Buying tickets from a secondary marketplace like Ticketmaster can seem risky. You may wonder – should I trust a verified resale ticket on Ticketmaster? There are pros and cons to consider when buying resale tickets. Understanding how Ticketmaster’s verification process works and being an informed buyer can help you make the right decision.
What are verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster?
Verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster are tickets that are being resold by other fans and season ticket holders. When the tickets are posted for resale on Ticketmaster, they go through a verification process to ensure they are authentic and valid.
Here is how Ticketmaster verifies resale tickets:
- The seller must provide the barcode number from the original ticket.
- Ticketmaster checks that barcode against their database to verify it is a real, unsold ticket.
- The ticket barcode can only be verified once – this prevents duplicate tickets from being sold.
- Ticketmaster confirms with the original ticket issuer (team, theater, promoter, etc) that the ticket is valid.
Once a ticket passes the verification process, Ticketmaster lists it for resale on their site and guarantees it is genuine. These verified resale tickets have a blue badge icon on them.
Pros of buying verified resale tickets
Here are some potential advantages to buying verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
Guaranteed valid tickets
The biggest benefit is that Ticketmaster guarantees the tickets are authentic and will get you into the event. This gives you peace of mind that the tickets are not counterfeit or “fake” tickets being resold illegally.
Reputable marketplace
You are buying from an official marketplace run by a major ticketing company. Ticketmaster has an interest in maintaining integrity and security on their platform.
Buyer protection
Ticketmaster offers buyers protection through their FanProtectTM Guarantee. If you don’t receive valid tickets in time for the event, they will find replacement tickets for you or provide a refund.
Wider selection of tickets
Season ticket holders and others with extra tickets often resell on Ticketmaster. This opens up more ticket options, including better seats that may have sold out from the primary box office.
Cons of buying verified resale tickets
However, there are also some downsides to keep in mind:
Higher prices
Resale tickets typically have marked-up prices, sometimes significantly higher, compared to face value prices. Sellers can price the tickets at whatever amount they want.
Hidden fees
Ticketmaster adds on their own service fees to each resale ticket purchase. These can add a significant amount on top of the ticket price itself.
Risk of scams
While rare, scams can still happen on Ticketmaster. Some examples are:
- Sellers marketing tickets they don’t actually have yet.
- Sellers voiding or canceling tickets after purchase.
- Phishing scams where you pay for tickets that are never delivered.
Always use caution when buying from an individual seller rather than a business or venue.
Less recourse
You have less recourse if you end up with a bad seat, if the event is postponed, etc. Season ticket holders with verified tickets aren’t necessarily liable for some issues.
Tips for buying verified resale tickets
If you decide to purchase a verified resale ticket, here are some tips to help avoid problems:
- Check the seller’s reviews. Ticketmaster shows percentage ratings for sellers. Be wary of sellers with low ratings.
- Confirm the section, row and seat numbers. Make sure the ticket is for where you want to sit.
- Review Ticketmaster’s policies. Understand their guarantees, fees and process for getting help with any issues.
- Use a credit card. This gives you options for disputing the charges if you end up with invalid or unusable tickets.
- Buy early. Prices tend to go up as the event date nears. More time also gives you recourse if there are issues.
- Print tickets yourself. Avoid having tickets mailed to you that could get lost or stolen from your mailbox.
Are verified tickets on Ticketmaster trustworthy?
In general, yes – Ticketmaster has a robust verification process and guarantees these tickets are authentic. Millions of tickets are resold this way each year, which indicates most buyers have a safe, smooth experience.
However, there is always some risk when buying from resellers versus directly from the venue. Being an informed buyer is crucial. As long as you feel confident you understand Ticketmaster’s policies and protections, then verified resale tickets can be a great option for sold out events you want to attend.
Conclusion
Buying a verified resale ticket on Ticketmaster comes down to your personal comfort level with the following:
- Paying higher prices than face value
- Dealing with individual sellers rather than a venue
- Trusting Ticketmaster to authenticate the tickets and address any issues
If you feel confident in Ticketmaster’s verification process and buyer protection policies, then verified resale tickets provide a legitimate way to get into popular events. However, you should still use caution around sellers with low ratings or deals that seem too good to be true. As long as you are an informed buyer, you can feel reasonably secure that a verified resale ticket on Ticketmaster will be valid and get you through the doors to see your favorite team, band or show.
