Trying to use a Ticketmaster presale code but it’s not working? You’re not alone. Presale codes are meant to give fans early access to tickets before the general public, but sometimes presale codes don’t work as expected for various reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons why your Ticketmaster presale code may not be working and what you can do about it.
The Presale Hasn’t Started Yet
One of the most common reasons a presale code isn’t working is because the presale period hasn’t started yet. Make sure to double check the presale start time and date. Presales typically begin at 10 am local venue time on the specified date unless otherwise noted. The presale code will not work until the presale window opens. Set yourself a reminder so you don’t miss the presale start time.
You’re Using the Wrong Presale Code
Carefully check that you’re using the correct presale code. Even one wrong letter or number will make the presale code invalid. Go back to the source where you obtained the presale code and make sure you copied or typed it correctly. Presale codes are typically emailed, texted, posted on fan club or venue websites, announced on social media, or messaged through an app. Retype the presale code if you manually entered it to avoid typos.
The Presale Code is Tied to a Specific Sale
Some presale codes only work for specific ticket sales. For example, a fan club presale code may only be valid for the fan club presale and won’t work during any other presales. Similarly, a VIP package code will only work for the VIP presale. Make sure the presale code you have matches the specific presale you’re trying to access.
The Presale Code Has Expired
Presale codes usually have a short window of validity. Try using the presale code as soon as you receive it to avoid expiration. If the presale period has ended, the presale code will no longer work. You’ll need to wait until the next presale opportunity or general onsale. Set a calendar reminder as soon as you get a presale code so you use it before it expires.
The Presale Sold Out
If a presale sells all of its allotted tickets, the presale will end early. Even though the presale window hasn’t ended, the code will no longer work since there are no more tickets available. Log in right at the start time of the presale you want to increase your chances of getting tickets before a sell out.
You’re Logged Into the Wrong Account
Some presale codes are tied to specific fan club or venue/promoter accounts. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account associated with the presale code. Log out then log back in using the account credentials connected to the presale offer.
You’re Using an Invalid Presale Landing Page
Carefully check the URL you’re using to enter the presale code. Presale codes typically must be entered on specific landing pages for that particular presale. Make sure you’re using the correct URL provided by the source of your presale code. Using any other URL will make the code invalid.
How to Get Help When Your Presale Code Isn’t Working
If you’ve checked all of the common issues above and your Ticketmaster presale code still isn’t working, don’t panic. Here are some options to try to get assistance:
Contact Ticketmaster Customer Service
Ticketmaster has a customer service department to help troubleshoot issues with presale codes. Contact them via phone, email or chat and they may be able to assist with getting your presale code to work correctly. Provide details on the presale offer, code and any error messages you received when entering your code.
Reach Out to the Presale Code Provider
If you obtained the presale code directly from the artist fan club, venue or promoter, reach out to their customer service team for help. They may be able to send you a new valid code or further troubleshoot the issue if it’s on their end. Include the full details of the offer and any screenshots of the code details.
Check Social Media for Answers
Often the venue, artists or promoter will post updates on social media if there are any known issues with a presale code. Check Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see if they’ve addressed the problem and provided a solution like a new code. Enabling notifications can help you stay on top of any new info.
Try Another Presale Opportunity
If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options, you may need to wait for another presale opportunity. There are frequently multiple presales leading up to the general onsale. Get the presale code from one of the later presales. Set reminders so you’re ready to use the code as soon as the presale starts.
Tips to Avoid Presale Code Issues
To help make sure your next presale code works smoothly, keep these tips in mind:
Copy and Paste the Code
When possible, copy and paste the presale code directly rather than retyping it manually. This reduces errors from typos.
Verify the Code Before the Presale
Try entering the presale code on the Ticketmaster site ahead of time to be sure it works and that you copied it correctly. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Use the Code as Early as Possible
Enter the presale code right at the start of the presale window before tickets start selling out. This gives you the best shot at getting tickets.
Make Sure You’re Logged In and On the Correct Site
Double check your login credentials and that you’re using the exact Ticketmaster URL for that specific presale. Small mistakes can make the code invalid.
Follow Up if You Don’t Receive a Presale Code
If you believe you should have received a presale code but didn’t get one, promptly contact the presale provider to request a code. Don’t wait too long or they may run out.
Presale Codes Are Time Sensitive
The most important thing to remember is that presale codes must be used within the valid presale time period to work properly. Missing the short presale window or letting a code expire makes it invalid. Set multiple alarms and calendar reminders so you use the presale code as early as possible once the presale starts. With some preparation and vigilance, you’ll snag those coveted presale tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about presale codes:
Why do presale codes expire so quickly?
Presale codes usually expire within 24-48 hours to prevent mass sharing. Short validity periods help limit access to select groups like fan club members. It also encourages fans to buy early since tickets are limited.
Where can I find presale codes for my favorite artist?
Join an artist’s official fan club, follow their social media, sign up for newsletters, check their website, and listen to fan club presales announced on the radio. Venues and promoters also often have their own presales.
What’s the difference between a presale code and a regular ticket code?
Presale codes provide access to tickets before the general public onsale. Regular ticket codes are provided after purchasing tickets for re-entry, if tickets require codes.
How do I know which presale code to use?
Carefully read all details provided with a presale code to know which specific sale it applies to (fan club presale, VIP package presale, etc.). Enter the matching code during the correct presale.
Can I share my presale code with friends?
Most presale codes can only be used for a small number of ticket purchases, usually 2-4. Mass sharing will quickly invalidate the code. Check terms before sharing.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster presale codes allow fans early access to tickets, but can be frustrating when they don’t work properly. Review the start time, account login, URL, and validity period to troubleshoot an invalid presale code. Contact Ticketmaster or the code provider for additional assistance. Reduce issues by carefully copying codes rather than typing them, verifying early, and using codes immediately once a presale starts. With some diligence, presale codes remain one of the best ways for die-hard fans to score seats before the general public.
