Ticketmaster’s waitlist presale is a feature that gives fans early access to tickets for high-demand events before the general public on-sale. Fans can join a waitlist for upcoming events and if tickets become available before the public on-sale, they will receive a unique code to purchase tickets during the presale window.
How does the waitlist presale work?
Here’s how Ticketmaster’s waitlist presale feature works:
- Fans sign up for the waitlist on Ticketmaster for an upcoming event they want to attend. This is usually available weeks or months before the public on-sale date.
- If more tickets become available before the public on-sale (for example, if the artist releases more seats or production holds are released), fans on the waitlist will be notified via email.
- The email will contain a unique code that can be used to access the presale and purchase tickets.
- During the presale window (usually 1-3 days before public on-sale), waitlist members can log in and use their code to purchase tickets.
- Any remaining tickets go on sale to the general public on the public on-sale date.
So in summary, the waitlist gives members exclusive early access to buy tickets during the presale, before they go on sale to the general public. Spots on the waitlist are limited, so it improves fans’ chances of getting tickets to popular events.
Why use the waitlist presale?
There are a few key benefits of using Ticketmaster’s waitlist presale:
- Better access to tickets – Presales have limited ticket allotments, so there is less competition to purchase compared to public on-sale.
- First dibs – Fans on the waitlist get to purchase tickets before the general public.
- More price options – During presales, there are usually more lower-priced tickets available before they sell out.
- Buy with friends – Waitlist codes allow you to purchase the maximum ticket limit during presale so you can buy with friends.
Essentially, the waitlist presale gives you a head start on getting tickets before high demand causes sell outs. So if it’s for a very popular event, joining the waitlist is recommended to improve your chances.
How do you get on the Ticketmaster waitlist?
Getting on the waitlist is easy and only takes a couple steps:
- Find the event page on Ticketmaster. There will be a “Join Waitlist” button if it’s available.
- Click the “Join Waitlist” button and enter your email address.
- Check your email for a confirmation and click the link to verify your spot on the waitlist.
- If tickets become available, you’ll get another email with instructions to access the presale.
The waitlist sign up is free – you only pay if you end up purchasing tickets later during presale. You can also only join the waitlist during the specified period before the public on-sale. Sign up as soon as possible, since waitlist spots are limited.
When do waitlist presales usually happen?
Waitlist presales are event-specific but most commonly take place 1-3 days before the public on-sale date. Some examples:
- For concerts, waitlist presales often start 2 days before the public on-sale.
- For sports events or games, waitlist presales are 1 day before public on-sale.
- For very high-demand events like playoffs, presales may be 3-5 days early.
The presale time period can range from 2 hours to 2 days long. Make sure to mark your calendar for the presale window so you don’t miss it.
How are waitlist presale codes sent?
If you get selected from the waitlist, you’ll receive your unique presale code via email from Ticketmaster. Here are some tips on the process:
- Keep checking the email you signed up with – you’ll get an email 1-3 days before the presale starts.
- Emails come from Ticketmaster or the event promoter, not the venue or artist.
- The email has the event name and your code. Codes are usually 8-10 characters of numbers and letters.
- Don’t share your code – it can only be used once and is tied to your account.
- If you don’t see the email, check spam folders. Add Ticketmaster to your contacts to prevent issues.
During the presale, you’ll need to enter the code at checkout on Ticketmaster to access tickets. Have the email handy so you can copy/paste it.
Can you buy tickets for friends during presale?
Typically, the waitlist presale allows you to purchase the maximum ticket limit – so if the limit is 8 tickets, you can buy for a group of 8. Here are some tips on buying for friends:
- Make sure your friends have a Ticketmaster account – their tickets will be tied to their account.
- Add your friends to your “Trusted Contacts” on Ticketmaster beforehand.
- When you checkout, you can assign each ticket to each friend’s account.
- If ticket limits allow, you can buy tickets for friends who didn’t get a code.
Buying as a group is a major benefit of presale access. Just coordinate with your group beforehand and make sure everyone has Ticketmaster accounts.
