Selling Flames tickets can be a great way to make some extra money if you can’t attend a game. However, it does require putting in some time and effort to find buyers and get the best price. In this article, we’ll go over some quick tips on how to successfully sell your Calgary Flames tickets, from using online ticket resale sites to utilizing your social network.
Should I sell my Flames tickets?
Before attempting to sell your tickets, first decide if it’s worth your time and effort. Consider factors like:
- How in-demand is the game? Weekend and rivalry games will have higher demand.
- What is face value of the ticket? The higher the face value, the more money you can potentially make.
- What section are the seats in? Lower bowl and club seats will sell for more.
- How’s the team doing? Winning teams see higher ticket demand.
If your tickets are for premium or high-demand games, you likely stand to make a decent profit. Less desirable games may be harder to sell or force you to take a loss.
Where should I sell Flames tickets?
There are several options for reselling your tickets, both online and in person.
Online ticket resale sites
Online ticket marketplaces like StubHub, Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster are popular options to sell tickets. These sites handle payment processing and buyer vetting. They also give you exposure to a large pool of buyers. However, seller fees can eat into your profits.
Social media
Posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Craigslist that you have tickets for sale can reach friends and followers. The downside is you may have limited buyers. Make sure to use common sense when dealing with strangers online.
In-person sales
Scalping tickets outside the arena is an option if allowed in your city. This lets you get cash instantly but can be time consuming and you lose out on pre-sale opportunities.
Flames ticket exchange
The Calgary Flames Ticket Exchange powered by Ticketmaster is the official safe, secure ticket marketplace of the Flames. Season ticket holders can conveniently resell tickets here.
Overall, online ticket sites provide the largest buyer access and easiest sales process. Just be aware of seller fees cutting into profits.
How much should I charge for Flames tickets?
Setting the right sales price is key to selling your tickets quickly and getting the most money possible. Some tips for pricing:
- Check current ticket listings on resale sites to see the going rate for that game.
- Factor in demand. Can you get more for premium matchups and weekends?
- Consider the section. Lower bowl and club seats command higher prices.
- Review sold listings to see what prices tickets actually sold for.
- Don’t go under face value or you will lose money.
- Price 10-20% above comparable ticket sales for room to negotiate.
Initially price on the higher side, then drop if needed as game day approaches. Take into account fees the resale site will charge.
How should I advertise my Flames tickets for sale?
Crafting a good title and advertisement for your listing will help it stand out. Be sure to highlight important details like:
- Date and opponent for the game
- Section and row location
- Quantity of tickets available
- Any special amenities like club access
- Digital or hard copy delivery method
Use descriptive keywords people search for like “Calgary Flames lower bowl tickets”. Add photos of the view if possible. Mention if below market price or negotiable.
Online ticket sites will also walk you through creating a complete listing. Provide as much detail as possible to attract buyers.
How should I get paid when selling tickets?
To securely accept payment:
- Online ticket sites process payments and release funds after event.
- Accept secure online payments like PayPal for social media sales.
- Meet in person to exchange cash for hard tickets.
- Use PayPal, Venmo or another app for in-person mobile payment.
Never accept checks, money orders or wire transfers from strangers online as they can be fraudulent.
For your own protection, avoid mailing hard copy tickets until payment has been received and verified. Require PayPal or direct deposit so you can confirm the money is there before transferring tickets.
How should I safely transfer my Flames tickets?
To securely deliver tickets to the buyer:
- Use the online ticket site’s official transfer process, if selling there.
- For social media and in-person sales, only send digital tickets to buyer after verified payment.
- Hard tickets can be handed off at time of sale for cash transactions.
- Overnight hard copy tickets by tracked mail after payment confirmation.
- Mark electronic tickets as “Sold” once transferred to prevent duplication.
Never send a photo or screenshot of tickets, as buyers can duplicate them. Only transfer via official ticket provider platforms when possible.
Change any ticket account passwords after sale to prevent unauthorized access.
What are the best practices when selling tickets?
Follow these tips for a smooth ticket sale:
- Price competitively based on demand and comparable sales.
- Provide detailed listing descriptions and photos/views.
- Clearly communicate with buyers on sale terms and delivery.
- Use secure verified payment methods like PayPal or payment apps.
- Formally transfer tickets through official channels when able.
- Don’t mail hard tickets until payment is received.
- Change ticket account passwords afterwards if needed.
Being reasonable on pricing, using safe payment systems, and fully transferring ticket rights while preventing duplication will help ensure a good experience for both buyer and seller.
