There are a few key reasons why Vivid Seats may have tickets available for an event while Ticketmaster does not:
Distribution deals
Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster have different deals in place with venues, artists, and promoters to get access to tickets. In some cases, Vivid Seats may have a deal that gives them a certain allocation of tickets that Ticketmaster does not have access to. So there may be tickets on Vivid Seats that Ticketmaster cannot sell because they don’t have any inventory.
Secondary market
Unlike Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats operates primarily as a secondary ticket marketplace. They connect buyers and sellers to facilitate ticket resales. So even if the primary inventory on Ticketmaster is sold out, there may be tickets available on Vivid Seats from season ticket holders, brokers, or other fans reselling tickets they purchased earlier.
Timing
Ticketmaster sells the primary batch of tickets when they first go on sale to the general public. These often sell out quickly for popular events. Vivid Seats may acquire some of this inventory from the initial on-sale. After the primary on-sale, more tickets may become available over time as promoters release holds, production tickets, etc. Vivid Seats is likely to get some of these tickets.
How Vivid Seats Gets Ticket Inventory
Here are some of the key ways Vivid Seats acquires tickets for resale on their marketplace:
Partnerships with season ticket holders & brokers
Vivid Seats has partnerships with many season ticket holders for sports teams and theaters. They get access to some of these season tickets to resell on their platform. The company also works with ticket brokers who purchase large amounts of tickets with the intent to resell them.
Focus on secondary market
As a secondary marketplace, Vivid Seats is focused on acquiring tickets after the initial on-sale. They have tools and inventory sources to find this secondary inventory that regular consumers may not be able to access.
Access to presales & waitlists
Vivid Seats tries to acquire tickets during presales, like fan club presales or credit card presales, that are before the general on-sale. They also use waitlist options when tickets sell-out quickly. As more inventory becomes available, they get access to these tickets.
Relationships with venues & promoters
By developing business partnerships, Vivid Seats can get allocations of tickets directly from venues and promoters that they can resell on their platform. These distribution channels give them access other resellers may not have.
Last-minute inventory
As the event date approaches, Vivid Seats has processes in place to acquire last-minute ticket releases, unclaimed tickets, and unused production holds. Being ready to jump on these opportunities helps them secure scarce tickets.
Why Ticketmaster Inventory Differs from Vivid Seats
There are a few key differences in Ticketmaster’s inventory sources compared to a secondary reseller like Vivid Seats:
Primary ticket seller
Ticketmaster sells the primary batch of event tickets direct from the venue or promoter. Most of their inventory comes from this initial sale. Once the primary tickets sell out, they have limited sources for additional inventory.
No speculative buying
Unlike resellers who will speculatively buy tickets, Ticketmaster only sells what they are allocated by partners. They do not acquire tickets with the intent to resell them at a profit like Vivid Seats’ brokers.
Less secondary market access
While Ticketmaster does operate an exchange for ticket resales, this is a much smaller part of their business compared to Vivid Seats. They do not have as much infrastructure to source and acquire secondary market tickets.
Incentives favor selling primary tickets
Ticketmaster makes a higher percentage of fees on primary market sales. Their business model incentivizes selling primary inventory. Reselling tickets is less of a priority.
When Do Tickets Reappear on Ticketmaster After Selling Out?
Here are some common times when tickets may become available again on Ticketmaster after an initial sellout:
Additional tours dates are added
If extra shows get added to meet demand, it means new primary inventory Ticketmaster can sell. This could create tickets for dates that previously sold out.
Production hold tickets are released
Venues and promoters often hold some tickets for production needs. As the event nears, they may release holds that ended up not being needed.
A new presale or allotment opens up
New batches of tickets are sometimes held back for special presales based on a credit card, radio station, promoter, etc. These presale pools can reopen availability.
Sell limits are lifted
When tickets initially go on sale, there are often limits imposed on the amount each buyer can purchase. Lifting these sell limits opens up more inventory.
Speculative holds expire
Buyers sometimes place tickets “on hold” while they decide. The hold expires after several minutes if no purchase is made, allowing the tickets to be resold.
Canceled orders or declined payments
In some cases, an order falls through due to a declined credit card or a user canceling their purchase. These returned tickets can go back on sale.
