A resale ticket on Ticketmaster refers to a ticket that is being resold by an individual rather than purchased directly from the original source. Ticketmaster provides a platform for people to resell tickets they can no longer use to events. This allows the initial ticket purchaser to recoup some of the money they spent on the ticket while giving other fans the chance to attend an event that is sold out or hard to get tickets for.
When events sell out quickly, tickets often end up being resold at higher prices due to demand. Ticketmaster’s resale platform offers a way for people to resell tickets in a secure, reliable environment. Some key things to know about resale tickets on Ticketmaster:
Resale tickets are tickets that have already been purchased
Resale tickets are not “new” tickets. They have been bought by someone previously and are now being posted for resale by that initial buyer. So resale tickets provide a secondary market for tickets already in circulation.
Prices are set by sellers
Unlike primary market tickets that have fixed face-value prices, resale tickets have prices set by the reseller. These prices are typically driven by demand. Popular shows or games that are sold out often have higher resale ticket prices.
There are fees involved
As with primary market tickets, there are service and delivery fees charged by Ticketmaster on resale tickets. These fees go to Ticketmaster for facilitating the resale transaction. The seller may also tack on their own fees.
Tickets can come from multiple sources
Resale tickets on Ticketmaster don’t just come from individual fans reselling extra tickets. They also come from:
- Season ticket holders reselling seats for specific games/shows
- Brokers and speculators who buy up many tickets with the intent to resell
- Businesses that purchase tickets for client entertainment
So resale tickets originate from multiple sources before ending up posted on Ticketmaster.
How Ticketmaster Resale Works
Ticketmaster has an entire resale operation that allows ticket holders to post tickets for resale on the Ticketmaster site and app. Here is an overview of how it works:
Sellers list tickets
Any ticket holder can list their tickets for resale on Ticketmaster. To do so, they need to have a Ticketmaster account. They post the event, seat location, number of tickets, and requested price.
Ticketmaster verifies tickets
Ticketmaster checks that the tickets being posted for resale are valid tickets purchased through Ticketmaster. This helps avoid fraud or invalid tickets in the resale marketplace.
Buyers purchase resale tickets
Once tickets are posted for resale, other Ticketmaster users can purchase them online via the website or mobile app. Ticketmaster facilitates the complete transaction from reseller to buyer.
Ticketmaster transfers tickets
After a resale ticket purchase is made, Ticketmaster electronically transfers the tickets to the buyer. This completes the transaction. The process is similar to how primary market ticket sales work.
Delivery options
Resale ticket buyers can choose different delivery options depending on the event:
- Electronic/Mobile – tickets delivered to account or mobile device
- Mail – hard copy tickets shipped by mail
- Will Call – tickets held at venue box office for pickup
Delivery works the same for resale as for primary ticket sales.
Pricing
While sellers set resale ticket prices, Ticketmaster also specifies price floors and caps. These prevent sellers from undercutting primary sales or inflating prices excessively. There are also protections against price gouging written into Ticketmaster’s policies.
Why Sell or Buy Resale Tickets on Ticketmaster?
There are a few key reasons why both buyers and sellers utilize Ticketmaster’s resale platform:
Reliability
Ticketmaster resale tickets are guaranteed valid. This avoids the risk of fraud that comes with buying from unknown third party resellers. The tickets are verified by Ticketmaster prior to resale.
Security
Utilizing Ticketmaster’s secure ticketing system provides protection against fakes or counterfeits. There is also fraud protection and support should any issues arise. Financial information is protected as with any Ticketmaster purchase.
Convenience
The resale tickets are fully integrated into Ticketmaster’s system. Buyers can seamlessly search resale listings along with primary ticket options. Purchasing resale tickets works identically to standard Ticketmaster ticket sales.
Full service
Ticketmaster handles the entire resale process including ticket transfer and delivery. Customers already familiar with Ticketmaster don’t have to navigate any new processes. Resale tickets are also fully covered by Ticketmaster’s policies.
Access to sold out events
For high demand events that are sold out, resale tickets may be one of the only ways left for fans to gain access. Ticketmaster resale can provide availability even when the primary market is exhausted.
Profit potential
For those looking to resell extra tickets, utilizing Ticketmaster provides wide distribution and exposure. This creates a profit opportunity beyond just trying to sell tickets independently. The large buyer base increases chances for sales.
Key Things to Know About Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
For those considering using Ticketmaster’s resale platform, here are some key things to understand:
Prices are set by sellers
While Ticketmaster places some limits around extreme price gouging, sellers ultimately get to name their price. Popular high demand tickets often get marked up substantially above face value.
