If you bought tickets to an upcoming concert, festival, or other event and can no longer attend, you might be wondering how to resell them. Or maybe you’re a season ticket holder for your favorite sports team but don’t plan on attending every game. Whichever it is, ticket resale sites can help you put your unwanted tickets to good use, and – if you’re lucky – even turn a profit.
And if you are on the other end of the spectrum, the good news is that even if the tickets from official sellers have sold out, there’s still a chance for you to attend the event by researching the secondary ticket market. Numerous dedicated ticket resale sites provide tickets to all sorts of in-demand events. Alternatively, you can skip intermediaries and purchase tickets directly from fans.
Before we dive in, let us review what ticket resale is and how it differs from ticket brokering and scalping.
What is Ticket Resale?
Whether it is a concert, a stand-up show, a theatre performance, or a sports competition, people are willing to pay big money to attend a live event. Unfortunately, their plans are often ruined when high demand causes tickets to sell out almost instantly. The more popular the event, the harder it is for fans to secure tickets in due time.
In fact, booking tickets has become some sort of competition where you have to act fast, preferably as soon as they go on sale if you want to secure your entry.
Ticket resale is a widespread practice in the live events industry where speculators buy tickets to a live event or performance in bulk from licensed sources, usually by using bots to sell them at a higher price. With the increasing demand for online event tickets, ticket reselling has become more prevalent in recent years.
Ticket resale essentially means that you’re reselling a ticket of admission to an event. The tickets are bought from a licensed seller and then sold by the owner of the tickets for whatever price they choose.
Now, the million-dollar question is whether ticket reselling is legal and whether engaging in these practices as a buyer or a seller is safe. The problem with ticket reselling is that there are no clear laws governing this space at the moment, so it’s not illegal to resell event tickets or purchase them from a reseller.
That also means there’s not much to be done to prevent unofficial agents and resale touts from pushing ticket prices up.
How To Buy Event Tickets Online Safely
Given the risks and trends in the market, buying event tickets online safely and without spending a small fortune can feel like a real challenge. However, a few tips can make the process a lot smoother.
As a rule of thumb, purchasing your tickets from a primary vendor is always best. That means buying directly from the venue or the event’s official seller. Registering for presale tickets is a great way to ensure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to buy tickets early on. If there’s no mailing list you can join, keeping an eye on the event’s social media accounts will help you stay up to date with ticket offers.
Suppose you missed the chance to secure your tickets from the venue, and they’re sold out on the official website. In that case, reputable ticket websites are the next best thing, as they provide similar prices and guarantee ticket authenticity. Stick to well-known ticketing sites and research each provider by reading reviews and checking their policies before making a purchase.
And if the tickets to the event seem to be sold out everywhere, you can resort to platforms that facilitate direct transactions. These ticket resale sites allow fans to connect with one another and buy or sell tickets at a negotiated price which is usually lower than the original price.
Best Ticket Resale Websites
Here are some ticket resale websites:
StubHub
StubHub is an online ticket exchange and resale platform that provides an extensive marketplace for buying and selling tickets to various live entertainment events. Founded in 2000, this ticket resale site has become one of the leading platforms in the industry. It offers a wide range of tickets for sports events, concerts, theater shows, and other live entertainment experiences.
StubHub provides customers with exclusive discounts and promotional offers for a wide range of events. On the StubHub website, customers can find discounted tickets for sports events, festivals, and more. These exclusive offers often coincide with special occasions like Cyber Monday and Black Friday. First-time purchasers may also benefit from additional discounts of 10-15%.
In addition, StubHub offers exclusive student discounts, making it more affordable for students to attend events.
StubHub applies fees to both buyers and sellers. The specific fee structure may vary, but generally, sellers are responsible for paying a commission based on the sale price, while buyers are subject to a service fee.
StubHub has earned a strong reputation in the ticket resale market, positioning itself as one of the leading platforms in the industry. With its wide availability of tickets for various live events, including sports, concerts, and theater performances, StubHub has become a go-to destination for users seeking live entertainment tickets.
Best Features
- Wide Range of Event Tickets: Extensive selection of tickets for various events, including popular sports matches, concerts by renowned artists, and highly anticipated theater shows.
- Convenient Online Platform: User-friendly interface and advanced search options allow users to find their desired tickets easily.
- Secure and Guaranteed Transactions: Buyers receive valid tickets on time, and sellers get paid for their listings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extensive inventory of tickets
- Easy to search for and purchase tickets
- Guaranteed ticket authenticity
Cons
- Buyers and sellers incur fees when using the platform
TicketSmarter
TicketSmarter is an online ticket resale marketplace that offers tickets for various live events, including concerts, sports games, theater performances, and family events. The site ensures 100% valid tickets and provides refunds in case of event cancellation or delivery issues.