Last-minute ticket releases
Some tickets are intentionally held back by promoters to help drive urgency and demand. These may be released 24-48 hours before an event.
Tips for Finding Sold Out Tickets on Ticketmaster
Here are some tips to improve your chances of getting tickets for an event that is sold out on Ticketmaster:
Check presales and fan club options
Look for presale events you may have access to through an artist fan club, credit card promotions, radio stations, etc. Presales give earlier access.
Try the Ticketmaster exchange
Ticketmaster has an exchange where season ticket holders and other fans resell extra tickets. There may be resale inventory on popular sold out events.
Sign up for venue or promoter notifications
By signing up for their email lists, you can receive notifications if new tickets are released for sold out shows.
Check other authorized sellers
Venues may partner with several authorized ticket retailers in addition to Ticketmaster. Check other sites like AXS or the box office.
Consider VIP or upgraded packages
If regular tickets are unavailable, there may be VIP ticket packages, platinum seats, or upgraded options still available.
Get on the waiting list
Ticketmaster has waitlists you join when tickets sell out. You’ll be notified if tickets become available again.
Check Ticketmaster regularly as event nears
Inventory can open up last minute as holds expire, orders cancel, etc. Check back often as the event gets closer.
Use Ticketmaster alerts and notifications
You can set alerts to notify you if tickets become available again for sold out events. This helps you jump at new inventory faster.
Reasonable Price Expectations for Sold Out Events
When an event is sold out, especially a popular concert or game, ticket prices understandably go up in the secondary market. Here are some typical price ranges to expect:
Event Type | Average Secondary Market Price |
---|---|
Major Rock/Pop Concert | $200-$500+ per ticket |
NBA Game | $100-$300+ per ticket |
NFL Game | $200-$400+ per ticket |
Music Festival | $300-$1000+ for multi-day pass |
Theater Show | $100-$300+ per ticket |
Comedy Show | $80-$200+ per ticket |
Of course, prices depend on many factors like the size of the venue, day of week, city, and exact location of seats. But in general, expect to pay a premium for high demand sold out events. Popular resale sites like Vivid Seats can sometimes have better prices than StubHub or others, so check around.
Is it Worth Paying High Secondary Market Prices?
Only you can decide if paying higher secondary market prices is worth it for sold out events you want to attend. Here are some factors to consider:
How badly do you want to go?
Think about how much attending the event means to you. Is it your absolute favorite band or team? Is it a once-in-a-lifetime chance? Or just a casual outing?
Do you have discretionary income?
Make sure paying inflated prices won’t break your budget. Don’t go into debt or spend rent money for tickets. Only splurge if you have the discretionary means.
How long are you willing to wait?
Prices often drop in the last 48 hours as sellers try to unload inventory. If you can risk waiting until the last minute, you may find deals. But you could also miss out.
Will you have another chance to see them?
If it’s a band doing a multi-year world tour, you may have another opportunity. But for a hot new artist or a sports championship series, this could be your only shot.
Do you want the “best” seats and experience?
Paying more gains you access to better seat locations and VIP amenities in many cases. Decide how important premium perks are to your enjoyment.
While only you can determine worth, many fans find great value in using sites like Vivid Seats to experience once-in-a-lifetime events, even at higher costs. You just have to carefully balance benefits versus the price premium.
How to Get the Best Resale Ticket Deals on Vivid Seats
Here are some tips for finding the best ticket deals on Vivid Seats for sold out and in-demand events:
Be flexible on dates and cities
Widening your search to other dates and nearby cities can uncover better deals. You may find tickets in abundance away from major metropolitan areas.
Avoid hot event dates if possible
For sports, games like Friday and Saturday nights tend to be most expensive. Similarly for concerts, weekend shows are pricier than weeknights.
Buy early before frenzy starts
Prices tend to rise over time as an event nears. Buy soon after tickets initially go on sale to likely get the best deal.
Buy just hours before the event
Ironically, prices can also drop at the last minute as sellers scramble to unload inventory. This is risky but can pay off.
Bid on auctions below market price
Vivid Seats has auctions where you can bid on tickets. Bidding under face value or average resale price could land you a steal.