There are no refunds on resale purchases
Standard Ticketmaster tickets are refundable in many cases. But for resale ticket purchases, all sales are final. So there is risk involved if plans change.
Tickets must be listed for resale to sell
Tickets don’t automatically post for resale when the primary sale is sold out. There must be enough ticket holders choosing to resell to create adequate resale inventory.
Scarcity can still drive up prices
Even with the protections Ticketmaster implements, very scarce high demand tickets may still command exorbitant pricing. Unique experiences will elicit bidding wars among diehard fans.
Timing matters
Prices tend to start high when newly posted for resale then decline over time. Last minute resales right before an event often see the steepest discounts. But availability may be limited.
Fees are attached to all purchases
On top of the base ticket price, Ticketmaster tacks on a “service fee” and a “fulfillment fee” to all resale purchases. These fees can add substantial cost.
Profits are not guaranteed for sellers
While some tickets resell at large profit margins, others may struggle to find buyers or sell below face value. Turning a profit is not a given.
Common Questions About Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Ticketmaster’s resale ticketing:
Are Ticketmaster resale tickets legit?
Yes, resale tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are 100% legitimate. Ticketmaster verifies all resale tickets being posted, so buyers can be assured they are getting valid tickets.
Can you sell tickets on Ticketmaster?
Yes, any ticket holder with a Ticketmaster account can post their eligible tickets for resale on the Ticketmaster site or app. Ticketmaster facilitates the entire resale process securely.
How much does Ticketmaster charge for resale tickets?
Ticketmaster charges both a service fee and a fulfillment fee on all resale ticket purchases. The fees vary based on the ticket price but often add 25-30% or more to the total cost. Sellers may also add their own fees.
Are Ticketmaster resale tickets cheaper?
Not usually. For high demand events where tickets are scarce, resale prices typically far exceed face value pricing. But last minute resales can sometimes have good deals on tickets.
Can you return resale tickets on Ticketmaster?
No, for the most part resale ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. Only in extreme extenuating circumstances might an exception be made, but otherwise resale tickets are not able to be returned or exchanged.
Is Ticketmaster resale safe?
Yes, Ticketmaster resale is very safe and secure. All tickets are verified plus transactions utilize Ticketmaster’s secure systems. There is recourse against fraud and extensive consumer protections in place.
Pros and Cons of Buying Ticketmaster Resale Tickets
Here is a comparison of some advantages and disadvantages of using Ticketmaster’s resale platform:
Pros
- Guaranteed valid tickets
- Avoid scams or counterfeits
- Simple purchasing process
- Access to sold out events
- Pricing transparency
Cons
- Higher prices for high demand tickets
- Large service fees attached
- No refunds or exchanges
- May require quick purchase decision
- Does not include all ticket resales
So while Ticketmaster resale provides reliability and security, it can also mean paying large premiums and added fees compared to face value prices.
Is it Worth Buying Ticketmaster Resale Tickets?
Whether utilizing Ticketmaster’s resale platform makes sense depends on your specific situation and priorities as a ticket buyer:
Prioritizing peace of mind
If your top concern is having 100% valid tickets and avoiding scams, then Ticketmaster resale may be worth the added cost. You pay more for the certainty that your tickets will be legitimate.
Flexibility on pricing
If you absolutely want to attend a specific high demand event and are willing to pay markup prices, then Ticketmaster resale ensures you can likely find tickets. You pay for the convenience.
Looking for deals
If your goal is finding bargain priced tickets, you may be better served looking to alternative resale sites or secondary markets. Face value deals are less common on Ticketmaster.
Avoiding fees
If service, processing, and fulfillment fees are a concern, Ticketmaster resale will add substantial extra costs versus private sales or transfers. The fees can ratchet up the total price paid.
In general, Ticketmaster resale provides benefits like reliability and security that may justify the higher prices for some buyers. But it requires paying for the peace of mind. Carefully evaluate needs and priorities when considering Ticketmaster resale.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster resale tickets provide an official secondary market for event tickets already in circulation. While buying these resale tickets involves higher prices and fees compared to primary sales, there are benefits like reduced risk, security, and convenience. For high demand sold out events, Ticketmaster resale may be one of the only reliable ways left for fans to gain access. Understanding the costs, protections, and peace of mind offered by Ticketmaster resale tickets allows consumers to make an informed choice that matches their priorities.