Selling tickets on Ticketmaster can seem complicated, but with the right strategy it can be easy and lucrative. As an SEO writer, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on the best practices for selling your Ticketmaster tickets. From deciding how to price them, to tips for listing them properly, read on for everything you need to know.
Should I sell my Ticketmaster tickets?
If you can no longer attend an event you’ve purchased tickets for, selling them is usually the best option. Rather than letting the tickets go to waste, you can make back some or all of the money you spent on them. You’ll also be providing fans who missed out on tickets originally a chance to attend.
Selling on Ticketmaster specifically has a few key advantages:
- Wide reach – Ticketmaster has a huge customer base you can tap into.
- Credibility – Buyers may feel more secure purchasing through an official platform.
- Convenience – The sale is handled securely through Ticketmaster rather than independently.
The main downside is that Ticketmaster charges a seller fee. However, you can factor this into your pricing strategy.
How should I price my tickets?
Finding the optimal price is important for maximizing your profits. Some factors to consider include:
- Demand – How desired are the tickets? Concerts that are sold out or hard to get will command higher prices.
- Original price – How much did you originally pay? Significantly exceeding this could turn off potential buyers.
- Seat location – Better seats generally fetch higher prices.
- Timing – Prices tend to increase as the event date approaches.
Research pricing on Ticketmaster for other tickets being resold for the same event. This gives you an idea of the current market value. Finding the sweet spot between making a profit and keeping the price attractive is key.
How to list tickets on Ticketmaster
Here is the process for listing your tickets for sale on Ticketmaster:
- Access your Ticketmaster account and find the event page for your tickets.
- Select the “Sell Tickets” button or link.
- Choose which tickets you want to post and select “Continue.”
- Enter your asking price and pick a sale ending date.
- Provide contact details and payment information.
- Carefully review the listing details then click “Post Your Tickets.”
It’s quite straightforward. However, let’s go over some tips for filling out the listing to maximize exposure and sales:
Price strategically
As mentioned before, research current asking prices but also leave room for negotiation. Pricing on the higher side then enabling “Make an Offer” can yield the highest potential profit.
Write an appealing description
Include key details like row numbers, seat numbers, and section to convey the quality of seats. Use persuasive language to pitch the tickets and get buyers excited.
Choose the right end date
Ending the listing 1-3 weeks before the event ensures you have time to complete the transaction and transfer the tickets safely. Avoid ending too soon or too close to the event date.
Upload images
Including photos of the actual ticket stock adds legitimacy to the listing. Obscure any barcode details for security.
Promote the listing
Share the Ticketmaster listing link on social media and relevant groups/forums to generate interest in your tickets.
How does the selling process work?
Once you’ve listed your tickets, here is the typical process for selling them:
- A buyer will contact you through Ticketmaster expressing interest.
- You can message with the buyer within Ticketmaster to negotiate price, provide info, etc.
- When terms are agreed, Ticketmaster will process the payment securely.
- As the seller, you electronically transfer the ticket rights to the buyer through Ticketmaster.
- The buyer will receive the transferred tickets electronically through Ticketmaster.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Communicate clearly with interested buyers and respond promptly.
- Transfer the tickets well in advance of the event to allow time for issues.
- Payout is processed within 5-7 business days after sale completes.
What fees does Ticketmaster charge?
Ticketmaster charges fees to both the buyer and seller for ticket resales on their marketplace. This includes:
- Seller fee – This is around 10-20% of the ticket price and deducted from your final payout.
- Buyer fee – The buyer pays an additional 20% of the ticket price plus a fixed per ticket fee.
While the fees do cut into profits, Ticketmaster handles all the processing, security, and marketing for you. The large buyer base and trust in the Ticketmaster brand also helps maximize sales.
Tips for selling tickets fast
Here are some tips to help your Ticketmaster tickets sell quickly:
- Price competitively based on current market rates.
- List them as early as possible – at least 4-8 weeks prior to the event.
- Choose an end date 1-2 weeks before the event to create urgency.
- Write a compelling, keyword-rich ad text to attract buyers.
- Advertise the listing on social media, forums, and relevant groups.
- Respond to all inquires fast and politely.
- Offer flexible pricing and be open to reasonable offers.
Things to avoid when selling tickets
To ensure a smooth selling process, be sure to avoid the following:
- Listing partially obstructed, restricted view or otherwise poor seats without disclosing details.
- Dramatically inflating prices above comparable listings or original face value.
- Waiting too long to transfer tickets after purchase – do it ASAP.
- Sharing screenshots instead of transferring actual ticket licenses.
- Communicating outside the Ticketmaster platform to avoid fees.
Being upfront and transparent is key. Issues with transfers or misrepresented tickets will result in headaches for everyone involved.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster
While Ticketmaster is great for convenience and reach, there are other platforms out there to potentially list your tickets on including:
Platform | Overview | Benefits | Downsides |
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StubHub | Leading ticket resale marketplace owned by Viagogo. |
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Vivid Seats | Major ticket reseller since 2001 with over 12 million customers. |
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Craigslist | Free classifieds site to sell items locally. |
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Buy/sell groups and Marketplace allow ticket sales. |
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Each platform has pros and cons. Ticketmaster is likely still optimal for convenience, broad exposure, and security around the transaction. But exploring alternatives could be worth it in certain cases.
Recap and key takeaways
Selling tickets through Ticketmaster is typically the best way to unload tickets you can no longer use. Key tips include:
- Research current market rates when pricing your tickets.
- Write a compelling ad and use great images to attract buyers.
- Promote your listings on social media and relevant communities.
- Communicate professionally and transfer tickets promptly when sold.
- Understand Ticketmaster’s fees so you can price accordingly.
- Avoid common mistakes like misrepresenting seats or inflated prices.
Following these best practices will lead to fast sales, happy buyers, and maximize your profits when selling tickets. The convenience of Ticketmaster’s secure marketplace makes the process easy.
Now you know exactly what it takes to successfully sell your tickets on Ticketmaster! Let us know if you have any other ticket selling questions.