Ticketmaster is one of the largest ticket vendors in the world, selling tickets to concerts, sporting events, theater productions, and more. In recent years, Ticketmaster has expanded into the ticket resale (or secondary ticket) market through its Ticketmaster Resale platform.
What is Ticketmaster Resale?
Ticketmaster Resale is Ticketmaster’s official ticket resale marketplace that allows fans to buy and resell tickets they can no longer use. It was created in partnership with the NFL and NBA in 2011 as an authorized resale platform.
On Ticketmaster Resale, season ticket holders and other fans can resell tickets they purchased from Ticketmaster but can no longer use. Tickets are all digital and guaranteed by Ticketmaster to be authentic. Prices are set by sellers, similar to sites like StubHub.
Is Ticketmaster Resale Legitimate?
Yes, Ticketmaster Resale is a legitimate way to buy resale tickets. Here are some key reasons it is considered trustworthy:
- Official Ticketmaster platform – Part of Ticketmaster’s official site, not a 3rd party reseller
- Guaranteed authentic tickets – All tickets are certified as originals, direct from Ticketmaster’s system
- Secure transfers – Tickets are transferred securely from seller to buyer within the Ticketmaster system
- FanProtect Guarantee – Refunds if event is canceled and replacement/refund if tickets are invalid
- Seat and price transparency – Details on exact seat location and face value are shown
Ticketmaster Resale provides protections and guarantees that many unofficial resale sites do not. Since it is Ticketmaster’s own resale site, they can ensure all tickets come directly from Ticketmaster’s ticketing system as originals.
Benefits of Buying from Ticketmaster Resale
There are several benefits to buying tickets through Ticketmaster Resale rather than other sources:
- Guaranteed valid tickets – Tickets are certified originals, not counterfeits or duplicates
- Secure ticket transfers – Tickets are sent to your Ticketmaster account for easy transfer
- Transparent pricing – You can see the original face value price of the ticket
- Reputable marketplace – Backed by Ticketmaster with guarantees in place
- Good selection – Millions of tickets across NFL, NBA, NHL, and more
You avoid many of the risks of buying from unverified third party resellers. The tickets come directly from the source and are guaranteed by Ticketmaster.
Protections for Buyers
Ticketmaster Resale provides a FanProtect Guarantee to protect ticket buyers. This includes:
- Full refund if event is canceled
- Replacement ticket or full refund if ticket is invalid
- Full refund if ticket doesn’t meet posted listing details
- Secure digital ticket transfers to prevent fraud
Many other resale sites may not offer refunds or have no recourse if tickets end up being fake or incorrect. Ticketmaster Resale guarantees tickets will work or you get your money back.
Are There Any Downsides to Ticketmaster Resale?
There are a couple potential downsides to Ticketmaster Resale to be aware of:
- Higher prices – Like most resale sites, tickets often sell for well above face value.
- High fees – There are fees on both the seller and buyer end.
- Limited inventory – Selection depends on what tickets original buyers resell.
As a resale marketplace, prices are out of Ticketmaster’s control. The convenience and guarantees come at the cost of paying a premium over face value in many cases.
How Do Ticketmaster Resale Prices Compare?
Ticketmaster Resale prices tend to be high but can still be cheaper than some other major resale sites. Here is a comparison on sample ticket prices across resale sites:
Event | Ticketmaster Resale | StubHub | VividSeats |
---|---|---|---|
New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox | $123 | $149 | $112 |
The Weeknd Concert | $275 | $312 | $248 |
Harry Styles Concert | $386 | $428 | $372 |
Prices can vary a lot depending on the event. But Ticketmaster Resale prices are competitive with other major resale sites’ prices in most cases.
How to Buy Tickets on Ticketmaster Resale
Buying tickets on Ticketmaster Resale is simple:
- Search for the event you want tickets for
- Filter by ticket quantity, price range, seat location, etc
- Click the tickets you want and proceed to checkout
- Enter payment details and checkout
- Access tickets in your Ticketmaster account
Make sure to act quickly if interested in particular tickets, as inventory sells fast. Tickets can be listed even after an event starts or sells out, as sellers post them for resale.
Is a Ticketmaster Account Needed?
A Ticketmaster account is recommended but not absolutely required on Ticketmaster Resale. Here are the pros and cons:
Pros of Ticketmaster Account
- Faster checkout without needing to re-enter details
- Easier ticket management and transfers
- Can save payment details for future purchases
- Get alerts on favorite teams and artists
Cons of Ticketmaster Account
- Need to take extra time to create account
- Need to remember another username and password
For convenience, it is worth the short time to create an account. But guest checkout is available if preferred.
How Does Ticketmaster Resale Work for Sellers?
Season ticket holders and other Ticketmaster ticket owners can easily resell using Ticketmaster Resale. The steps are:
- List tickets for sale in Ticketmaster Resale
- Select desired ticket quantity, price, and listing duration
- If tickets sell, funds (minus fees) are transferred to your payment method
- Tickets are securely transferred from your account to buyer
Sellers retain full control and ownership of tickets until a sale is completed. There is a 10-15% seller fee on sales.
How Are Ticketmaster Resale Prices Set?
Sellers choose the ticket price themselves within Ticketmaster Resale. Ticketmaster recommends looking at current market rates for the event. Typically tickets will be priced:
- Below market price – For a quick sell
- At market price – To sell near the current average
- Above market price – To maximize profit
Ticketmaster provides tools to see historical resale prices, but sellers ultimately pick the price.
Is Ticketmaster Resale Officially Legitimate?
Yes, Ticketmaster Resale is officially approved by major sports leagues and certifies all tickets come through Ticketmaster’s primary sales:
- Official resale partner of the NFL
- Official resale partner of the NBA
- Official resale partner of major concert venues and promoters
- Tickets directly sourced from Ticketmaster primary sales
Ticketmaster Resale meets the standards set by major leagues and entertainment organizations. Tickets are validated originals, not speculative “paper” tickets some resellers use.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster Resale provides a legitimate and secure way to buy tickets from verified sellers and season ticket holders. While more expensive than face value, it offers buyer guarantees and protections not found on many resale sites.
For buyers that want certified tickets directly transferred through Ticketmaster’s systems, Ticketmaster Resale is a smart option. There is a level of trust and security that unverified third party resellers cannot match.
Of course, those looking for the absolute lowest prices may still find better deals on sites like StubHub and VividSeats. But if seamless ticket transfers, buyer guarantees, and peace of mind are a priority, Ticketmaster Resale has major advantages over other resale platforms.