When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, there are two main options – standard admission tickets and verified resale tickets. Both allow you to buy tickets to concerts, sports games, and other events, but there are some key differences between the two that buyers should understand.
Standard Admission Tickets
Standard admission tickets are the primary tickets sold for an event. They are purchased directly through Ticketmaster and come directly from the official event organizer. Here are some key things to know about standard admission tickets:
- Pricing – Standard admission tickets are sold at face value prices set by the event organizer. These prices are typically listed as the starting prices you see when an event first goes on sale.
- On Sale Date – Standard tickets go on sale to the general public on a specified on sale date, which is advertised by the event organizer and Ticketmaster.
- Limited Availability – There is a set allotment of standard admission tickets available for each event. Once those sell out, the only way to purchase is resale tickets on Ticketmaster or other secondary marketplaces.
- Ideal for Popular Events – If it is a high demand event that is likely to sell out quickly, standard admission tickets give you the best shot at buying them directly from the source.
- Not Transferable – Standard admission tickets cannot be transferred or sold outside of Ticketmaster. The purchaser’s name is tied to the tickets.
In summary, standard admission tickets are your standard event tickets sold at face value direct from Ticketmaster. They give you access to the event directly from the source, but availability is limited.
Verified Resale Tickets
Verified resale tickets refer to tickets resold through Ticketmaster’s safe resale marketplace. Here are the key details on verified resale tickets:
- Secondary Marketplace – These tickets are being resold by other fans or ticket brokers after initially being purchased as standard admission tickets.
- Pricing – Resale prices are set by sellers and are typically marked up above face value. The prices fluctuate based on supply and demand.
- Always Available – Even if the event is sold out, resale tickets are almost always available leading up to event date. However, prices for in demand shows often increase as it sells out.
- Ideal for Sold Out Events – Once standard admission tickets are gone, verified resale provide a safe way to still buy tickets from other fans and brokers.
- Transferable – Resale tickets can be transferred to a new buyer on Ticketmaster. They are not tied to the original purchaser.
In essence, verified resale provide secondary market access to tickets being resold by other fans. Prices are often higher than face value, but tickets are readily available even for sold out events.
Pricing Differences
The main difference between standard admission and verified resale tickets comes down to pricing. Here is an overview:
- Standard Admission – Sold at face value price set by the event organizer. This is typically lower than resale prices.
- Verified Resale – Sold at market price set by sellers. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand and are usually higher than face value.
For example, a standard ticket could have a face value of $100. For a popular show that is sold out, that same ticket could be resold for $200 or more on Ticketmaster verified resale. The table below provides an example price comparison.
| Ticket Type | Sample Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Admission | $100 |
| Verified Resale | $200 |
While resale prices are often higher, many buyers are willing to pay the premium to secure tickets especially for sell out events. For lower demand events, resale prices may only be slightly above face value.
Buyer Protections
One of the benefits of using Ticketmaster for both standard and resale tickets is that you get buyer protections and guarantees. This provides security and peace of mind when purchasing tickets.
Some protections include:
- Guaranteed Valid Tickets – All tickets purchased are 100% validated and guaranteed by Ticketmaster.
- On-Time Delivery – Tickets are delivered on time before event with tracking provided.
- Refunds – Refunds are provided if event is cancelled and not rescheduled.
These buyer protections apply to both standard and verified resale tickets purchased through Ticketmaster. However, protections may not exist if you purchase through unverified 3rd party resellers.
When to Use Each Ticket Option
So when should you purchase standard admission vs verified resale tickets? Here are some recommendations on when to use each ticket type:
Standard Admission Tickets
- High demand events – Popular concerts, games, shows that will sell out quickly.
- Wanting lowest price – If getting the lowest face value price is your top priority.
- As soon as tickets go on sale – Standard tickets are available as soon as sales open to public.
Verified Resale Tickets
- Sold out events – Allows you to still buy tickets even when standard tickets are gone.
- Flexibility – Ability to buy closer to event date or transfer tickets.
- Only option – No other way to buy tickets if standard tickets are sold out.
If an event is in low demand or has not sold out, standard admission and verified resale prices may be very similar. In those cases, either option will work fine. But for high demand events, verified resale is the way to go if you missed out on buying standard tickets when they initially went on sale.
How to Buy on Ticketmaster
Standard Admission Tickets
Here is the process for purchasing standard admission tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Search for the event you want to attend on ticketmaster.com.
- On the event page, look for the blue “Tickets” or “Buy Tickets” button.
- Select the number and type of tickets you want to purchase.
- If prompted, enter the fan verification code or presale code to access tickets.
- Ticketmaster will display a seat map. Select your desired section and seats.
- Proceed through checkout process by entering payment details and contact info.
- Review your order for accuracy then complete purchase.
- Ticketmaster will email you the ticket delivery details and method.
Following those steps will allow you to purchase official standard admission tickets through Ticketmaster’s primary marketplace when they are available.
Verified Resale Tickets
Here is how to buy verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Search for sold out event you want to attend and navigate to event page.
- Click on blue “Tickets” or “Buy Tickets” button.
- A resale ticket marketplace will appear instead of a seat map.
- Browse resale listings and current prices.
- Use filters to narrow down by location, quantity, price.
- Once desired listing is found, click blue “Buy Tickets” button.
- Complete purchase process by entering payment details.
- Receive email confirmation with ticket delivery details.
Purchasing resale tickets on Ticketmaster provides a safe, convenient way to access the secondary market even for sold out events.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal
To get the best pricing and experience when buying tickets on Ticketmaster, here are some helpful tips:
- For high demand events, log on right when standard tickets go on sale to get face value pricing.
- Join Ticketmaster Verified Fan program for early access to popular events.
- Use presale codes when available to buy tickets before general public on sale.
- Consider season ticket holder presales which are ahead of other presales.
- For resale tickets, prices usually drop as it gets closer to event date.
- However, prices can change rapidly so buy when you see a good deal.
- Weekday events and off-peak days often have lower demand and prices.
- Avoid resellers with exorbitant fees and stick to Ticketmaster resale.
Planning ahead, being flexible on dates, and closely monitoring prices can help you find the best ticket values on Ticketmaster for both standard and resale tickets.
Conclusion
When purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, standard admission and verified resale provide two viable options – one directly from the source, the other from safe secondary market sellers. Standard tickets get you the lowest face value prices while resale offer flexibility and availability even for sold out events. Understanding the differences allows you to make the best choice based on the event demand, your budget, and availability needs.
