Can I resell my concert tickets if I can't go?
Where and how to resell
Many primary ticketing platforms, like Ticketmaster and AXS, run their own resale marketplaces. You can list your tickets there, and the platform handles the transfer.
You can also use third-party sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats. These sites let you set your own price, but they charge seller fees, often 10–15% of the sale price.
Some tickets are non-transferable or non-resellable. If your ticket says 'no resale' or 'non-transferable,' you may not be able to sell it, or you might have to sell it back to the original platform at face value.
Legal and practical limits
In the U.S., resale is generally legal, but some states have laws that restrict it. For example, New York and Illinois have specific rules about how much you can mark up tickets.
Artists like Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen have used 'slow ticketing' or 'verified fan' systems that limit transfers and resales to face value.
If you sell on a third-party site, you're responsible for delivering the ticket. If you can't transfer it, you may owe the buyer a refund or face penalties.
Common mistakes
- Assuming you can always resell for a profit; many tickets now have price caps or are non-transferable.
- Listing a ticket on multiple sites at once, which can lead to selling it twice and owing fees.
- Forgetting that if you sell on a third-party site, you must transfer the ticket promptly or the sale can be canceled.