Its last-minute ticket options allow customers to monitor prices and make purchases until the final moments before the event.
TicketSmarter provides a 100% ticket guarantee, assuring customers that their tickets will be valid for sporting events, concerts, and theater shows. If an event is canceled and not rescheduled or if tickets are not delivered on time, TicketSmarter offers a 100% refund. It also offers occasional discount codes and vouchers.
While TicketSmarter provides a wide range of event tickets and convenient online purchasing options, the company has faced criticism for ticketing issues, including technical glitches and inflated prices on secondary markets. High service fees have also frustrated customers, and concerns have been raised about Ticketmaster’s market dominance and lack of competition.
Best Features
- Extensive Ticket Inventory: Vast inventory of tickets for various live events, ensuring customers can easily find tickets for their preferred events.
- 100% Ticket Guarantee: Refunds for event cancellations and delivery issues.
- Last-Minute Ticket Options: Customers can purchase tickets close to the event date and find better prices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vast inventory of tickets
- 100% ticket guarantee
- Last-minute ticket options
Cons
- High fees
GameTime
GameTime is the go-to ticket marketplace for those seeking last-minute tickets to sports, music, and theater events. The site guarantees on-time delivery and ensures the authenticity of its tickets, providing users with a trustworthy experience. Additionally, it offers a convenient mobile app that enables users to easily purchase tickets, share them with friends, and enter venues.
The checkout process typically provides a transparent breakdown of all costs associated with your order. This includes the ticket price and any additional fees for service, processing, delivery, or convenience.
GameTime has built a solid reputation through its longstanding collaborations with renowned event organizers, trusted venues, and satisfied customers. This track record of working with established industry partners adds to their overall trustworthiness.
Best Features
- Panoramic Seat Photos: Preview seating arrangements with GameTime’s panoramic seat view photos.
- Easy Ticket Sharing: Share tickets with friends and family using the mobile app.
- Flexible Purchasing: Option to purchase tickets up to 90 minutes after an event has started.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Guaranteed valid tickets
- Competitive pricing
- Mobile app
Cons
- Relies on third-party sellers
TicketNetwork
TicketNetwork is a leading platform that enables users to buy and sell tickets to a wide range of live entertainment events. As a prominent player in the industry, TicketNetwork offers a seamless ticket-buying experience for event-goers across various genres of entertainment.
TicketNetwork has established itself as a leading player in the ticketing industry since its founding in 2002. Its comprehensive platform and extensive network make it a go-to destination for those looking to buy or sell tickets to live entertainment events. It partners with ShopBack to provide exclusive coupon codes and cash-back on ticket purchases.
Customers can also take advantage of seasonal deals and make direct purchases on the TicketNetwork website.
Best Features
- Extensive Ticket Inventory: From concerts to sports games and theater shows, users can find a wide selection of tickets.
- Exclusive Offers and Promotions: Opportunities for discounted prices, package deals, or other benefits, adding value to the ticket-buying experience.
- TicketNetwork Point of Sale Software: Enables sellers to effectively manage their listings, ensuring smooth transactions and efficient ticket management.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide selection of tickets
- Convenient marketplace
- Point of Sale software for sellers
Cons
- Service fees may apply
SuperStar
SuperStar is a versatile ticketing platform that caters to a wide range of events, including concerts, sports events, and theater shows. With SuperStar, users can conveniently browse and purchase tickets online, eliminating the need to visit physical ticket outlets. The platform offers a ticket protection guarantee, providing reassurance to customers in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Unlike competitors, SuperStar does not add additional charges during the checkout process. The ticket price you see is the price you pay, providing a hassle-free ticket-purchasing experience for customers.
SuperStar has built a strong reputation as a reliable ticket resale site. While there may be a few negative reviews, the overwhelmingly positive feedback from satisfied customers outweighs them. SuperStar is recognized as a trustworthy platform for ticket purchases. Customers can rely on their services with confidence.
With SuperStar, you can enjoy transparent pricing without any hidden fees.
Best Features
- Diverse Event Coverage: Covers a wide range of events, including concerts, sports events, and theater shows, providing options for various interests.
- Ticket Protection Guarantee: Offers a ticket protection guarantee in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- No Added Fees: Claims to offer cheap tickets with no additional fees at checkout, ensuring affordable pricing for customers.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to purchase tickets online
- Ticket protection guarantee
- No additional fees at checkout
Cons
- Limited availability
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is a leading ticket-selling service that offers Citi Credit Card members exclusive benefits for accessing popular events. With a user-friendly interface, Ticketmaster provides segmented information for browsing concerts, arts, theater, and family events. Users can easily search for specific shows and explore options based on category, location, date, and venue.
