Transferring tickets on Ticketmaster can allow you to safely sell your tickets while avoiding getting scammed. By officially transferring the tickets through Ticketmaster, you can ensure the buyer receives valid tickets while getting paid. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transferring tickets on Ticketmaster and getting paid for them.
Check if your tickets are transferrable
Before listing your tickets for sale, first check if they are transferrable. On your Ticketmaster account, find your order and click “View Tickets.” This will show details on each ticket including whether it is transferrable. Non-transferrable tickets cannot be officially resold through Ticketmaster.
Most tickets for major concerts, sports, and theater events are fully transferrable these days. But for some events, the venue or organizer may set restrictions on transfers to prevent scalping.
List tickets for sale
If your tickets are transferrable, you can list them for sale on Ticketmaster’s safe resale marketplace. On your Ticketmaster account, go to “My Tickets” and select “Post For Resale” next to the eligible tickets.
You’ll need to set a resale price for each ticket. Ticketmaster recommends checking current resale prices for that event, and pricing your tickets competitively to sell faster. Keep in mind you can’t sell tickets for more than their original face value.
As the seller, you pay a service fee to Ticketmaster when the tickets sell. This is typically around 10-15% of the resale price. Ticketmaster also charges the buyer a fee.
Buyer purchases tickets
Once you’ve listed the tickets, buyers can search for and purchase them on Ticketmaster. Buyers prefer Ticketmaster resale tickets because they are 100% guaranteed valid, versus potentially risky third party sites.
As soon as a buyer commits to purchase your listed tickets, they are temporarily placed on hold. At this point, the tickets can no longer be purchased by anyone else.
Transfer tickets to buyer
To complete the ticket transfer, you will need to officially release the tickets to the buyer within Ticketmaster. Log into your Ticketmaster account and click “My Sales.” You will see your pending sales, along with an option to “Release Tickets.”
Click release tickets and confirm the transfer. Your tickets are now successfully transferred and can be accessed by the buyer. The transfer is complete once payment has been processed too.
Receive payment
After you transfer the tickets, Ticketmaster will process payment from the buyer. As the seller, the proceeds owed to you after Ticketmaster’s fees are deducted will be deposited into your chosen payment method.
You can receive payments via check, PayPal, or direct deposit. For fastest payout, direct deposit to your bank account is recommended. Payments are usually issued within 5-10 business days after the transfer completes.
To set your payout method, go to your Ticketmaster account, click your name, and go to Settings. Under Seller Preferences, choose your payout method.
Communication is key
When selling event tickets, communication with buyers is important throughout the transfer process. After a buyer purchases your tickets, send them a message with details on when you will be transferring them.
Let the buyer know once you’ve released the tickets too. Thanking your buyer and providing timely updates will lead to great reviews and help establish you as a trusted seller.
Only use Ticketmaster transfer
Avoid the temptation to do ticket transfers outside of Ticketmaster, even if requested by the buyer. Transferring tickets outside of Ticketmaster means you will not be paid through their protected marketplace.
Tell buyers you can only complete the sale through the official Ticketmaster process. This ensures you will receive secure payment while transferring valid tickets.
Why sell tickets?
There are a few common reasons you may need to sell event tickets through Ticketmaster:
- Can no longer attend the event
- Bought tickets speculatively to resell
- Have extra tickets you don’t need
- Received tickets as a gift that you don’t want
- Looking to make a profit on high demand tickets
Whatever the reason, Ticketmaster’s safe ticket marketplace connects you with buyers to transfer tickets.
Tips for selling tickets
Here are some tips to help you successfully sell your tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Price tickets competitively based on current resale rates. Don’t overprice.
- Transfer as soon as possible once purchased to complete sale faster.
- Include section, row, and seat numbers in listing description.
- Disclose any obstructions like partially blocked views.
- Communicate promptly and politely with buyers.
- Double check tickets are transferrable before listing.
- Be responsive to answer buyer questions to build trust.
Avoiding ticket scams
Here are some tips to avoid scams when reselling tickets:
- Never sell tickets via Craigslist, eBay, or social media.
- Only use Ticketmaster’s official resale platform.
- Do not sell to buyers insisting on paying with PayPal or Venmo.
- Never send ticket barcodes before payment is complete.
- Avoid buyers with suspicious questions or behavior.
- Transfer immediately once official Ticketmaster payment is confirmed.
Troubleshooting issues
Some common issues and how to resolve them:
- Tickets already sold – Relist tickets if buyer doesn’t purchase quickly.
- Tickets not transferring – Contact Ticketmaster for transfer assistance.
- No payment received – Check Ticketmaster account for pending payments.
- Buyer retracts purchase – Relist tickets for another buyer.
- Locked out of Ticketmaster – Reset password or contact support.
Selling limits
As an anti-scalping measure, Ticketmaster sets monthly limits on the number of tickets you can sell. Limits may include:
- Up to 8 ticket sales per month
- Maximum 10 tickets sold monthly
- Limits on number of high demand events
Limits vary and may be increased over time for trusted, established sellers.
Taxes on ticket resales
Any profits you make reselling event tickets are considered taxable income. You are responsible for reporting resale income and paying any owed taxes.
For U.S. ticket resellers, you will receive a 1099-K form if your gross resale transactions exceed $600. The 1099-K reports your gross sales to the IRS.
Be sure to deduct Ticketmaster fees and other related expenses. Speak to a tax professional about properly reporting resale income on your taxes.
Is reselling tickets legal?
Reselling event tickets is legal in most states in the U.S. Some states prohibit reselling tickets above face value or without authorization. Check your local laws.
Ticketmaster’s resale platform follows all applicable state laws. Transactions are capped at face value when required. Ensuring ticket transfers are completed officially through Ticketmaster is the safest approach.
Recap
The key steps to successfully transferring and selling tickets on Ticketmaster include:
- Verifying tickets are transferrable
- Listing tickets for sale at competitive market prices
- Waiting for buyer purchase
- Officially transferring tickets to buyer
- Receiving secure payment from Ticketmaster
- Communicating with buyer throughout process
Following Ticketmaster’s official transfer process allows you to safely resell tickets while getting paid. Be sure to price competitively, transfer promptly, and provide great customer service.