How to sell Ticketmaster tickets directly?

With ticket prices for concerts, sports games, and other events on the rise, many people are looking for ways to bypass services like Ticketmaster in order to sell tickets directly. By selling tickets on your own, you can often make more money per ticket while avoiding high service fees. However, selling tickets directly comes with some risks and requirements that you need to consider.

Is it legal to sell tickets directly?

In most cases, reselling tickets is perfectly legal in the United States thanks to the First Sale Doctrine, which allows people to resell items they legally purchased. However, there are some caveats:

• Some states have laws restricting how much a ticket can be resold above face value. For example, in New York it is illegal to resell tickets for more than 45% above face value.
• Many event venues and sports teams prohibit ticket resale through means other than authorized resellers like Ticketmaster. This policy may or may not be legally enforceable, but violating it could get you barred from future ticket purchases.
• Some tickets are non-transferrable and require ID verification at entry. These cannot be resold without violating the terms.

As long as you follow applicable local laws and the specific terms on the ticket, reselling should be legal. It’s a good idea to consult an attorney if you are unsure about the laws in your area.

Where can you sell tickets directly?

There are a variety of platforms that allow individuals to sell tickets directly to buyers:

• eBay: eBay has a robust ticket exchange and lets sellers list tickets alongside other products. You’ll have access to eBay’s large buyer base.
• Craigslist: The tickets section on Craigslist allows you to list tickets locally for free. However, you won’t have access to Craigslist buyer protections.
• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook allows ticket sales and has a large audience. Look for local enthusiast groups to target engaged buyers.
• Ticket resale sites: Sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats let you list tickets while providing buyer protections. However, they take commissions on sales.

You can also sell tickets directly by advertising them on your own website, social media, or print/digital classifieds. The challenge is driving interested ticket buyers to your listings.

How should tickets be priced for direct sale?

Setting the right ticket price is important for maximizing your profits while still selling tickets quickly. Some tips for pricing tickets you’re reselling include:

• Research current ticket prices on secondary markets to price competitively.
• Factor in fees/commissions you’ll avoid by selling directly when pricing.
• Consider lowering prices closer to the event date to sell remaining tickets.
• For high-demand events, price 10-20% below peaks right after public sales.

Sites like eBay also provide pricing guidance based on current ticket sales. Pay attention to prices that consistently get bid activity versus items expiring unsold.

What are the risks of direct ticket sales?

While selling tickets directly can be more lucrative, there are also some risks to consider:

• Increased fraud risk: Resale platforms offer buyer protections. Dealing directly means assuming more risk of fraudulent buyers.
• No guarantees: There is no guarantee you will find a buyer and sell your tickets in time. Direct sales require more time and marketing.
• Security concerns: Meeting unknown buyers directly to exchange tickets can present safety issues.
• Anonymity challenges: Buyers may hesitate purchasing from anonymous individuals versus known platforms.

These risks can be partially mitigated by thoroughly vetting buyers, meeting in safe public locations, and avoiding high-pressure sales situations.

What steps should you take to sell tickets directly?

If you understand the risks and legal considerations, here are some best practices for selling tickets on your own:

1. Choose a platform or advertising method that gives you exposure to interested buyers. Niche enthusiast groups can be very effective.
2. Create detailed listings with key event details, seat locations, ticket transfer policies, and high-resolution images.
3. Respond to buyer inquiries quickly and politely.
4. Clearly communicate on delivery/pickup logistics and only meet in safe public locations.
5. Accept various payment methods – cash, secure digital payments, escrow services, etc.
6. Follow up after the event to encourage future sales.

Investing the extra time upfront to create a smooth direct buying experience will pay off with more profitable ticket sales.

Are there legal requirements around ticket transfers?

There are a few key legal requirements to keep in mind when reselling tickets directly:

• Disclose details on ticket limitations – Is ID required? Are there resale restrictions?
• Avoid implying false sponsorship/affiliation with teams, artists, or venues.
• Disclose any material details affecting value – obstructed views, last-row seats, etc.
• Do not recreate official logos or branding without permission.
• Follow state laws around maximum resale prices.
• Report sales income and pay taxes according to IRS and state requirements.

Ensuring full transparency with buyers and compliance with all applicable laws will help avoid legal issues when reselling tickets.

What fees can you avoid by selling directly?

By selling tickets directly to buyers rather than through Ticketmaster or other intermediaries, sellers can avoid the following types of fees:

Avoiding these fees is a major incentive for consumers to seek direct ticket sales. Sellers can then pass on some of the savings to buyers through lower prices while still earning higher profits per ticket.

What are some tips for safely completing a ticket transfer?

When selling tickets directly, it’s important to execute the ticket handoff safely and securely. Here are some tips:

1. Meet buyers in a safe public place like a cafe rather than at your home or the buyer’s home.
2. Bring along a companion for safety when meeting for high-value transactions.
3. Accept digital payments through secure apps to avoid carrying large cash amounts.
4. Wait for payment confirmation before electronically transferring or physically handing over tickets.
5. Only exchange once both parties are present – never send tickets or payment in advance.
6. Double check tickets before completing handoff to avoid fraud.
7. Request buyer feedback/reviews after the exchange.

Taking precautions helps minimize the risks involved with direct sales. Always listen to your instincts and cancel a sale if you get an uneasy feeling about the buyer.

How can buyer and seller verify ticket authenticity?

Since direct ticket sales don’t offer third-party validation, buyers and sellers need to take steps to verify authenticity:

Buyers should:

• Inspect security features like holograms, QR codes, serial numbers against official samples.
• Confirm ticket details like seat location match the listing.
• Cross-reference ticket purchase records if available.
• Verify tickets through official box office channels if possible.
• Meet seller directly before paying to physically inspect.

Sellers should:

• Provide official purchase documentation like receipts or email confirmations.
• Highlight identifying ticket information matching the listing.
• Offer buyer history and feedback from past sales.
• Accept returns if a ticket’s legitimacy is questioned after sale.

Remaining vigilant, dealing locally, and acting in good faith can help minimize the risk of counterfeits changing hands.

Conclusion

Reselling tickets directly can be rewarding but requires some extra effort and risk management. Avoiding service fees gives you more profit margin to work with. Marketing the tickets directly to engaged fan communities helps reach buyers willing to pay fair resale prices. Ensuring legal compliance, meeting buyers safely, and thoroughly validating authenticity also helps transactions go smoothly.

While Ticketmaster and other major resellers offer protections and convenience, their high fees take a big cut of your potential earnings. If you take the right precautions, selling tickets directly is usually a better payoff.