periods. These tickets are limited and sell out fast.
Follow festival social accounts and sign up for email/text alerts to get reminders on when the Early Bird period begins and ends.
Use a ticket concierge or broker
For ultra high-demand tours, some wealthy fans pay a ticket concierge or broker to secure tickets on their behalf.
These services employ techniques like buying tickets across multiple locations and devices. They charge hefty fees ranging from 25-40% on top of the ticket price.
Average fans likely can’t justify the cost. But for big-money clients who want tickets guaranteed, it’s an option.
Conclusion
Scoring concert tickets is no easy feat these days. With preparation, persistence and some luck, real fans can beat out the resellers. Focus on pre-sales, verified fan programs, and lightning-fast clicking skills when on-sales open.
Don’t give up right away if tickets sell out immediately. Keep trying across devices as more tickets are sometimes released in waves. Avoid buying inflated re-sale tickets right after public on-sale.
While nothing works 100% of the time, following these tips will greatly improve your chances of scoring tickets the fair way – before they end up on re-seller sites at jacked up prices.
