When buying tickets on Ticketmaster, you may notice there are two types of tickets available – verified resale tickets and standard tickets. Both allow you to attend the event, but there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand before making a purchase.
What are Verified Resale Tickets?
Verified resale tickets are tickets that were originally purchased from Ticketmaster or an official partner, but are now being resold by the original ticket buyer through Ticketmaster’s verified resale marketplace. This is different from non-verified third party resale sites where the source of the ticket is unknown.
Some key things to know about verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
- They are 100% guaranteed – Ticketmaster verifies the tickets are authentic and will get you into the event.
- Prices are set by sellers, not Ticketmaster, and reflect current market value which may be above or below face value.
- Sellers can include season ticket holders, fans who can no longer attend, or brokers reselling tickets.
- Tickets are typically available closer to the event date after the primary onsale.
- Ticketmaster charges sellers a fee (around 10-20% of the resale price).
In summary, verified resale tickets are resold by individuals through Ticketmaster’s official marketplace and vetted to ensure authenticity.
What are Standard Tickets?
Standard tickets refer to tickets sold directly by Ticketmaster when they first go on sale to the general public. Some key characteristics of standard Ticketmaster tickets:
- They are sold at face value price set by the event organizer or venue.
- Only available during the initial onsale before the event sells out.
- Come directly from the venue or event promoter, not resellers.
- Quantity and seat locations are pre-determined by the venue.
- Ticketmaster charges service fees on top of face value price.
In essence, standard tickets are primary market tickets sold at face value directly by Ticketmaster on behalf of partners.
Key Differences
Here are some of the main differences to keep in mind when buying verified resale vs. standard tickets on Ticketmaster:
Factor | Verified Resale Tickets | Standard Tickets |
---|---|---|
Price | Market driven prices, may be above or below face value | Face value prices set by venue/organizer |
Availability | Typically available closer to event after initial onsales | Only available during initial onsales before selling out |
Seller | Individual ticket resellers | Direct from venue/event organizer |
Seat Selection | Varies based on tickets being resold | Pre-determined seat locations |
Fees | May include resale service fees | Includes Ticketmaster service fees |
When to Buy Verified Resale vs Standard Tickets
As a ticket buyer, here are some general guidelines on when verified resale or standard tickets may be your best option:
- Buy standard tickets if: You want to secure tickets during the initial onsale at face value prices. Standard tickets sell out quickly so you need to purchase right away.
- Buy verified resale if: The event is sold out or you missed the initial onsale. Resale provides a second chance to buy from genuine ticket holders.
- Buy verified resale if: You want better seat selection flexibility closer to the event. Resellers may have preferred seats available.
- Buy standard tickets if: You are on a tight budget and want the lowest face value ticket price.
It’s also worth checking both options as you may find verified resale deals below standard ticket prices in some cases leading up to the event.
Are Verified Resale Tickets Safe to Buy?
When buying tickets from any secondary resale source, there is always some risk of fraud. However, verified resale tickets from Ticketmaster provide a safer way to buy tickets from resellers compared to non-verified third parties.
Some protections with Ticketmaster verified resale tickets:
- Ticketmaster guarantees the tickets are authentic and provides buyer protection for invalid tickets.
- You avoid the risk of counterfeit tickets since all resale tickets originate from Ticketmaster.
- Ticket barcodes can be verified and reissued if invalid.
- Tickets can be transferred securely via Ticketmaster’s online tools.
While pricing may be higher than face value, verified resale tickets provide important fraud protections and peace of mind.
Are There Other Fees?
Both verified resale and standard Ticketmaster tickets incur additional service and delivery fees on top of the base ticket price. This includes:
- Service fees – Charged by Ticketmaster on every ticket purchase.
- Order processing fees – Added fixed fee for each ticket order.
- Delivery fees – Charged if tickets are shipped, printed, or mobile transfer is used.
For resale tickets, there may also be Resale service fees – Typically 10-20% of the resale price paid by the seller.
Payment processing fees and taxes may also apply. Always check the final price including fees before completing a ticket purchase.
Buying Tips for Ticketmaster Tickets
Here are some top tips for buying either standard or verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Check for pre-sales and special promos which may offer access to tickets before the general public onsale.
- Be ready right at the onsale time with your Ticketmaster account logged in for fastest access.
- Have back-up payment methods added in your account in case of default card declines.
- Understand the venue seating chart and view from different sections before buying.
- Sort resale listings by lowest price first if trying to save money.
- Double check all ticket details including date, time, and seating before final purchase.
Conclusion
While both options allow you to get into an event, verified resale and standard tickets have some important distinctions for buyers. Standard tickets provide face value prices but minimal flexibility while verified resale opens up more options later in the sales cycle. Understanding the key differences allows you to make the best choice according to your specific needs and preferences when buying tickets.