If you are trying to purchase tickets on Ticketmaster but keep encountering errors or issues that prevent you from completing your purchase, there are a few common reasons why this may be happening.
High Demand Causing Website Issues
For very popular concerts or events, the Ticketmaster website can struggle to handle the extremely high traffic and demand. With thousands of fans all trying to buy tickets at the same time, error messages or stalled pages are common. This overhead demand essentially overloads the Ticketmaster servers, and can cause temporary outages or freezing. Be patient and keep trying if this occurs – Ticketmaster will usually resolve these demand issues within a few minutes.
Glitches in the Virtual Queue
For high-demand events, Ticketmaster often uses a virtual queue system to control traffic flow onto the website. This requires fans to wait in a digital line before gaining access to the ticket buying pages. However, glitches in this queue system are frequent, and can prevent queue members from proceeding even after waiting their turn. Try refreshing the queue page and confirming your place in line. If issues persist, clearing browser cookies can sometimes help reset the queue.
Difficulties Selecting Specific Seats
When purchasing tickets, Ticketmaster allows you to select your specific seat assignments. However, for popular shows, the inventory of preferred seats can sell out extremely quickly. If you are having trouble securing your desired seats, try broadening your seating selection criteria. Compromising on row or section may allow you to complete your purchase, even if the seats are not your top choice. Acting quickly is also key – be ready to check out fast once tickets go on sale to claim seats before others can.
Unreliable Mobile App Functionality
While the Ticketmaster mobile app offers convenience for ticket purchases on-the-go, it is prone to technical issues during peak sales times. App crashes, error messages, and other mobile-specific problems can often block purchases. If running into mobile app problems, your best option is to switch to a desktop web browser. The full Ticketmaster website tends to offer greater stability for high-traffic situations.
Limits on Number of Tickets
To discourage ticket scalping and bots, Ticketmaster enforces limits on the maximum number of tickets each buyer can purchase. Depending on the event, this cap can be as low as 2 or 4 tickets. If you require more tickets, you may need to coordinate with friends or family members to buy separately up to the ticket limit. Attempting to exceed the purchasing quantities by yourself could cause transactions to fail.
Banned Payment Methods
To reduce fraud, Ticketmaster blocks certain payment methods and card types from being used on high-demand events. Debit cards, gift cards, or prepaid cards are frequently prohibited. Make sure you are using a credit card issued directly from Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. Tickets are also sometimes restricted to the original cardholder only. If your payment method is declined, double check that it is an accepted type.
Glitchy CAPTCHA Verification
To prevent bots, Ticketmaster requires buyers to complete a CAPTCHA verification when purchasing tickets. This test to prove you are human can be buggy at times, with difficult-to-read text or errors processing the CAPTCHA. Take your time entering the characters carefully, and go through multiple CAPTCHA attempts if necessary. Refreshing can reload an easier CAPTCHA.
Outage of the Ticketmaster Servers
For the biggest concerts and sporting events, the sheer volume of traffic to Ticketmaster can sometimes cause sporadic crashes or outages. This overload essentially knocks the Ticketmaster servers fully offline temporarily. Not much can be done except wait for Ticketmaster technicians to get the systems back up. Keep the website ready to refresh, and you should be able to proceed once service is restored.
Errors in Your Ticketmaster Account
In order to finalize ticket purchases, you need an active Ticketmaster user account. Issues with your account can therefore obstruct checkouts. Double check that your account email, password, and payment info are all correct if you are signed in. Alternatively, try checking out as a guest user instead. For recurring account errors, contacting Ticketmaster customer support can help troubleshoot.
Third-Party Verification Requirements
For very high-demand tickets, Ticketmaster will sometimes add extra bot and fraud prevention measures. These can include requiring users to verify ticket transfers, or validate identity via third-parties. Ensure you fully complete any special verification procedures specified. Leaving these unfinished can cancel orders even if tickets were originally secured.
Unexpected Waiting Room Timeouts
Similar to virtual queues, Ticketmaster also utilizes digital waiting rooms that fans must pass through before buying event tickets. Technical problems can occasionally cause waiting room timeouts before you reach the ticket selection and purchasing pages. This is frustrating, but usually just requires re-entering the waiting room queue. Be ready at your computer when the timed waiting room period ends.
Issues With Presale or Promo Codes
If you are utilizing a special presale password orpromo code to access ticket sales early, errors in this code can prevent ticket transactions. Double and triple check that the code you are entering matches exactly to what was provided for the presale. Watch for easy mistakes like mixing up 0 and O letters. Also be certain the code is still valid for the specific presale time period.
Payment Processor Difficulties
Behind the scenes, Ticketmaster relies on third-party companies to handle payment processing. If these payment processors suffer technical problems, ticket purchases through Ticketmaster can be impacted. Try submitting your order again after a short wait. Broad payment issues for Ticketmaster are usually cleared up quickly as technicians identify the root cause.
Website Struggles with Your Browser
In rare cases, the Ticketmaster website may have errors interacting with specific web browsers. Technical conflicts can sometimes freeze transactions. If you are experiencing browser-specific issues, attempt to purchase tickets through a different browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Switching browsers is an easy workaround.
Too Many Devices Trying to Purchase
To ensure fair access, Ticketmaster limits each buyer to only 2 device connections when purchasing tickets. If you attempt ticket transactions from multiple laptops, phones, etc the system may interpret this as a scalping attempt and block orders. Stick to just 1 or 2 devices when purchasing to avoid complications.
Errors Caused by Browser Extensions or Ad Blockers
The addons and extensions in your web browser can sometimes conflict with website functionality. Common culprits include ad blockers, VPN services, or tools like password managers. Try temporarily disabling any active browser extensions and see if Ticketmaster works properly. You can re-enable them after purchasing tickets.
Your Bandwidth Can’t Keep Up
Buying tickets requires stable internet connectivity, especially during high-traffic sales. Using public wi-fi or a congested network can interrupt the Ticketmaster process mid-transaction. For important events, purchase from a computer or device directly connected to your router via ethernet cable. This offers the fastest and most reliable bandwidth.
Purchasing Restricted to Your Region
To prevent scalping and re-selling, Ticketmaster implements regional restrictions when selling tickets. Your billing address must match the geographic area where the event is being held. Using VPNs or proxies to mask your location can cause transactions to fail verification checks. Make sure your account details reflect your real location.
Any Unexpected Errors or Glitches
With a website as complex as Ticketmaster handling enormous traffic volumes, random technical issues can pop up at any time. Crashes, error messages, and other problems could occur without warning. Have patience and keep trying if you run into any inexplicable errors or glitches. They are usually temporary setbacks.
Ticket buying on Ticketmaster can definitely be frustrating when things do not go smoothly. But being aware of the most common purchasing problems can help you recognize and handle issues when they arise. With persistence and preparation, you should ultimately be able to push through errors and secure your desired tickets.
