Ticketmaster, the largest ticket marketplace in the United States, is known for adding various fees onto the base ticket price. One of the most common fees charged by Ticketmaster is a processing fee. This article will examine what the Ticketmaster processing fee is, how much it costs, and some tips for avoiding it.
What is the Ticketmaster Processing Fee?
The Ticketmaster processing fee, sometimes labeled as a “convenience” or “service” fee, is an extra charge added to ticket orders purchased through Ticketmaster. It is essentially an extra fee Ticketmaster charges for using their platform to process and fulfill ticket orders.
The processing fee helps cover the costs for Ticketmaster to operate their website and ticketing infrastructure. This includes expenses like technology, staffing, customer service, and more. Ticketmaster states that the fee helps them “serve customers better.”
How the Processing Fee is Calculated
The Ticketmaster processing fee is not a fixed amount. Instead, it is calculated as a percentage of the base ticket price. Typically, the processing fee ranges from 10% to 25% of the base ticket cost. The exact percentage charged will depend on factors like:
- The event type (concert, sports, theater, etc.)
- The base ticket price
- The venue
- Where the event is located
Generally, more popular events with higher demand and more expensive base ticket prices will have a higher processing fee percentage. Events in major cities also tend to have higher fees. The processing fee percentage and cap (maximum fee amount) can vary across events.
How Much Does the Processing Fee Cost?
Since the Ticketmaster processing fee is calculated as a percentage of the base ticket price, the actual dollar amount will vary depending on the event. To give an idea of potential costs:
- For a $50 base ticket, the processing fee may be $5 to $12.50
- For a $100 base ticket, the processing fee may be $10 to $25
- For a $200 base ticket, the processing fee may be $20 to $50
Processing fees in the range of $10 to $25 per ticket are common for major concerts and sporting events. But the fees can be higher for extremely high-demand events or events in large venues.
Case Study: Processing Fees for a Sample Concert
To illustrate how the processing fee can vary, here is a breakdown of the processing fees charged for a sample concert:
| Ticket Type | Base Ticket Price | Processing Fee | Total Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $50 | $12.35 (25% of base price) | $62.35 |
| Reserved Seating | $100 | $25 (25% of base price) | $125 |
| VIP | $250 | $50 (20% of base price) | $300 |
This shows how the dollar amount of the processing fee scales with the base ticket price. Even though the percentages charged are different, the fees increase for the higher value tickets.
Ways to Avoid the Ticketmaster Processing Fee
If you are looking to avoid paying the Ticketmaster processing fee, here are some tips:
Buy Directly From the Venue Box Office
Processing fees are not charged on ticket purchases directly through the event venue’s box office. Purchasing tickets in person at the box office is a way to bypass fees. Keep in mind box office availability for major events is typically limited.
Use Ticketmaster Discount Codes
Ticketmaster occasionally offers promotional codes that waive processing fees on ticket orders. These codes are usually for specific events and dates. Searching for active Ticketmaster promo codes can save on fees.
Look for No-Fee Ticket Resale Listings
Ticketmaster has a ticket exchange platform where fans can resell event tickets to other fans. Sellers sometimes list tickets at base price with no extra fees. Buying a no-fee resale listing avoids the fees.
Buy from Alternative Ticket Sites
Other major ticket marketplaces like Stubhub, VividSeats, SeatGeek, and AXS charge buyer fees too, but they may be less than Ticketmaster’s. Their processing fees vary, so compare all-in prices across sites.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ticketmaster processing fee is an extra service charge added onto ticket orders on their platform. It is calculated as a percentage of the base ticket price, usually 10% to 25%. Processing fees typically range from $10 to $50+ per ticket.
There are a few ways customers can avoid the processing fees, such as buying directly from the venue box office, using Ticketmaster promo codes, purchasing no-fee resale tickets, or using alternative ticket marketplaces. However, for major high-demand events, Ticketmaster will likely remain the primary source for tickets.
The Ticketmaster service fee allows them to cover operating costs and offer convenience to fans through their ticketing platform. But the added fees do receive criticism from some customers. Understanding how the fees work and considering fee-free options can help customers make informed decisions when purchasing event tickets.
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