Check for promo codes and coupons
Look online or sign up for Vivid Seats newsletters to find special discount promo codes you can apply to your order.
Earn cash back through a portal
Shopping portals like Rakuten let you earn cash back on Vivid Seats purchases. It’s an easy way to secure additional savings.
Sign up for rewards programs
Join their Vivid Seats Rewards program to unlock perks and earn points towards future ticket purchases.
Is it Safe to Buy Resale Tickets from Vivid Seats?
Buying from big, reputable resale marketplaces like Vivid Seats is generally very safe. Here are some protections they offer:
100% Buyer Guarantee
If tickets end up being fraudulent or unusable for any reason, Vivid Seats refunds you 110% of the purchase amount. This guarantee protects you from risks.
Secure online checkout
Their website is encrypted for safety. Options like PayPal also add layers of payment protection when checking out.
Best price commitment
If you find a lower price elsewhere within 24 hours of purchase, Vivid Seats will refund the difference. So you know you are getting the lowest price.
Real customer reviews
With over 1 million reviews from verified buyers, it’s easy to judge service quality. Negative reviews are addressed.
No anonymous sellers
Unlike some sites, all sellers on Vivid Seats must be identified users registered on the platform. This prevents unknown counterfeit ticket sellers.
E-ticket and mobile delivery
Digital ticket delivery to your account and mobile wallet prevents shipping delays, losses, or stolen tickets.
In general, purchasing from major established platforms like Vivid Seats, StubHub, or Ticketmaster provides high levels of buyer protection and security. Just beware of buying directly from unknown sellers.
Top Tips for Buying Sold Out Concert Tickets
Here are some top tips specifically for scoring in-demand sold out concert tickets:
Monitor pre-sales
Take advantage of artist, venue, radio station, and other pre-sales which give first access before the general public sale.
Join fan clubs
Many bands give their official fan club members access to exclusive pre-sales and waitlist opportunities.
Follow your favorite bands
Sign up for their email lists and follow them on social media to hear about new concert announcements and pre-sales.
Check smaller venues
For top artists, smaller theater shows often sell out slower than huge arenas. Pounce when those rare small venue concerts get announced.
Don’t rule out festivals
If a band isn’t touring solo, look for festivals they are performing at. Festival tickets are often easier to get than a regular tour stop.
Consider VIP or upgraded packages
VIP upgrades with perks like exclusive access, premium seating, swag, and more can sometimes still be available when regular tickets are long gone.
Be ready the moment tickets drop
Have accounts set up and payment info saved so you can breeze through checkout the instant tickets officially go on sale. Hesitation can mean losing out.
Stay patient and persistent
Keep checking back for newly released tickets as the show date nears. Refreshed inventory can pop up last minute.
Securing in-demand concert tickets nowadays takes preparation, dedication, and a bit of luck. But following these tips will help determined fans get in the door to see their favorite live acts when tickets instantly disappear.
Key Takeaways
– Vivid Seats often has ticket inventory when Ticketmaster is sold out due to different distribution deals, a focus on the secondary market, and acquiring newly released tickets over time.
– As a primary seller, Ticketmaster has limited access to tickets after the initial public on-sale compared to secondary resellers like Vivid Seats.
– Ticketmaster inventory can reopen after holds expire, limits lift, new presales open, and via last minute releases as the event nears.
– Prepare to pay premium prices for sold out events, often averaging $100+ over face value in many cases. Carefully consider whether it’s worth the splurge.
– Vivid Seats offers buyer guarantees, fraud protection, rewards, and other features that make buying resale tickets relatively safe. Do research before purchasing to mitigate risk.
– For sold out concerts, monitor pre-sales, join fan clubs, and be ready to buy immediately when tickets go on sale to secure the best deals.
Conclusion
Vivid Seats regularly has ticket availability for sold out events that Ticketmaster does not. This stems from their vast secondary market connections versus Ticketmaster’s focus on selling the primary allotment of tickets. As long as you take precautions, use trustworthy sources like Vivid Seats, and hunt diligently for deals, scoring tickets to sold out events is very achievable. Prepare for high demand events properly, and you can get into amazing concert experiences, big games, and other coveted happenings taking place all over the world.