Step-by-Step Process
Here is a step-by-step guide to selling your Flames tickets:
1. Decide which tickets to sell
Pick games you can’t attend with the best potential profit based on factors like:
- Matchup desirability
- Day of the week
- Opponent draw
- Section and seat quality
Midweek games against less popular teams will be harder to sell. Friday/weekend games, rivals, and playoffs provide more demand.
2. Research current ticket prices
Search online ticket sites to see current asking prices for similar tickets. Filter by the specific game, section and quantity you want to sell.
Review the price range tickets are listed and sold for to gauge market value. Take notes on what areas of the arena fetch higher prices.
3. List tickets for sale
Create a detailed listing on one or more online ticket marketplaces. Provide specifics on:
- Game date, opponent, time
- Section, row, and seat numbers
- Number of tickets available
- Digital or hard ticket delivery method
Use the suggested listing price tools. Price 10-20% above comparable sales for room to negotiate.
4. Market tickets on social platforms
In addition to online ticket sites, also post on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter that you have Flames tickets for sale.
Keep it simple with game specifics, quantity of tickets, section, and price. Include the online listing link or your email for inquiries.
5. Adjust price as needed
If tickets aren’t selling at your initial price after a few days, incrementally drop the price by 10%.
As it gets closer to game day, you may need to lower closer to or even below face value just to sell.
6. Coordinate payment and transfer
Once a buyer has committed, only accept secure verified payment methods like online ticket site transfer, PayPal, Venmo, etc.
For hard tickets, arrange to meet buyer in a safe public place to exchange payment and tickets.
After payment, formally transfer tickets through official channels when possible. For hard tickets, ship via tracked mail only after payment.
7. Change ticket account passwords
After the tickets have been transferred, login to the ticket account and change the password to protect your remaining tickets.
This prevents the buyer from being able to access the account to duplicate or print additional tickets.
| Game Date | Opponent | Section | Asking Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 14 | Edmonton | Lower bowl | $250 each | $230 each |
| March 21 | Vancouver | Upper bowl | $150 each | $125 each |
| April 9 | Winnipeg | Club level | $300 each | $275 each |
Tips and Warnings
Common mistakes to avoid
Some key pitfalls to steer clear of when selling your tickets:
- Setting your asking price too high – research current rates first.
- Only listing on one platform – use multiple sites for maximum exposure.
- Waiting too long to lower prices – adjust weekly based on demand.
- Accepting risky payment methods – only use secure verified payment channels.
- Sending hard tickets before payment – overnight mail after funds clear.
Following best practices around pricing, marketing, payment and delivery will help avoid these errors.
Be wary of potential scams
Unfortunately, there are dishonest buyers looking to scam eager sellers. Be on the lookout for:
- Requests to pay by check, wire transfer or pre-loaded card. Only accept secure verified methods.
- Offers to overpay if you provide a refund. This is a common trick.
- Requests for your personal information like SSN, DOB, or bank details. Never provide this info.
- Buyers asking you to cancel or change the delivery address after sale. This is a red flag of fraud.
Use your intuition. If something feels off, it probably is. Stick to trusted platforms, cut off communication with suspicious buyers, and report bad activity.
Be flexible to make sales
To improve your chances of selling, remain open and flexible:
- Negotiate a little if a buyer makes a reasonable counteroffer.
- Consider breaking up pairs or groups if buyers only want singles.
- If demand is low, take a slight loss to ensure tickets sell.
- Bundle less desirable games with high demand games to sweeten the deal.
Having some flexibility on your pricing and packages can help move your tickets in a down market.
Key Takeaways
– Research ticket demand factors and current market rates to optimize pricing
– List tickets on multiple online resale sites as well as social media to maximize exposure
– Adjust prices incrementally if tickets aren’t selling initially
– Use secure verified payment methods and transfer tickets officially
– Avoid scams by being cautious with buyer communications and high-risk payment requests
– Remain flexible on pricing and packaging to improve sales
Successfully selling Flames tickets is possible with preparation, pricing research, effective marketing, buyer vetting, and secure payment and delivery procedures. Use a combination of online ticket exchanges and social media to attract interested buyers. Avoid hasty transfers or risky payments that can lead to non-payment or fraud. Patience and flexibility will also be key around pricing and packaging. Follow these tips to safely maximize your profits and sell your tickets quickly.
Conclusion
Selling your extra Flames tickets can be a great way to recoup some costs or make additional income. However, doing your due diligence around pricing, marketing, payment and delivery will ensure you actually turn a profit. Avoid common mistakes like overpricing, risky payment methods and premature ticket transfers. With the right preparation and process, you can successfully offload your tickets and make both you and the buyer happy.
