Non-transferable concert tickets are tickets that cannot be resold or given away to another person. The ticket has the original purchaser’s name printed on it and identification is required to enter the venue. Non-transferable tickets are used to discourage scalping and ensure fairness in ticket buying.
There are a few key things to know about non-transferable concert tickets:
Why are some tickets non-transferable?
Concert promoters and artists make some tickets non-transferable to keep prices affordable for fans and prevent scalping and resale at inflated prices. With transferable tickets, scalpers can buy up large quantities using bots and then resell them for a big profit on secondary sites. Non-transferable tickets try to circumvent this practice.
How do non-transferable tickets work?
When you purchase a non-transferable ticket, your name is printed on the ticket. To enter the concert venue, you must show photo ID that matches the name on the ticket. Some venues also require the credit card used for purchase. This makes it impossible for someone else to use your ticket.
Are all tickets for a concert non-transferable?
Often only a portion of tickets for a show will be non-transferable. For very high-demand shows this may be most of the tickets. But even with non-transferable ticket limitations, there are typically still some transferable tickets available for resale.
What if you can’t attend the concert?
If you are unable to attend a concert for which you have non-transferable tickets, you will need to contact the official ticket seller and see if they can help you resell or get a refund. Each ticket seller will have their own policies. Reselling non-transferable tickets yourself is not an option.
The Pros of Non-Transferable Concert Tickets
Non-transferable tickets have some benefits for fans and artists:
Fair access to tickets
With transferable tickets, scalpers can buy up massive amounts of tickets using bots as soon as sales open. This leaves many fans ticketless and forces them to pay inflated resale prices. Non-transferable tickets mean regular fans have a fair shot at buying tickets for the original price before scalpers can scoop them all up.
Reduces incentives for scalpers
If tickets are non-transferable, scalpers have little incentive to attempt to buy up large quantities. They won’t be able to resell them like transferable tickets. This means more tickets actually end up in the hands of real fans.
Keeps prices lower
With fewer tickets being resold at higher prices, non-transferable tickets help keep prices affordable for fans. Prices can still be high depending on the artist and demand, but are typically lower than what scalpers would charge on secondary sites for the same tickets.
More money for artists
When tickets are resold by third parties, the artists don’t see any of that extra profit. With non-transferable tickets, more of the money actually goes to the performers because prices stay lower and fewer tickets are resold.
The Cons of Non-Transferable Concert Tickets
However, there are also some downsides and inconveniences caused by non-transferable ticketing:
Lack of flexibility
You cannot sell, gift, or transfer non-transferable tickets to anyone else if your plans change. This can mean eating the cost of tickets if you can no longer attend unless the ticket seller is willing to help resell them.
Inconvenient identification requirements
Needing to bring ID matching the ticket holder’s name can be inconvenient, especially if you purchased for a group. Some venues also require the original credit card, which is not always practical.
No recouping costs by reselling
With transferable tickets, you have the option to resell for a profit if there is high demand. Non-transferable tickets eliminate this possibility entirely. If you can’t make the show, you simply lose the money spent.
Reduced options for buying tickets
The secondary resale market provides more options for getting tickets even if they are pricier. With non-transferable tickets, your only option is the primary seller, reducing flexibility in finding tickets.
Does not prevent all scalping
While non-transferable ticketing limits scalping, it does not eliminate it entirely. Crafty scalpers still find ways to make a profit like buying from fans right before the event outside the venue.
Ways Scalpers Try to Game the System
Despite efforts by promoters, scalpers find creative ways to still resell non-transferable tickets:
Fake identities
Scalpers create fake accounts with fake names, then provide matching fake IDs when reselling those tickets. The tickets appear legitimate to buyers with the fake name printed.
Name changes
Some scalpers petition to legally change their name to match the name printed on non-transferable tickets. They can then provide ID showing that name to resell tickets.
Last-minute resale
Scalpers sell to fans near the venue on the night of the event. Since they physically have the non-transferable tickets, buyers have no recourse if the tickets end up being fake or invalid.
Credit card fraud
Stolen credit card numbers are used to purchase tickets which scalpers then resell. When the fraud is detected, only the scalper’s accounts get shut down.
Reselling paraphernalia
Instead of reselling the non-transferable tickets directly, scalpers sell related merchandise like marked wristbands or lanyards that will get buyers into the venue.
Tips for Buying Non-Transferable Concert Tickets
If you aim to buy non-transferable concert tickets, here are some useful tips:
Buy during presales
Try to purchase tickets during presales for fan club members or credit card holders. These often occur before the general public sale, so there is less competition from scalpers.
Use the official ticketing site
Only buy from the primary ticket seller’s official website. Secondary sites may claim to sell non-transferable tickets, but there is no guarantee they are valid.
Check the name policy
Ensure you fully understand the name matching requirements for entry. Have ID ready that matches the ticket holder name if required.
Beware of scams
Fake sites and sellers abound. Only trust well-known primary sellers and look for protections like money-back guarantees in case the tickets end up being invalid or counterfeit.
Arrive early
Get to the venue early so you have time to resolve any issues with will call, ID checks, and ticket validation. Missing your favorite songs would be devastating.
What to Do If You Can’t Attend an Event for Non-Transferable Tickets
If you are stuck with non-transferable tickets you can no longer use, you have a few options:
Contact the seller
The official ticket outlet may have an exchange or resale program in place. You won’t recoup the full cost but salvaging some value is better than nothing.
Sell outside the venue
While not sanctioned, you may find an eager last-minute buyer willing to purchase your non-transferable tickets near the venue on the night of the event.
Gift the tickets
If you know someone trusted who could use the tickets, consider gifting them. They will need to provide ID in your name, so run this by them before buying tickets.
Donate the tickets
You may be able to donate unused tickets to a recognized charity. This way the tickets don’t go to waste and you can get a tax deduction.
Cut your losses
If you have exhausted all options, you may have to eat the cost of the tickets. Sometimes circumstances intervene and non-transferable policies leave you stuck.
Future Possibilities for Non-Transferable Ticketing
As technology evolves, there are some possibilities that could enhance non-transferable ticketing:
Digital tickets
Mobile digital tickets linked to the purchaser’s account or device could provide more control over transfers. Ticket access could be remotely disabled if sold.
Biometrics
Facial recognition, fingerprints, or other biometrics integrated with digital tickets would firmly link tickets to buyers preventing any transfers.
Smart venues
If venues become fully digitized, tickets could be seamlessly validated against purchaser identities in real-time as people enter.
Blockchain ticketing
Blockchain-based ticketing platforms allow artists and venues more control. Restrictions could be programmed directly into smart tickets.
While not flawless, non-transferable ticketing will likely expand as technology progresses. The live event industry will continue innovating to make ticket buying and transferring more fair and secure.
Conclusion
Non-transferable concert tickets aim to keep ticket buying affordable and fair while reducing profitability for scalpers. This comes with tradeoffs however like lack of flexibility for fans and more hurdles if you can’t attend an event. Scalpers also still find workarounds, but non-transferable policies limit their options.
Carefully evaluate the pros and cons if you aim to buy non-transferable tickets. Understand the policies around transfers, exchanges, and refunds in case your plans change. While not perfect, non-transferable ticketing represents a shift toward a more equitable live event landscape.
