When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sports events, or theater shows, Ticketmaster is often the go-to platform. But you might be wondering, "Does Ticketmaster sell resale tickets?" The answer is a bit complex, so let's dive into the details.
Ticketmaster, like many ticketing platforms, has evolved its business model over the years. Initially, it primarily sold tickets directly from event organizers. However, with the rise of the secondary ticket market, Ticketmaster now also facilitates the resale of tickets through its platform. But it's important to understand how this works.
Ticketmaster's Verified Tickets Program
Ticketmaster's resale tickets are primarily managed through its Verified Tickets program. This program allows fans to sell tickets they can't use back to other fans, at prices they set, without facing the risk of being shut out by the event organizers.
The Verified Tickets program ensures that all resale tickets on Ticketmaster are authentic and valid for entry. It also helps to combat scalpers by limiting the number of tickets one person can buy and resell.
How Resale Tickets Appear on Ticketmaster
When tickets are resold through the Verified Tickets program, they appear on Ticketmaster's website and app just like any other tickets. You won't see a separate "resale" section. Instead, you'll see the tickets mixed in with the original tickets, often at higher prices due to demand.
Ticketmaster uses a color-coding system to indicate the type of ticket. Original tickets are usually green, while resale tickets are often orange or red. However, this can vary depending on the event and the platform's design.
Fees and Pricing on Resale Tickets
When you buy resale tickets on Ticketmaster, you'll pay a fee on top of the ticket price. This fee goes to Ticketmaster and the seller, not the event organizer. The fee can vary, but it's usually a percentage of the ticket price.
Resale ticket prices are set by the seller, not Ticketmaster. This means prices can be higher than the original ticket price, especially for popular events. However, Ticketmaster does have a price cap to prevent excessive markups.
Ticketmaster and StubHub
In 2020, Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation, acquired StubHub, one of the largest ticket resale platforms. While Ticketmaster and StubHub operate as separate platforms, this acquisition has led to some integration between the two.
For instance, you might see StubHub tickets appearing on Ticketmaster's website or app. These tickets are clearly labeled as "StubHub tickets" and are managed by StubHub, not Ticketmaster.
StubHub Tickets on Ticketmaster
When you buy StubHub tickets on Ticketmaster, you're buying from StubHub, not Ticketmaster. This means Ticketmaster's fees and policies don't apply. Instead, you'll pay StubHub's fees and follow their policies.
StubHub tickets on Ticketmaster often have a "Buy Now" option, unlike Ticketmaster's own tickets which usually have a "Buy Tickets" button. This is because StubHub uses a different purchasing system.
In conclusion, Ticketmaster does sell resale tickets, primarily through its Verified Tickets program. However, it's crucial to understand the differences between original tickets and resale tickets, as well as the fees and policies that apply to each. By being an informed buyer, you can make the most of Ticketmaster's platform and enjoy your event without any unwanted surprises.