How to Resell Tickets on Ticketmaster: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success
So, you’ve got tickets to a concert, a sporting event, or a theatrical performance, but life has thrown you a curveball. Maybe you can’t make it anymore, or perhaps you’ve found better seats. Whatever the reason, you’re looking to resell those tickets. Thankfully, Ticketmaster, the world’s largest ticket marketplace, provides a straightforward platform for reselling tickets directly to other fans. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from determining eligibility to successfully transferring the tickets to the buyer. We will also explore best practices for maximizing your resale value and avoiding common pitfalls.
Understanding Ticketmaster’s Resale Policies
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand Ticketmaster’s resale policies. Not all tickets are eligible for resale on their platform. Certain events or venues might restrict resale or have specific conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
* Event Organizer Restrictions: The event organizer ultimately decides whether tickets can be resold on Ticketmaster. Some events, particularly those with very high demand or those aimed at preventing scalping, may prohibit resale entirely. Check the specific event details on Ticketmaster’s website to confirm if resale is allowed.
* Venue Restrictions: Similar to event organizers, individual venues can also impose restrictions on ticket resales. This is less common but still a possibility. Check the venue’s policy on their website or contact them directly for clarification.
* Ticket Type Restrictions: Certain ticket types, like those purchased through special promotions or employee discounts, may be non-transferable and thus, non-resellable. Read the fine print of your original purchase to identify any such restrictions.
* Resale Limits: Some jurisdictions have laws regarding how much you can resell a ticket for. Ticketmaster usually enforces these limits on their platform. In most cases, you can’t sell tickets for significantly more than the face value (the original price printed on the ticket). This is intended to curb excessive scalping.
* Transfer Delays: For some events, especially those that are high-profile or involve mobile-only ticketing, Ticketmaster might implement a transfer delay. This means you can list your tickets for sale, but they won’t be available for transfer to the buyer until a certain date closer to the event. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activity and control the secondary market.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reselling Tickets on Ticketmaster
Now that you have a basic understanding of the relevant policies, let’s go through the process of reselling your tickets on Ticketmaster. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign In to Your Ticketmaster Account
* Go to the Ticketmaster website (www.ticketmaster.com) or open the Ticketmaster app on your smartphone.
* Click on the “Sign In” button located at the top right corner of the website or in the app’s menu.
* Enter your email address and password associated with your Ticketmaster account. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it.
* Ensure you are logged into the account that holds the tickets you wish to resell. It seems obvious, but accidentally logging into an old account or one associated with a different email address is a common mistake.
Step 2: Find Your Tickets
* Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “My Account” section. This is usually located in the top right corner of the website or within the app’s menu.
* Look for a section labeled “My Tickets,” “My Events,” or something similar. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your location and the Ticketmaster platform version.
* Browse through your upcoming events to find the event for which you want to resell your tickets.
* Click on the specific event to view your ticket details.
Step 3: Verify Resale Eligibility
* On the event details page, look for a button or link that says “Sell Tickets,” “Resell Tickets,” or something similar. If you don’t see this option, it means that the event organizer or venue has restricted ticket resales for that particular event.
* If the “Sell Tickets” option is present, click on it to proceed.
* Ticketmaster may display a confirmation message stating that you are about to list your tickets for resale. Read this message carefully and confirm that you understand the terms and conditions.
Step 4: Select the Tickets to Sell
* You will be presented with a list of the tickets you own for that event. Select the specific tickets you want to resell. You can choose to sell all of your tickets or only a portion of them.
* If you have multiple tickets in a row, you may have the option to sell them as a group or individually. Consider your options based on the likely demand and potential resale value. For example, selling two adjacent tickets might be easier than selling a single ticket if buyers typically attend events in pairs.
Step 5: Set Your Price
* This is a crucial step that will determine how quickly your tickets sell. Ticketmaster will likely suggest a price range based on comparable tickets currently listed for sale. This suggested range can be a helpful starting point, but it’s important to consider other factors.
