Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform allows ticket holders to resell event tickets they can no longer use. Ticketmaster verifies the tickets being resold and provides a 100% guarantee that tickets purchased through verified resale will be valid for entry. This provides buyers with assurance that they are getting legitimate tickets. However, some aspects of the verified resale process have caused confusion about exactly what is “guaranteed.”
What is Ticketmaster verified resale?
Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform was launched in 2011 as an official secondary ticket marketplace owned and operated by Ticketmaster. Sellers list event tickets they are unable to use on the verified resale site. Ticketmaster then verifies the tickets to confirm they are genuine and not duplicate tickets that have already been sold.
Once tickets are verified, they can be purchased by other fans on the verified resale site. Ticketmaster guarantees that tickets purchased through verified resale will gain entry to the event. This provides buyers with the peace of mind of knowing they are getting valid, authentic event tickets.
Ticketmaster’s 100% ticket guarantee
Ticketmaster provides the following guarantee for all tickets purchased through verified resale:
“Your ticket will be 100% guaranteed for entry into the event or you’ll receive 1.5x the ticket’s original or last purchase amount in Ticketmaster credits.”
This means if for any reason a ticket purchased through verified resale does not grant entry to the event, the buyer will receive a refund of 1.5 times the ticket’s purchase price in Ticketmaster credits. This can be used towards future Ticketmaster purchases.
So in terms of the validity of the ticket for event entry, Ticketmaster provides a full money-back style guarantee. If the ticket ends up being invalid for any reason, the buyer will receive a full refund plus a 50% credit on top of their original payment.
What aspects are not guaranteed?
While Ticketmaster guarantees validity and entry for verified resale tickets, there are some other aspects of the ticket buying experience that are not guaranteed:
Exact seat location
For venues that have assigned seating, Ticketmaster will not guarantee the exact seat location printed on the verified resale ticket. Seat numbers can sometimes change between the original ticket printing and the event date. So while Ticketmaster guarantees entry to the event and section, the exact seat number is not guaranteed.
Obstructed views
Ticketmaster does not guarantee seats purchased through verified resale will be free from obstructed views. Sometimes last minute changes to stage set up or other factors can impact view quality. Ticketmaster’s guarantee only covers entry, not obstructed views.
Ticket delivery method
Ticketmaster does not guarantee how tickets purchased through verified resale will be delivered. Tickets could be mobile entry, print-at-home tickets, or hard copy tickets mailed via post. The delivery method depends on the original ticket listing.
Cancellations or postponements
If an event is cancelled with no rescheduled date or postponed for a date the ticket holder cannot attend, Ticketmaster does not guarantee refunds or exchanges. The standard ticket terms and conditions apply. Ticketmaster only guarantees validity of the ticket for the specific event date listed.
Are there any other restrictions?
Ticketmaster’s 100% guarantee on verified resale tickets comes with a few other restrictions to be aware of:
– The guarantee only applies to tickets purchased through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace, not other resale sites.
– To claim a refund under the guarantee, the ticket holder must contact Ticketmaster customer support before the event occurs.
– The refund comes in the form of Ticketmaster credits, not original payment method.
– The credits expire after 1 year if not used.
– A 10% service charge is deducted from the refund amount.
So while Ticketmaster provides a guarantee against invalid tickets, there are limitations in how that guarantee can be claimed and applied. Customers need to ensure they understand the full terms and conditions.
What if tickets purchased through verified resale do not scan successfully?
If a ticket purchased through verified resale does not successfully scan for entry at the event, here are the steps to take:
1. Contact the on-site box office and explain the situation. They will be able to confirm if the ticket is valid and may be able to assist with entry.
2. If the on-site box office cannot resolve the issue, contact Ticketmaster customer support as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after the event. Be ready to provide order details and any information provided by the box office.
3. Ticketmaster will conduct an investigation and confirm if the ticket guarantee applies.
4. If approved, the refund of 1.5 times the ticket price will be issued in the form of Ticketmaster credits to use on future purchases.
What are fans saying about Ticketmaster’s guarantee?
Here are some examples of fan feedback on Ticketmaster’s verified resale ticket guarantee:
Positive feedback
– “I was nervous buying resale but the Ticketmaster guarantee gave me confidence I wasn’t getting ripped off. Ended up being great seats at a fair price!”
– “I had no issues using the verified resale tickets. Buying process was seamless and we got in no problem. Guarantee worked as promised.”
– “Super simple experience. Tickets were valid, got scanned, and we had a great time. No need to second guess with the guarantee in place.”
Negative feedback
– “I did not have a good experience. My verified resale tickets did not scan and we missed part of the show trying to get it fixed at the box office.”
– “I still don’t fully trust any resale tickets. The fine print leaves room for things to go wrong that are out of your control.”
– “They technically guaranteed entry but the replacement tickets we were given had a terrible view. Waste of money.”
Is purchasing through Ticketmaster’s verified resale worth it?
Here are some of the key pros and cons to weigh when considering Ticketmaster’s verified resale platform:
Pros
– Peace of mind knowing tickets are valid and guaranteed for entry
– Convenient to buy tickets seamlessly through existing Ticketmaster account
– Oftentimes good ticket availability closer to event date compared to other resale sites
Cons
– No guarantee of seat location, obstructed views, or delivery method
– Restrictions and limitations on how the 100% guarantee can be claimed
– Service fees can drive up pricing, sometimes more than other resale sites
So while the guarantee provides some buyer protection, there are still risks buying tickets through a secondary marketplace. Customers need to read the fine print and weigh if verified resale is the right choice based on pricing, availability, and peace of mind needed.
Final Verdict
Ticketmaster’s verified resale ticket guarantee does provide a level of validity and authenticity for tickets purchased through its resale marketplace. For buyers, this can help alleviate concerns over fraud and not gaining entry with resale tickets.
However, there are limitations and restrictions on exactly what is covered. The guarantee mainly focuses on validity for entry, not other aspects like seat location quality or changes to the event itself. Customers need to understand the full terms and conditions.
For many, Ticketmaster verified resale provides a nice compromise between peace of mind and potential deals on the secondary market. But it requires accepting the risks that come with any resale marketplace. Do thorough research ahead of time and understand the guarantee policies in case any issues arise.
The Bottom Line
Ticketmaster does provide a 100% guarantee that tickets purchased through its verified resale marketplace will gain entry into the event. However, the exact seat location is not guaranteed and other restrictions apply. Customers must weigh the pros and cons and understand the limitations before purchasing verified resale tickets.
