When purchasing tickets to concerts, sports events, theater shows, and other live events, fees can add a significant cost on top of the base ticket price. Ticket brokers, also known as secondary market ticket sellers, often charge service fees, processing fees, delivery fees and more that can tally up quickly. As an event-goer, it’s important to find a ticket broker that offers low fees so you can get the most value for your money.
What Are the Different Ticket Broker Fees?
Here are some of the common fees charged by ticket brokers:
Service Fees
This is a flat fee or percentage of the ticket price that goes to the ticket broker for providing its service. Service fees are typically 10-25% of the base ticket price.
Order Processing Fees
This covers the ticket broker’s costs for processing the ticket order. Processing fees are usually around $5-10 per ticket.
Delivery Fees
If you choose ticket delivery by mail, courier or other methods, the broker may charge a delivery fee. E-ticket delivery is usually free.
Facility Fees
The venue hosting the event often charges facility fees and passes them onto the ticket broker, who then passes them onto the customer. This helps venues recover operating costs.
Taxes and Surcharges
Tickets are subject to local taxes and surcharges, which are added onto your order. Common surcharges include venue restoration fees and public transit district surcharges.
Factors Affecting Ticket Broker Fees
Several factors impact how much fees ticket brokers charge:
High Ticket Demand
For very popular events where tickets sell out quickly, brokers may charge higher fees to capitalize on demand. Unique experiences like the Super Bowl also command higher fees.
Tiered Memberships
Some ticket brokers offer tiered memberships where higher membership levels provide fee discounts and other perks. So your fees may vary based on membership status.
Ticket Source
If a broker acquires tickets from a higher-cost source, they tend to pass those costs along through higher fees. Limited ticket inventories also lead to higher fees.
Extra Services
Opting for add-ons like VIP packages with meet-and-greets or upgraded seating increases fees. Hard ticket copies and courier delivery also incur additional fees versus e-tickets.
Tips for Finding Low Fee Ticket Brokers
Here are some tips to find ticket brokers that offer the lowest fees:
Compare Fees Across Brokers
Search for your event across multiple ticket brokers and compare their listed service fees, processing fees and delivery fees side-by-side. Signing up for an account may reveal additional fee details too.
Look for Fee-Free Ticket Promotions
Many brokers offer occasional fee-free ticket promotions, especially for high-demand events. Sign up for broker newsletters and check social media for promotions.
Use Ticket Aggregators
Sites like SeatGeek and StubHub compile ticket listings from multiple brokers and let you compare fees across them. This simplifies the search process.
Ask About Group Rates
Buying tickets in bulk for a group sometimes reduces or waives fees. Inquire with brokers about group rates.
Go for E-Ticket Delivery
Choosing e-ticket delivery avoids delivery fees that come with having hard tickets shipped or couriered. Print them yourself or use mobile entry for a fee-free delivery option.
The Top Low Fee Ticket Brokers
Based on industry research and customer reviews, here are some of the top ticket brokers known for offering low fees:
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is a ticket marketplace with prices that typically beat Stubhub and Ticketmaster after fees. They also offer a rewards program that lets you earn points towards future discounts.
Service Fees | Around 10-20% of ticket cost |
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Order Processing Fees | Around $2 per ticket |
Delivery Fees | Free for e-tickets, $20 for overnight delivery, $25 for same-day delivery |
TickPick
TickPick distinguishes itself by charging no service fees or other hidden fees, just the upfront displayed price. They also offer a loyalty program for frequent buyers.
Service Fees | None |
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Order Processing Fees | None |
Delivery Fees | Free for e-tickets, $14.99 for UPS delivery, $24.99 for UPS overnight delivery |
Gametime
Last minute tickets are the specialty of Gametime, which focuses on sporting events, concerts and theater shows. Their last minute inventory comes with reduced fees.
Service Fees | Typically around 10% of ticket price |
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Order Processing Fees | None |
Delivery Fees | Free for e-tickets, $6.95 for FedEx delivery |
Razorgator
In business for over 25 years, Razorgator offers competitive pricing and fees on sports, concert and theater tickets. They also have buying specialists who can find deals on hard-to-get tickets.
Service Fees | Around 10-20% of ticket cost |
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Order Processing Fees | Around $5 per ticket |
Delivery Fees | Free for e-tickets, $20 for FedEx delivery |
Ticket Club
As a members-only ticket marketplace, Ticket Club offers fee-free ticket listings to its paid members. Membership starts at $49.99 per year for general access.
Service Fees | None for members |
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Order Processing Fees | None for members |
Delivery Fees | Free e-ticket delivery, shipping fees apply for ticket shipment |
Budgeting for Fees
To ensure there are no sticker shocks or surprise costs when buying tickets, remember to account for fees in your budget. Here are some tips:
- Estimate fees at 15-25% of base ticket prices for big concerts and sporting events.
- Add $10-20 per ticket for estimated processing and delivery fees.
- Factor in applicable taxes and venue surcharges too.
- Compare fees across multiple brokers and read their fine print.
- Aim for e-ticket delivery to avoid delivery fees.
- Sign up for ticket newsletters and check for fee-free ticket deals.
With a little research, you can find a reliable low fee ticket broker and enjoy big savings on your next event. Safe and successful ticket buying!
Conclusion
Finding a ticket broker with low fees takes some savvy comparison shopping. Vivid Seats, TickPick, Gametime, Razorgator and Ticket Club are among the top brokers praised for having reduced fees compared to rivals. Carefully factoring fees into your ticket order budget, going for e-ticket delivery, and watching for fee-free promotions can all maximize your savings on event tickets. Using a low fee broker ensures you get the most bang for your buck when buying tickets to concerts, sports and other live entertainment.