* Factors to Consider When Setting Your Price:
* Face Value: The original price of the ticket is a key factor. You generally can’t sell for significantly above this, and you might need to price below it to attract buyers.
* Location: Tickets in prime locations (e.g., closer to the stage, in a box suite) are typically worth more than those in less desirable areas.
* Day of the Week: Weekend events usually command higher prices than weekday events.
* Performer/Team Popularity: High-demand performers or successful sports teams will generally lead to higher ticket prices.
* Time Remaining Before the Event: As the event date approaches, ticket prices tend to decrease as buyers become less willing to take the risk of purchasing tickets that they might not be able to use.
* Other Tickets Listed: Look at the prices of similar tickets already listed on Ticketmaster. You’ll need to be competitive to attract buyers. A slightly lower price might make your tickets more appealing.
* Pricing Strategies:
* Competitive Pricing: Set your price slightly below the lowest price for comparable tickets to increase your chances of a quick sale.
* Strategic Pricing: If you’re not in a rush to sell, you can start with a higher price and gradually lower it as the event date approaches. However, be mindful of the risk that the price might drop too low if you wait too long.
* Dynamic Pricing: Some third-party tools and services can automatically adjust your ticket prices based on market conditions. However, be cautious when using these tools, as they might violate Ticketmaster’s terms of service.
* Enter your desired price per ticket in the designated field. Ticketmaster will usually display the total amount you will receive after deducting any fees.
Step 6: Choose Your Payment Method
* Before listing your tickets, you’ll need to provide your payment information so that Ticketmaster can send you the money once the tickets are sold.
* You’ll typically have the option to receive payment via direct deposit (ACH transfer) or PayPal. Direct deposit is generally the preferred method, as it’s usually faster and more secure.
* Enter your banking information (account number and routing number) or your PayPal email address. Double-check the information to ensure it’s accurate.
Step 7: Review and Submit Your Listing
* Carefully review all the details of your listing, including the event date, ticket location, quantity, price per ticket, and your payment information.
* Make sure everything is accurate before submitting your listing. Once your tickets are listed, you may not be able to make changes or cancel the listing.
* Check the box to agree to Ticketmaster’s terms and conditions for reselling tickets.
* Click the “List Tickets” or “Submit” button to finalize your listing.
Step 8: Wait for Your Tickets to Sell
* Once your tickets are listed, they will be visible to potential buyers on Ticketmaster’s website and app.
* Ticketmaster will send you an email notification when your tickets are sold.
* The time it takes for your tickets to sell can vary depending on several factors, including the popularity of the event, the location of the tickets, and the price you set. Be patient and monitor your listing regularly.
* You can adjust your price at any time to make your tickets more competitive. If your tickets aren’t selling, consider lowering the price.
Step 9: Transfer the Tickets to the Buyer
* Once your tickets are sold, Ticketmaster will handle the transfer of the tickets to the buyer automatically. You don’t need to do anything manually.
* The buyer will receive an email notification with instructions on how to access their tickets. They will typically be able to view the tickets in their Ticketmaster account or on the Ticketmaster app.
* In some cases, Ticketmaster may use a mobile transfer system, where the tickets are sent directly to the buyer’s smartphone. This eliminates the need for paper tickets or printed PDFs.
Step 10: Receive Your Payment
* After the event takes place, Ticketmaster will process your payment. The payment timeframe can vary, but it typically takes 5-7 business days for the funds to be deposited into your bank account or PayPal account.
* You will receive an email notification when your payment has been processed.
* If you encounter any issues with your payment, contact Ticketmaster’s customer support for assistance.
Tips for Maximizing Your Resale Success
Selling tickets on Ticketmaster is generally straightforward, but these tips can improve your chances of success:
* List Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to list your tickets. The earlier you list them, the more exposure they’ll get to potential buyers. People often plan their attendance weeks or months in advance.
