Buying tickets for concerts, sports events, and other live entertainment can be exciting but also confusing, especially if it’s your first time purchasing tickets or you’re buying for a popular event that is likely to sell out quickly. Here are some tips to help you buy tickets smoothly and ensure you get great seats at the price you want.
Plan Ahead
If it’s a high-demand event, start thinking about getting tickets as soon as the event is announced. Sign up for pre-sales that give you first access before the general public. Pre-sales may require joining a fan club, having a certain credit card, buying tickets to other events at the venue, or having a special promotion code. Make sure you qualify for any pre-sales well in advance so you’re ready to buy when the time comes.
Mark your calendar with any pre-sale, general on-sale, and other key dates related to the event. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t miss them. You want to buy as soon as sales open to get the best selection.
Pick Your Tickets Carefully
Study the seating chart and think about what kind of experience you want. Front row seats get you closest to the action but can also cost the most money. Upper level or luxury suites give you a different perspective and plusher amenities. Read reviews from others who’ve sat in different sections to learn the pros and cons of each area.
How much are you willing to spend? Set a budget and know the ticket prices ahead of time so you don’t overpay in the heat of the moment. Prices can vary widely depending on seat location. There are deals to be had if you hunt for ticket resale sites and promo codes.
Have Accounts Set Up and Logins Ready
Making accounts ahead of time on the websites you’ll buy from saves precious seconds during the purchase process. Have your login handy so you can breeze through. Set up payment methods like credit cards in your accounts as well. Shopping carts reserve tickets for only a limited time, so you want to check out seamlessly once you’ve picked seats.
If making a new account, use a strong but simple password you can quickly type. Use the same email and password combinations across sites so it’s easy to remember.
Use Multiple Devices
Pull out your laptop, desktop, tablet, and mobile phone when it’s time to buy. Use each device to hit a different sales channel simultaneously to increase your odds. Coordinate with friends and family members too so they can help hunt for tickets while you do the same.
Ensure all devices are already logged into accounts, up-to-date on software, and connected to robust wifi for smooth sailing. Close unused browser tabs and apps to optimize performance. Eight hands and eyes are better than two when battling for hot tickets!
Have Backups Ready
Even the best laid plans can go awry, so prepare backup options in case you can’t get the exact tickets you want:
- Be flexible about seat locations. Have a few different seating zones picked out.
- Consider season tickets or multi-show packages that improve access to high demand events.
- Try for accessible/ADA seats if available – they sometimes have more availability.
- Join fan clubs and rewards programs for advance access opportunities.
Know ahead of time if the event has a waiting list you can join if tickets sell out. Also check policies on ticket transfers in case someone needs to sell closer to the event date.
Beware of Scams
To avoid fake or invalid tickets:
- Only buy from official sources like the venue box office and authorized resellers.
- Check security features on physical tickets like holograms and QR codes.
- Review seller ratings and check policies before using resale sites.
- Don’t buy from sellers who only take wire transfers or cash.
- Confirm you can see the section, row, and seat on digital tickets before completing order.
Buying tickets should be exciting, not stressful! Avoid scalpers outside the venue who may sell counterfeits. Vet your sources thoroughly.
Act Fast When It’s Time
Have credit card in hand and refresh pages at the on-sale time for new ticket inventory. Promo codes can unlock access – try common ones like PRESALE or FAN. Keep trying if you don’t get tickets initially – more are often released in waves.
Don’t get stuck comparing multiple seat options when you could lose them all. Grab what you can even if it’s just a partial number of seats, then go back for adjacent seats in subsequent rounds.
Stay persistent and flexible. Good tickets do make it to fan club members, wait listers, and the general public if you hunt diligently. Avoid overpaying from scalpers by getting tickets straight from the source.
Conclusion
Here are some final tips for buying tickets to ensure success:
| To Do | Don’t Do |
|---|---|
| Join pre-sales and loyalty programs in advance | Wait until last minute to start planning |
| Research seating charts and ticket prices | Assume all seats have same face value |
| Have accounts set up with payment ready | Scramble to create accounts when sales open |
| Use multiple devices simultaneously | Only use one device or browser |
| Only buy from official, vetted sources | Trust unofficial scalpers and resellers |
The key is being prepared, moving swiftly when it’s time to buy, and understanding how ticketing works for the specific event you want. With smart planning, you can score amazing seats even when demand is high. Enjoy the show!