Ticketmaster is widely recognized as a leading ticket-selling service with a strong reputation in the industry. With a long-standing history since its founding in 1976, Ticketmaster has established itself as a trusted platform for purchasing tickets to a wide range of events.
The specific fees associated with purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster depend on the event and the venue’s pricing structure. However, it is worth noting that the platform does not charge listing fees for ticket transfers.
Best Features
- User-Friendly Interface: Provides a user-friendly platform that makes event browsing and ticket purchasing easy and intuitive.
- Quick Search Options: Users can easily find specific shows and explore events by category, location, date, and venue.
- Mobile App: Access barcode e-tickets for easy entry to events and mapping capabilities to navigate venues.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No listing fees for ticket transfers
- Advanced search engine
- Mobile app
Cons
- Lack of price display on the homepage.
- Inability to import tickets from external sources.
EventTicketCenter
EventTicketsCenter is an independent marketplace for event tickets, providing a seamless ticket shopping experience through its website and mobile app. With a track record of over 1 million completed orders, it serves as a platform for sellers to list their ticket inventory for a wide range of events, including major league sports games, college sports, and popular playoffs.
EventTicketsCenter has established itself as a prominent player in the ticket marketplace industry. Since its founding in 2005, the website has successfully completed over 1 million orders, gaining recognition and trust from customers in search of event tickets.
The platform occasionally offers exclusive offers and discounts; however, the frequency and availability of these limited-time promotions may vary. And while the exact fee structure will vary depending on the transaction, EventTicketsCenter aims to provide a streamlined and reliable ticket-buying process, and any fees involved are transparently disclosed during the purchasing process.
Best Features
- User-Friendly Platform: Offers a user-friendly platform with easy navigation and a seamless ticket search experience.
- Wide Ticket Availability: Whether it’s sports games, concerts, or other live events, users can find tickets for various types of entertainment.
- Interactive Seating Charts: Provides interactive seating charts, allowing users to view and select their preferred seats.
- Purchase Protection and Timely Delivery: All purchases are protected, and e-tickets are available instantly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide range of ticket options
- Interactive seating charts
- Trusted secondary marketplace
- Purchases are protected
Cons
- Limited exclusive offers and discounts
TicketLiquidator
TicketLiquidator, founded in 2003, is a U.S.-based ticket reseller offering a wide selection of tickets. With a user-friendly website design, extensive categories, and location-based ticket recommendations, TicketLiquidator ensures a seamless browsing and purchasing experience. The platform also offers strong customer support and a buyer guarantee, providing added security and peace of mind.
TicketLiquidator is a legitimate and well-established ticket resale website that has been operating since 2003. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, TicketLiquidator has earned a reputation as a reliable platform for purchasing tickets to various events.
Best Features
- Tickets for Popular U.S. Events: Offers a wide inventory of tickets for popular events across the United States.
- User-Friendly Website Design: Provides a user-friendly platform and intuitive features that make it easy to browse and search for tickets.
- Buyer Guarantee: 100% refund guarantee in the unfortunate case of a canceled event.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly website
- Smooth payment process
- Buyer Guarantee
Cons
- Limited international ticket options
TicketClub
TicketClub, founded in 2001, is a ticket resale website that offers discounted tickets to various events without charging service fees. With a wide selection of tickets for music events, sports games, theater shows, and more, TicketClub allows customers to save on tickets and compare prices across different marketplaces. It provides a convenient and cost-effective option for buying tickets at a discounted rate.
TicketClub has established a strong reputation as an excellent ticket resale site. With over two decades of experience in the industry since its founding in 2001, TicketClub has gained the trust of customers who are buying concert tickets. The platform’s commitment to providing discounted tickets without service fees has resonated with users, delivering a seamless and cost-effective ticket-buying experience.
TicketClub distinguishes itself by eliminating service fees for premier members. Premier membership requires an initial fee of $49.99 for the first year and $9.99 per year after that. By becoming an exclusive member, customers can enjoy significant savings on ticket purchases without the additional burden of service fees.
Best Features
- No Service Fees: Discounted tickets to various events without charging service fees.
- Wide Range of Available Event Tickets: Buy tickets to concerts, sporting events, theater shows, and more.