* Price Competitively: As mentioned earlier, price is a critical factor. Research similar listings and price your tickets competitively to attract buyers. Consider lowering the price gradually if your tickets aren’t selling.
* Highlight Key Features: Although you have limited space for descriptions, try to highlight any key features that might make your tickets more appealing. For example, mention if they are aisle seats, have a good view of the stage, or are located near amenities.
* Respond Promptly to Inquiries: Although communication is limited through Ticketmaster, check for any messages or inquiries related to your listing. Responding promptly can increase the likelihood of a sale.
* Be Honest and Transparent: Provide accurate information about your tickets and avoid making any misleading claims. Honesty and transparency build trust with potential buyers.
* Utilize Social Media: Share your ticket listing on your social media channels. You might have friends or followers who are interested in attending the event.
* Be Patient: Sometimes it takes time for tickets to sell. Don’t get discouraged if your tickets don’t sell immediately. Be patient and continue to monitor your listing.
* Consider Selling as a Bundle: If you have multiple tickets, consider selling them as a bundle. This can be more appealing to buyers who are attending the event with friends or family.
* Check for Transfer Delays: Be aware of any transfer delays that might be in place for the event. If there’s a delay, be sure to communicate this clearly to potential buyers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Reselling tickets on Ticketmaster is generally safe, but it’s essential to avoid these common mistakes:
* Selling Counterfeit Tickets: Never attempt to sell counterfeit tickets. This is illegal and can result in serious consequences.
* Misrepresenting Ticket Details: Don’t misrepresent the details of your tickets, such as the seat location or view. This can lead to disputes with buyers.
* Selling Tickets That You Don’t Own: Only sell tickets that you legally own and have the right to transfer. Don’t sell tickets that you’ve obtained through unauthorized means.
* Violating Ticketmaster’s Terms of Service: Familiarize yourself with Ticketmaster’s terms of service and avoid any activities that might violate them. This could result in your account being suspended or terminated.
* Failing to Transfer Tickets: Once your tickets are sold, be sure to transfer them to the buyer promptly. Failure to do so can lead to negative feedback and potential disputes.
* Not Responding to Inquiries: Ignoring inquiries from potential buyers can result in missed sales opportunities. Respond promptly and professionally to all inquiries.
* Overpricing Tickets: Setting your price too high can deter potential buyers. Price your tickets competitively to increase your chances of a sale.
* Using Automated Bots: Avoid using automated bots or software to list or manage your tickets. This is often against Ticketmaster’s terms of service.
Alternatives to Ticketmaster Resale
While Ticketmaster offers a convenient platform for reselling tickets, it’s not the only option. Here are some alternatives to consider:
* StubHub: StubHub is another major ticket marketplace that allows you to buy and sell tickets for a variety of events. It has a large user base and offers similar features to Ticketmaster.
* Vivid Seats: Vivid Seats is a growing ticket marketplace that offers a wide selection of tickets and a user-friendly platform.
* SeatGeek: SeatGeek aggregates tickets from various sources and provides a price comparison tool to help you find the best deals.
* Facebook Marketplace: You can also try selling your tickets on Facebook Marketplace or in relevant Facebook groups. However, be cautious when dealing with strangers online and take steps to protect yourself from scams.
* Craigslist: Craigslist is another option for selling tickets locally. However, it’s important to exercise caution and meet in a safe public place when exchanging tickets and money.
When choosing an alternative to Ticketmaster, consider factors such as the platform’s fees, user base, security measures, and customer support.
Conclusion
Reselling tickets on Ticketmaster can be a simple and effective way to recoup your investment if you can no longer attend an event. By following these steps, understanding the platform’s policies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of a successful resale. Remember to price your tickets competitively, be honest and transparent, and respond promptly to inquiries. If Ticketmaster isn’t the right fit, explore alternative platforms like StubHub or Vivid Seats. With a little planning and effort, you can turn unwanted tickets into cash.