Selling tickets can be tricky. You want to get the best price, but also need to weigh factors like convenience and safety. Here are some questions to consider when deciding where to sell your tickets:
What kind of tickets are you selling?
The venue and event for your tickets will impact your options. Selling tickets to a sold-out concert is different than selling tickets to a regular season baseball game. Some specific considerations:
- High-demand tickets like playoffs, concerts, or special events will have the most options and highest prices.
- Season ticket holders or group tickets may have less demand unless the team or venue is popular.
- Etickets provide more flexibility than paper tickets for transferring tickets.
Knowing the event, seat location, and format of your tickets will help determine the best sales channels.
Do you want convenience or maximum profit?
Selling through official ticket resale partners is convenient but may deliver lower profits. Third party sites like StubHub take commissions from 15-20% of the sale price. However, they also provide buyer guarantees, handle payment processing, and make the sales process seamless.
If you want to maximize profit, you’ll need to put in more time and effort. Selling through classified ads, social media groups, or in-person require more coordination but let you keep more of the sale amount. You’ll need to handle payment, delivery of tickets, and vetting potential buyers.
Are there any restrictions on reselling your tickets?
Many teams, venues, and ticket sites like Ticketmaster have policies against reselling. Check the fine print before listing your tickets for sale. Circumventing restrictions could result in canceled tickets or even bans from future purchases.
If reselling is prohibited, your options are more limited. You may need to explore private buyer networks or personalized sales to avoid detection. This also raises the stakes on vetting buyers and delivery logistics if you sell outside approved channels.
What sales channels should you consider?
Here are some of the most popular options for selling tickets, with pros and cons of each:
Official Ticket Resale Sites
- Examples: StubHub, VividSeats, Ticketmaster, SeatGeek
- Pros: Large buyer networks, transaction guarantees, convenient sales platform
- Cons: High commissions, fees for sellers, limited customer service
Classified Listings
- Examples: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, newspaper classifieds
- Pros: No fees, maximize profits, local buyers
- Cons: No guarantees, manage payment and delivery, screen buyers
Social Media – Buy/Sell Groups
- Examples: Facebook groups, Reddit threads, Twitter
- Pros: Targeted audience of buyers, convenient communication
- Cons: Limited reach, need to manage sale off platform
In-Person Sales
- Examples: Outside the venue, public meetups
- Pros: Screen buyers in person, get cash payment
- Cons: Very limited buyers, need to handle in-person meetup logistics
Private Networks
- Examples: Ticket broker networks, season ticket holder forums
- Pros: Broader reach of motivated buyers, community trust
- Cons: Need connections to access networks, sales handled off platform
What steps should you take to sell your tickets?
Follow these best practices to maximize sales and stay protected when selling your tickets:
- Research ticket values – Check comparable listings for your event to set fair pricing.
- Vet buyers – Require confirmation of identity and only accept secure payment methods.
- Avoid cash payments – Transactions should be electronic or through secure payment platforms.
- Only deliver tickets electronically or meet in person – Avoid mailing tickets which can get lost.
- Keep documentation – Save all communications and details of the sale for records.
- Remove tickets from original accounts – Transferring through the ticketing site will invalidate other copies.
- Disclose all details upfront – Note any ticket restrictions, seat locations, delivery plans.
Following these precautions will lead to a smooth sale!
What are the best websites to compare ticket prices?
It helps to compare prices across multiple resale sites to understand the market value of your tickets. Here are some of the best ticket aggregators:
| Website | Overview |
|---|---|
| StubHub | Leading ticket marketplace also good for price research. |
| SeatGeek | Reviews and ratings help identify good deals. |
| VividSeats | Price rating grades help find deals. |
| Ticketmaster | Official marketplace provides pricing history and range. |
| TickPick | Known for having no fees which can assist price comparisons. |
Checking prices across multiple major sites will give you a robust picture of current market prices. You can list on the site that provides the highest price for your particular tickets.
Should you sell below market value to move tickets fast?
Selling below market value will move your tickets quickly, but also sacrifice profit. Here are some cases when below market pricing makes sense:
- The event is soon and tickets are still unsold. Recouping some money is better than eating the full cost.
- You bought the tickets for far below current prices. Even below market pricing yields profit.
- Comparable tickets have undesirable variables like obstructed views.
- You value convenience and guaranteed sales over maximizing profits.
Unless one of those factors applies, it is usually best to price according to current market rates. Patience often pays off, especially for in-demand events where scarcity drives prices. Setting strategic prices also trains buyers that purchasing early gets better deals.
How can you safely deliver or transfer tickets?
Safe ticket delivery ensures both the buyer and seller are protected. Some top options include:
Electronic Transfer
Listing tickets electronically through a resale site allows instant transfer when the sale is completed. The platform typically handles the delivery directly.
Mobile Ticket Transfer
Many teams now offer mobile tickets which can be securely transferred to a buyer digitally. Avoid screenshots which can be duplicated. Directly transfer within the team or ticket app.
In-Person Exchange
For paper tickets, arrange to meet in a safe public location during daylight hours. Only accept cash at the simultaneous ticket handoff.
PDF/Email Delivery
Send PDF tickets through an email transfer or secure link. Remember electronic copies can be duplicated. Disable and transfer the tickets immediately after sending.
Certified Mail
Mailing via certified delivery with tracking creates a record of the exchange. Only utilize for paper tickets you cannot transfer electronically.
Stick to digital transfers or in-person exchanges for the most secure delivery. Avoid risks of lost tickets, counterfeits, or non-payment.
Conclusion
The best approach to selling tickets is:
- Research your ticket value based on current market prices.
- Pick a secure sales platform that fits your needs for convenience vs profit.
- Take precautions when screening buyers and delivering tickets.
- Compare pricing across major resale sites.
- Consider lowering prices only if you bought tickets far below market value.
Following these guidelines will help ensure you maximize profits and avoid risks when selling your tickets. The ideal sales avenue depends on factors like the event, ticket format, and your personal preferences. With some strategic planning, you can comfortably sell your tickets for the best possible price.
