Should I buy tickets from a third-party reseller?
When resellers make sense
Third-party resellers are useful when an event is sold out, when you need accessible seating, or when you want a specific section that isn't available on the primary market. They can also be a source for last-minute tickets.
However, resale prices are set by the seller and can be much higher than face value, especially for popular shows. You might also encounter dynamic pricing that changes by the minute.
Choose a reseller with protection
Major resale platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek offer buyer guarantees that promise valid tickets or a refund. These guarantees vary, so read the details.
Avoid buying from anonymous individuals on classified ad sites or social media unless you can verify them and use a protected payment method. Even then, the risk is higher.
- Check the reseller's buyer guarantee and refund policy.
- Look for a customer service phone number.
- Compare prices across multiple resale sites.
- Pay with a credit card to get fraud protection.
- Be wary of sellers who pressure you to pay outside the platform.
Understand the risks
Even with a guarantee, you might face issues like tickets not being delivered in time, seats being changed, or the seller transferring the same ticket to multiple buyers. Resolving these problems can take time and cause stress.
Some venues and artists have restrictions on resale tickets, such as requiring the original purchaser's ID or credit card at entry. Always check the event's entry requirements before buying resale.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all resale sites are scams; some are legitimate but come with higher prices and risks.
- Buying from a reseller without checking if the venue requires the original buyer's ID for entry.
- Paying outside the resale platform, which voids the buyer guarantee.