What types of events offer a waitlist presale?
Waitlist presales are typically offered for very popular high-demand events where tickets are likely to sell out fast. Some examples include:
- Major concert tours (like rock, pop, or country artists)
- Professional sports games and playoffs
- Major theater productions or residencies
- Comedy tours at large venues
- Esports tournaments or championships
- High-profile experiences and attractions
In general, if an event is likely to have low ticket availability that sells out quickly, there will likely be a waitlist option to improve access. Scalped events also may utilize presale.
What are some tips for waitlist presales?
Here are some top tips for having the best experience with Ticketmaster’s waitlist presale:
- Sign up as early as possible – Join the waitlist as soon as available to ensure a spot.
- Check presale details – Confirm the exact presale dates/times and ticket limits for the event.
- Prep payment method – Make sure your credit card and Ticketmaster account are good to go.
- Log in early – On presale day, log into Ticketmaster at least 30 mins before the presale to secure a spot in line.
- Have backups ready – Rank your preferred seats/sections in case your first choice sells out.
- Coordinate with friends – Discuss ticket quantity and seating preferences with your group beforehand.
Proper planning and preparation will help ensure you have the smoothest waitlist presale experience possible.
What if you don’t get a presale code from the waitlist?
There are a couple options if you don’t receive a presale code from the waitlist in time:
- Join the general on-sale – You can still try buying tickets when they go on sale to the public.
- Check for presale resales – Some people resell their presale codes, which you may be able to find online.
- Find a fan resale code – Fan clubs or artist email lists may send out codes available to join.
Even if you miss the waitlist presale, all hope isn’t lost. Just be prepared on the public on-sale date and have backup options ready just in case.
Can you return presale tickets?
Tickets purchased during presales are still subject to Ticketmaster’s standard refund and exchange policies:
- Refunds are available if the event is canceled or rescheduled.
- You may exchange tickets up to 14 days before the event.
- Reselling tickets is allowed if permitted for the event.
So if your plans change after buying presale tickets, you can request a refund or exchanges if within the window. Always check the specific event policies too.
Why do presale tickets sell out so quickly?
There are a few key reasons presale tickets tend to sell out extremely quickly:
- Limited inventory – Only a small subset of tickets are released during presales, so there’s fewer available.
- High demand – Lots fans are trying to buy the limited tickets.
- Bots and scalpers – Automated programs and ticket resellers snatch up tickets quickly.
- Fast access – Presale codes let fans buy tickets the instant they go on sale.
With presales you’re competing against fewer tickets and fewer fans, so you have to act fast. The most popular ticket types and sections typically sell out in seconds.
Are there any presale scams to watch out for?
While most presales are legitimate directly through Ticketmaster, there are some shady resellers and scalpers who scam fans with fake presale offers. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Fake presale code sellers – Never pay for a code which breaks terms.
- “Early access” that just leads you back to Ticketmaster.
- Unsolicited emails with presale codes – only trust emails from Ticketmaster or the official promoter.
- Calls or texts claiming to offer presale codes.
- Third-party sites that ask you to join presale but just collect your info.
If you aren’t 100% certain the presale is officially tied to Ticketmaster for the event, assume it is a scam. Legit presales never require you to pay for access.
Can you sell your waitlist presale code?
According to Ticketmaster’s terms, reselling or transferring your waitlist presale code is strictly prohibited. If caught, you may have your privileges revoked along with the following penalties:
- Your Ticketmaster account will be immediately disabled.
- Any tickets already purchased will be canceled and refunded.
- You’ll be banned from the venue and all future events.
- For frequent or large-scale violations, you may face civil or criminal charges for fraud.
It’s never worth the risk – only use your presale code personally as intended. Giving away or selling access hurts fellow fans.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s waitlist presale feature gives fans a special head start on purchasing tickets for high-demand events. By joining the waitlist early and using presale codes, you can beat the crowds and land seats before they sell out. Just remember to move fast once presales begin, watch for scams, and never try to sell your access. Follow the tips covered to master the waitlist presale process.