- Ticket Comparison Tool: Easy comparison of ticket prices among different marketplaces to find the best deals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No service fees
- Wide selection of tickets
- Easy ticket price comparison tool
Cons
- Limited refund policy
- Lack of ticket guarantees
TickPick
TickPick, founded in 2011, is an online marketplace for event tickets, offering a wide range of tickets for sports events, concerts, and theater performances. With their unique ticket ranking system based on proximity and viewing angle, users can bid on tickets and select their desired seating options.
One of the standout features of TickPick is its lower fees compared to other ticketing platforms, ensuring a cost-effective ticket-buying experience for users. TickPick is known for its lower fees compared to other ticketing platforms. The platform aims to provide users with a more affordable ticket-buying experience by reducing or eliminating hidden fees. The specific fee structure may vary depending on the ticket price and event.
TickPick has gained a positive reputation in the ticket resale site marketplace. It has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies, competing with well-established ticketing platforms like StubHub and Ticketmaster.
Best Features
- Unique Ticket Ranking System: Allows users to select their preferred seating options based on proximity and viewing angle.
- User-Friendly Ticket Buying Experience: Customers can easily navigate the website, view seating charts, and make purchases without encountering hidden fees.
- Super Bowl Ticket Insights: Provides valuable insights and information on Super Bowl ticket prices, including optimal times to buy tickets.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unique ticket ranking system
- Low fees
- Transparent ticket-buying experience
Cons
- Some inflated prices by resellers
Ticket Resale vs. Ticket Brokering vs. Ticket Scalping
Ticket resale essentially means that you’re reselling a ticket of admission to an event. The tickets are bought from a licensed seller and then sold by the owner of the tickets for whatever price they choose.
Ticket brokering is a type of ticket resale where you buy event tickets in bulk from a licensed seller and then resell them at a higher price. Because most reselling happens online, ticket brokering can sometimes be confused with ticket scalping, but they’re very different.
Ticket scalping is similar to brokering because tickets are bought in bulk, but that’s where the similarities end. Scalpers use unfair methods to automate their bulk ticket buying. Specifically, they use bots to make purchases faster than typical customers can. The tickets are then resold at a significantly inflated price, meaning that many excited customers who otherwise would have bought a ticket may not be able to anymore.
Not only can this affect the reputation of an event that tickets are being scalped for, but it can also lead to lower attendance rates.
Is it legal to resell tickets?
It depends on the kind of tickets.
The resale of football tickets is illegal under anti-hooliganism laws unless they are sold through the club’s authorized service. This service is often provided through a partner like Viagogo or StubHub.
There are currently no laws governing the resale of tickets for other sports or concerts, gigs, and theatrical shows. The government has refused to amend this but has stated it may introduce legislation for the resale of tickets to “events of national importance”. However, different associations may have their own rules in terms of what they allow.
For instance, some events’ terms and conditions now explicitly state that tickets cannot be resold. Organizers can cancel any tickets that they find being sold by touts. This means if you go down this route, you might find that your ticket isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on and won’t get you into the event for which you’ve paid.
How Ticketing Platforms Prevent Scalping
There are a couple of ways that ticketing platforms help event organizers battle unwanted scalpers. We recommend implementing one or all of these if you’re selling tickets online to your own event:
- Put a limit on the maximum number of tickets one person can buy
- Use CAPTCHAs so ticket buyers must prove they’re human and not a scalper bot
- Require customers to make an account on your website before purchasing
When choosing the right ticketing platform for your event, be sure to ask about their strategies for combating scalpers.
Where is the best place to resell tickets?
The best place to resell your official event tickets is with a reputable, online ticket reseller marketplace. Make sure you read their ticket seller’s terms and conditions and follow all of their rules so you don’t lose out on any money.
Should you ever buy direct from another fan?
Peer-to-peer ticket sales are potentially tricky ground, with no guarantees about the ticket’s authenticity or the seller’s. Prices can also skyrocket, with sales typically advertised informally via internet forums and sites like eBay.
Arranging to collect tickets in person can also be risky because it usually involves taking cash with you to meet someone you do not know.
In conclusion
Ticket reselling is a common practice nowadays, so it is worth taking the time to understand how the market works. While purchasing online event tickets from resellers comes with its fair share of risks, one can navigate these challenges effectively by doing adequate research and practicing caution when choosing a ticket provider.
Recommended Articles
- HOW TO TRANSLATE A PICTURE: All You Need to Know
- HOW TO MAKE GOOGLE SLIDES VERTICAL: EASY Guide
- Fraud Score: What Is It & How Does It Work?
- NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR: What Is It & What Do They Do?
- Digital Pathology: What It Is, Benefits & All to Know
- SAMSUNG TABLET WON’T TURN ON: Basic Problems & Fixes
References
