Buying tickets from Ticketmaster resale sites like Ticketmaster Resale and Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan can seem appealing because they offer access to sold-out events. However, there are some risks to consider before purchasing resale tickets. In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of buying Ticketmaster resale tickets and provide tips on how to get legitimate tickets safely.
The pros of buying Ticketmaster resale tickets
Here are some potential advantages of purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster’s resale platforms:
Access to sold-out events
The primary reason to use a resale site is to buy tickets to events that are sold out from the original source. Ticketmaster Resale provides a marketplace to connect buyers and sellers for in-demand tickets. This gives you a chance to buy tickets you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
Buy verified tickets
Ticketmaster Resale only allows users to sell tickets they physically have in-hand. Sellers have to verify that they have the tickets before listing them. This helps avoid situations where you pay for tickets that a seller doesn’t actually have yet.
Refunds if event is canceled
If the event you bought tickets for gets postponed, rescheduled, or canceled, you are entitled to a refund through Ticketmaster. This provides some protection in case plans change.
Established marketplace
Ticketmaster Resale has been around for over a decade. It’s an established secondary marketplace with processes in place around listing, selling, and verifying tickets. There is some advantage in using a larger, more mature platform.
The cons of buying Ticketmaster resale tickets
However, there are also some disadvantages and risks to consider when purchasing resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
Higher prices
Resale tickets are almost always more expensive than face value prices. Popular and high-demand events can command prices several times the original cost. Be prepared to pay a premium.
Potential for counterfeit tickets
While Ticketmaster does have protections in place, there is still a risk of counterfeit or fraudulent tickets on resale sites. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to list fake tickets and trick buyers.
No refunds from sellers
If you buy a ticket on Ticketmaster Resale, the individual seller sets their own refund policy. Most sellers offer no refunds or exchanges. So if your plans change, you will likely be stuck with tickets unless the event is canceled.
High fees
On top of inflated ticket prices, expect to pay high processing fees on Ticketmaster Resale. There are fees charged to both the seller and buyer that can add up quickly.
Lose ticket guarantees
If you buy directly from the original source, you often get guarantees about seat locations, access to pre-sales, and other benefits. On resale sites, you lose those guarantees and protections.
Tips for buying Ticketmaster resale tickets safely
If you decide to purchase Ticketmaster resale tickets, here are some tips to help mitigate the risks and get authentic tickets:
Vet the seller
Only buy from sellers who have a solid history of positive reviews. Look for signals like a high review score, a long account history, and recent selling activity. Avoid any sellers with zero feedback or sketchy profiles.
Understand the seating
Carefully check the details on the seat or ticket locations before buying. Make sure the seating matches your expectations and you know exactly where you will be sitting.
Use safe payment methods
Pay via credit card whenever possible—avoid risky payment types like bank transfers, cash, or gift cards. Credit card payments give you some recourse if the tickets end up being fraudulent.
Confirm your tickets
As soon as you complete your ticket purchase, confirm directly with the venue that your tickets are valid and in their system. This verifies you actually received real tickets.
Review policies upfront
Read all the fine print around verifying tickets, delivery timelines, fees, and cancellation/refund policies. This avoids any surprise down the road about restrictions.
Allow enough time
With resale tickets, delivery timelines can vary widely, especially closer to the event date. Give yourself ample lead time in case there are delays in getting your tickets.
Use buyer guarantees
Ticketmaster provides buyer guarantees like FanProtect that give you a replacement ticket if yours ends up being invalid. Buying this protection provides peace of mind.
Be wary of great deals
If a resale ticket price seems too good to be true, it very well may be. The most desirable events rarely go for cheap prices on the secondary market. Exercise caution when tempted by great deals.
Examples of Ticketmaster resale ticket scams
Unfortunately, there are scammers out there looking to take advantage of eager ticket buyers. Here are some examples of Ticketmaster resale ticket scams to watch out for:
Fake tickets
The seller advertises (and even verifies) valid tickets, but sends you fake ticket files or duplicates that won’t get you into the event.
False advertising
The listing shows specific seats or ticket details that turn out to be inaccurate or completely different once delivered.
Seller has no tickets
The seller lists tickets before they actually have them in-hand. Once purchased, they disappear without sending you any tickets.
High pressure tactics
Shady sellers try to pressure you into buying by claiming very limited quantities or super urgent timelines before tickets sell out to others.
Wire transfer requests
Any seller asking you to pay by wire transfer, gift cards, or other unusual payment methods should be avoided, as you’ll have no recourse.
| Scam Type | How it Works | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Tickets | Seller provides invalid ticket files that won’t scan | – Prices too good to be true – New seller account – Rush delivery offer |
| False Advertising | Details on listing inaccurate from actual tickets | – Vague seat info – Stock images of venue |
| Seller Has No Tickets | Seller vanishes after payment with no delivery | – Requests wire transfer – Can’t provide evidence of tickets |
| High Pressure Tactics | Aggressive demands to purchase immediately | – Claim of scarcity/high demand – Short timeline pressure |
This table summarizes common resale ticket scams, how they work, and what to look for to identify suspicious sellers or listings.
