Are resale tickets guaranteed?
What guarantees typically cover
Major resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek offer a guarantee that your tickets are valid and will grant you entry. If they don't, they'll provide a refund or replacement tickets of equal or better value. This is often called a 'fan guarantee' or 'buyer guarantee.'
However, the guarantee usually only applies if you buy through the platform. It doesn't cover issues like event cancellation (though you may get a refund from the original seller) or problems with your own circumstances.
- Valid tickets guaranteed
- Refund or replacement if invalid
- Applies only to platform purchases
- Event cancellation may be separate
- Read the terms
When guarantees may not apply
If you buy from a classified ad, social media, or a random person, there's usually no guarantee. You risk getting counterfeit tickets or not receiving them at all. Even if the seller seems legitimate, there's no recourse if something goes wrong.
Also, some guarantees have limitations, such as requiring you to file a claim within a certain time or providing only a refund, not a replacement. Always check the platform's policy before buying.
- No guarantee from individual sellers
- Counterfeit risk
- Limited claim windows
- Refund only, no replacement
- Check policy details
Common mistakes
- Assuming all resale tickets are guaranteed; only those from reputable platforms are.
- Not reading the guarantee's fine print; there may be deadlines or exclusions.
- Buying from a friend or stranger without verifying the ticket's validity.
