Selling Ottawa Senators tickets can be a great way to make some extra money if you have season tickets or individual game tickets you can’t use. The Senators have a loyal fanbase and games at the Canadian Tire Centre often sell out, so there is demand for tickets. Here are some tips on the best ways to sell Ottawa Senators tickets:
Use Ticket Resale Websites
The easiest way to sell tickets is through a ticket resale website like StubHub, VividSeats, or SeatGeek. These sites provide a platform for buyers and sellers to connect. As a seller, you simply list your tickets for sale and the sites usually charge a commission when the tickets are purchased. The major benefit of using a resale site is you gain access to a large pool of buyers. These sites are also secure, so you don’t have to worry about getting scammed. You’ll get paid quickly once the tickets are sold.
How to List Tickets on Resale Sites
To list tickets on a resale site:
- Create an account on the site and provide your payment information so you can get paid
- Post the tickets by entering details like the game, seat location, number of tickets, and price
- Buyers will see your listing and can purchase the tickets directly through the site
- You’ll get an email notification when the tickets sell
- The site will withdraw the payment from the buyer and deposit your earnings (minus their commission) into your account
Be sure to price your tickets competitively based on current market rates. You can research other listings for similar tickets to determine fair pricing. Underpricing can sell tickets faster.
Pros of Resale Sites
- Large buyer pool makes it easier to sell tickets
- Convenient online process
- Secure transactions and prompt payment
- Established platforms people trust
Cons of Resale Sites
- Selling fees can range from 10-20% of sales price
- Less control over who you sell to compared to direct sales
- You may have to relist if tickets don’t sell initially
Sell Directly to Fans
Another option is to sell directly to Senators fans. Ways to do this include:
Online Marketplaces
List your tickets for sale on online buy-and-sell marketplaces like Kijiji, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. This exposes your listing to locals interested in buying tickets. Be sure to provide plenty of details on the exact tickets and pricing. Require buyers to contact you prior to purchase so you can confirm availability.
Ottawa Senators Facebook Groups
Join Ottawa Senators fan groups on Facebook and post when you have tickets for sale. There are many enthusiastic members looking for tickets in these niche communities. Just make sure the group allows ticket sale postings.
In-Person Sales
Approach fans near the Canadian Tire Centre on game days to see if they need tickets. This works best within a few hours of puck drop when demand peaks. Have the tickets readily available to show buyers. Be willing to negotiate to make a quick sale.
Pros of Direct Sales
- Avoid seller fees charged by resale sites
- More control over ticket pricing
- Direct interaction with buyers
Cons of Direct Sales
- Smaller pool of potential buyers
- Less secure than resale sites
- Need to coordinate meetups or shipping
- More time and effort required
Creative Ways to Sell Tickets
If you want to get creative or try unique approaches, here are some other ideas for selling Senators tickets:
- Run a social media contest giving tickets away to followers who share or retweet
- Offer tickets as a prize for a charity raffle or silent auction
- See if local businesses will buy tickets for employee rewards or contests
- Trade tickets for goods or services (like restaurant gift cards)
- Include tickets as an extra perk when selling another item online
Tips for Pricing Tickets
Setting the right ticket price is important. Some things to keep in mind:
- Check online listings to see current market rates for similar tickets
- Weekends and rival games command higher prices
- Games late in the season as the Senators chase a playoff spot tend to increase demand
- Lower bowl and club level seats are more valuable than upper bowl
- Prices usually drop as game time approaches if demand is low
Be willing to negotiate pricing when selling directly to fans. Consider factors like the buyer’s budget and how badly you want to sell the tickets when making a deal.
How to Safely Transfer Tickets
To complete a ticket sale, you’ll need to transfer the tickets to the buyer. Here are some tips for secure ticket transfers:
- Use the official ticket transfer option through Ticketmaster if reselling on a resale site. This updates the bar code and register the tickets under the buyer’s account.
- For direct sales, transfer via the Senator’s Account Manager. This sends the tickets directly to the buyer’s email.
- Only accept digital payments upfront before transferring tickets. Avoid cash payments.
- Meet in person to exchange printed tickets for cash. Choose a safe, public place.
- Change the ticket listing after sale to prevent duplicate purchases of the same tickets.
Avoid sending tickets before receiving payment. Be very wary of potential scams or fraudulent buyers.
Getting Paid
Here are some tips for securely receiving payment as a ticket seller:
- Resale sites will directly deposit your earnings into your linked account after the sale.
- For direct sales, only accept digital payments through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or a banking app. Avoid cash.
- Meet the buyer in person to collect cash payment when transferring printed tickets. Get the cash upfront before handing over the tickets.
- Only send tickets via email or online transfer after payment clears, or when meeting the buyer to exchange tickets and cash.
Be very cautious of potential scams. Never send tickets before receiving payment. Verify payments clear before transferring tickets.
Be Responsive
Being responsive to interested buyers is key. Quickly answer questions and coordinate sales. Apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger allow quick communication. The faster you close a deal, the faster tickets sell.
Avoid Scams
Unfortunately, ticket scams do happen. Here are some signs of potential scams:
- Buyer insists on paying with cashier’s check or money order
- Buyer sends payment for more than the agreed upon price
- Buyer requests tickets to be shipped before sending payment
- Communication ends when you insist on digital payment and ticket transfer before shipping
Trust your instincts. Only send tickets after verified digital payment. Cease communication if anything seems suspicious about a potential buyer.
Conclusion
Selling Ottawa Senators tickets can be very lucrative if you use secure and convenient options like ticket resale sites. Avoiding scams and safely transferring tickets is critical. With some effort and smart pricing, you can turn unused tickets into cash and give fans great deals on seats to see the Senators play.
