A verified fan club presale is a special ticket pre-sale event that gives members of an artist’s official fan club early access to purchase tickets to concerts before the general public on-sale. Fan club members are “verified” as official fans, granting them the privilege of getting first dibs on tickets.
How Do You Get Access to a Verified Fan Presale?
To get access to a verified fan presale, you first need to join the artist’s official fan club. Fan club membership often requires paying an annual membership fee, which allows you access to the artist’s exclusive pre-sales. Artists partner with ticket vendors like Ticketmaster to verify fans using info like your name, email address, and purchase history to ensure only real core fans get presale codes.
Joining a Fan Club
Every fan club has different membership tiers and benefits. Common perks include:
- Early access to buy concert tickets before the general public
- Exclusive merchandise and music
- Meet & greets with the artist
- Discounts on official merchandise
- Access to member-only online forums
To join most fan clubs you need to visit the artist’s official website and find the link to the fan club membership page. There you can select the type of membership you want and pay the membership fee. Fan club fees often range from $20-$50 per year.
Getting a Presale Code
Once you’re a verified member, you’ll get access to the fan club presale by receiving a special presale code via email leading up to the event. This code will allow you entry to the ticket presale before the general public.
Presale codes are unique and only work once per account. You’ll need to login with your fan club account information on the ticket vendor’s website and enter the code when prompted to access and shop the presale.
Benefits of a Fan Club Presale
There are several major benefits to accessing a verified fan club presale:
Earlier Ticket Access
Fan club presales occur days or weeks before the general public on-sale, giving you first pick of tickets before they sell-out. You’ll have early access to all ticket types, including VIP packages and prime seats like floor tickets.
Less Competition
Because presales have restricted access, there is less competition to purchase tickets compared to a public on-sale where millions of fans are vying for tickets at once. Your chances at getting good tickets are much higher in a presale.
Use Presale Allotments
A portion of venue tickets are often reserved for fan club presales. These allotments give fan club members even more access to better tickets before the general public can purchase them.
Presale Ticket Limits
Presales sometimes have higher ticket limits so you can purchase more tickets during this event. Limits can be from 4-8 tickets, compared to 2-4 tickets for public on-sales.
Downsides of Presales
While presales give you excellent ticket access, there are some downsides to consider as well:
Paying for Fan Club Membership
You have to pay a fee, usually $20-$60 per year, for the privilege of accessing presales. For super fans who attend multiple shows per year this cost is usually worth it. But for casual fans who only see one show, paying a yearly fee may not make sense.
Selling Out Quickly
Despite presales having less competition, popular shows that have fan club presales still tend to sell out very quickly. Unless you’re online right at the presale start time, it’s common for the best tickets to get snatched up within minutes.
Basic Memberships Don’t Guarantee Access
Some fan clubs have special presale access for VIP members only, not basic members. So you have to purchase a premium fan club membership to get the earliest presale codes for the very best tickets.
Tips for Fan Club Presales
Follow these expert tips to master the fan club presale and get the best seats:
Join Early
Sign up for the fan club well in advance so you’re an official member when presale announcements get sent out. Last minute sign ups won’t guarantee you get a code in time.
Check Presale Date
Mark your calendar for the presale date and time. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t miss it.
Login Early
Log into the ticket site at least 15 mins early and make sure your payment info and fan club login is pre-saved so you can check out seamlessly.
Be Ready at Presale Start Time
Refresh the ticket page at the presale start time and search for your tickets quickly. Have backup sections in mind in case your first choice sells out.
Buy Early
Purchase your tickets as early in the presale window as possible for best selection. Waiting usually results in fewer options.
Team Up
For popular shows, have friends or family help search for seats so you can coordinate and get more tickets.
Conclusion
Verified fan club presales give die-hard fans exclusive early access to purchase concert tickets before the general public. By becoming an official member of an artist’s fan club, you’ll get presale codes to buy tickets ahead of the pack. This gives you a prime opportunity to secure the best seats in the house!
While presales require planning and cost a membership fee, for hardcore concert-goers they are often the best shot at getting the VIP treatment. Follow these presale tips and you’ll be on your way to scoring the ultimate fan experience!