If you’ve recently tried to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster, you may have been prompted to enter an offer code or promotion code at checkout. There are a few reasons why Ticketmaster requires these codes for certain events or ticket sales:
Access to Presales
One of the most common reasons for an offer code is to gain access to presale ticket sales before the general public. Presales allow fans to purchase tickets before they officially go on sale, and typically require a special code. These presale codes are distributed by the artist, promoter, or venue to give certain groups early access. This includes fan club members, credit card holders, social media followers, and more. By entering the correct presale code, you can purchase tickets ahead of the rush.
Ticket Discounts and Deals
Offer codes are also used to unlock special ticket deals and discounts. Venues, artists, and promoters will often partner with Ticketmaster to provide reduced price tickets to select groups. The offer code allows you to take advantage of lower prices, such as $20 off or 50% discounts. These special offers require the code upon checkout to activate the savings. So always look out for pre-sale codes that can score you ticket deals.
Loyalty and Rewards Programs
If you are a member of an artist fan club, credit card rewards program, or other loyalty program, they may provide you with a custom offer code. These codes give you exclusive access to tickets as a perk of membership. Make sure to check your email or account dashboard to find your unique code. Popular examples include American Express cardholder pre-sale codes or fan club codes for access to the best seats. Just enter your code at checkout to redeem your membership perks.
Charity and Non-Profit Fundraisers
Some concerts and events will partner with charities and non-profits to raise funds through ticket sales. In these cases, a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to the cause. The offer code allows the charity to track ticket sales and receive their share of proceeds. So if you receive a code from a nonprofit you support, use it at checkout to benefit the organization.
Corporate Events and Group Sales
For corporate events, conferences, and group ticket sales, an offer code helps coordinate and track purchases. Companies can distribute a custom code to employees or attendees to streamline the ticket buying process. The code assigns the tickets to the proper account for organizing corporate events. So if your company provided you an offer code for an event, make sure to enter it when purchasing.
Verification of Eligibility
In some cases, an offer code acts as verification that you meet certain eligibility requirements for ticket access. For example, college students may receive a code that verifies enrollment status and allows access to student discounts. Or local residents may get a code that unlocks access to tickets reserved for people living in that area. Entering the correct code confirms you qualify for tickets under special eligibility rules.
Access to Special Packages and Upgrades
VIP packages, meet and greet upgrades, and other special ticket offers may require an offer code. After purchasing your tickets, you may be prompted to enter a code to add on special backstage access, pre-show receptions, exclusive merchandise, and more. These enhanced experiences are unlocked with the proper offer code at checkout. So if you want to upgrade your tickets, be on the lookout for a VIP package code.
Promotional Offers and Contests
Ticketmaster will sometimes provide codes for seasonal promotions, contests, and other limited-time offers. For example, gift card giveaways, discounts for referring friends, or sweepstakes prize redemptions may involve offer codes. social media contests will also distribute codes to winners allowing them to claim their tickets. Be sure to enter these promotional codes by the expiration date to take advantage of giveaways and deals.
Spotify Presale Codes
Spotify has partnered with Ticketmaster to provide special presale codes for top artists and exclusive offers for Premium subscribers. Based on your listening habits, Spotify identifies the artists you love and unlocks presale ticket access. These Spotify presale codes can be found on the Spotify mobile app and allow you early ticket buying before the general public. Premium users also receive special ticket discounts and upgrades through Spotify codes.
Verified Fan Presale Codes
For high demand shows where tickets sell out instantly, Ticketmaster utilizes Verified Fan presales. Fans must register ahead of time and are vetted for past purchasing history. Verified Fans who receive a code gain access to tickets before bots and scalpers. So check your Ticketmaster account to see if you received an exclusive Verified Fan offer code to ensure you get tickets.
Vouchers and Gift Cards
If you received a Ticketmaster gift card or voucher, you will need to enter the claim code when making your ticket purchase. This allows you to redeem the value of your Ticketmaster gift card or apply a voucher toward tickets. The offer code acts as proof of purchase to use your gift card balance or voucher. Make sure to enter gift card codes carefully at checkout to gain access to the funds.
Referral and Ambassador Codes
Referral programs through Ticketmaster will provide fans with custom codes for sharing with friends. If someone uses your referral code, you both earn rewards like ticket discounts or cash back. Ticketmaster also has an ambassador program where influencers distribute codes to their followers to track sales. So if someone gives you their special referral or ambassador code, be sure to enter it to unlock perks.
Targeted Sales and Dynamic Pricing
Offer codes allow Ticketmaster to conduct targeted ticket sales and dynamic pricing strategies. Each code ties the ticket buyer to a specific ad campaign, social promotion, or pricing group. By requiring a code, Ticketmaster gathers data on which campaigns drive the highest conversion rates. Codes also segment customers for testing ticket prices. Dynamic prices can then be offered selectively to customers based on their code at checkout.
Avoiding Resellers and Bots
Another goal of offer codes is to keep tickets out of the hands of scalpers and resellers who use bots. Unique codes tied to real fans help block bulk buying bots from gobbling up tickets. If you receive a code organically through an artist presale or verified fan program, it means you’re a genuine fan buying tickets fairly. So codes benefit real fans over scalpers in the ticket buying process.
In summary, Ticketmaster uses a variety of offer codes and presale codes to manage ticket sales. These codes provide access to presales, unlock discounts and upgrades, coordinate group sales, verify eligibility, track referrals, maximize promotions, and gather customer data. So next time you are prompted for an offer code, check your email, accounts and fan clubs to find the code that will score you the best ticket deals and perks.