Are Ticketmaster resale tickets worth it?
The biggest factor in determining if Ticketmaster resale tickets are worth buying comes down to how badly you want to attend the particular event.
For hot shows where tickets are completely sold out, paying a premium price on a resale site may be your only option. In these cases, the extra cost and risks that come with resale tickets is worth it to fans that really want to see that concert or game.
However, for more casual fans or those less particular about getting into a specific event, the significant markups and potential headaches probably make Ticketmaster resale tickets not worth the trouble.
There are some other circumstances where it can be worth buying Ticketmaster resale tickets:
– If you missed out on the initial on-sale and are willing to pay more to still go
– When you need a large quantity of tickets that are unavailable anywhere else
– If you waited until the last minute and don’t have other options
– When you can verify the tickets are legitimate and the prices are reasonable
In general, Ticketmaster resale sites should be used cautiously, purely for hard-to-get tickets you really value. exercising due diligence. The convenience comes at a cost.
Alternatives to buying Ticketmaster resale tickets
If you want to avoid the uncertainty and high prices of Ticketmaster resale tickets, here are a few alternatives to consider:
Wait for general public sales
Often more tickets are released closer to the event date. Sign up for pre-sale opportunities and check back for general public sales.
Buy directly from the venue
Check the box office or venue website for ticket releases available only through them. This avoids resale markups.
Find a trusted ticket broker
Established ticket brokers with solid reputations can provide options without the risks of unknown resellers.
Try fan-to-fan exchanges
Join fan forums or Facebook groups to connect directly with other fans looking to exchange tickets at face value.
Consider non-transferable paperless tickets
Paperless/mobile tickets that must be shown by the original purchaser can deter scalpers and scammers.
The bottom line is that Ticketmaster resale sites should not be your first choice for getting tickets due to the premium prices and risk of fakes. Exhaust other options before resorting to resale marketplaces.
Is it safe to buy tickets from Ticketmaster directly?
In contrast to resale tickets, purchasing tickets directly through Ticketmaster’s primary channels is generally very safe.
Here are reasons why directly sold Ticketmaster tickets are considered safe and reliable:
Official source
You are buying straight from the authorized seller, not through an unverified third party. This avoids counterfeit risks.
Fair/guaranteed prices
Tickets are sold at face value prices, not marked up like on resale sites. Any extra fees are disclosed upfront.
Secure payment processing
Ticketmaster uses secure online payment systems and prohibits risky methods like wire transfers. Your order details are protected.
Valid tickets guaranteed
Tickets sold on Ticketmaster itself are guaranteed valid. If there is an issue, you are entitled to comparable replacement tickets.
Refunds offered
Ticketmaster’s refund policies let you get your money back if you can no longer attend an event. Refunds are not allowed on resale.
Fan benefits and protections
Direct buyers get access to presales, can select exact seating, take advantage of loyalty programs, and other features.
So buying directly from Ticketmaster through their official website or box offices is your safest option. While pricing and fees can still be high, you avoid the scams and unpredictability of the secondary market.
Steps to safely buy tickets on Ticketmaster
Follow these steps when purchasing tickets directly through Ticketmaster to ensure a safe and secure transaction:
Buy from the official website
Only purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or via the official mobile app. Avoid any other sites claiming to sell Ticketmaster tickets.
Create an account
Having a Ticketmaster account allows you access to presales and faster checkout. Make sure your account credentials are protected.
Use a strong password
Don’t use simple or reused passwords that could be vulnerable to hacking. Strong, unique passwords keep your account secure.
Pay with a credit card
Credit cards offer the most protection in case any issues arise with your order. Debit cards, gift cards, and cash lack the same level of security.
Beware of phishing scams
Legitimate Ticketmaster emails will always address you by your full name. Watch for shady links claiming you must “verify” details.
Go paperless when possible
Opt for mobile ticket delivery to your Ticketmaster app which requires ID to enter events and can’t be copied or resold easily.
Review your purchase confirmation
Double check all the details – event, date, seats, prices paid – on your ticket purchase confirmation email to ensure accuracy.
By taking the right security precautions, you can buy tickets directly through Ticketmaster with confidence. Just remember to avoid the resale market and unauthorized resellers.
Conclusion
In summary, there are substantial risks around buying Ticketmaster tickets from resellers, including counterfeits, unfair prices, and zero refunds. The safest approach is buying directly from Ticketmaster through their official channels only. This gives you guaranteed valid tickets and a protected purchase. Use resale sites like Ticketmaster Resale sparingly for hard-to-get events and only after researching sellers thoroughly first. With fraud and scams rampant, exercise extreme caution using any ticket resale marketplace. Hopefully these tips will help you avoid problems and enjoy events safely.
