In the digital age, selling tickets online has become increasingly popular. With so many options available, it can be tough to determine the best platform for selling tickets to your event, show, or concert. Choosing the right ticket selling platform is crucial, as it impacts exposure, fees, customer experience, and more. This article will explore the most popular ticket selling platforms, their key features and differences, and provide recommendations for choosing the best platform based on your specific needs and goals.
Overview of Popular Ticket Selling Platforms
There are several major players in the online ticket selling space:
EBay
eBay is one of the largest and most well-known online marketplaces. The eBay ticket exchange allows buyers and sellers to list event tickets for sale directly on the site. Key features include:
– Large exposure – Over 182 million active eBay users
– Low fees – eBay charges a 10% final value fee on tickets sold. Lower than most dedicated ticket platforms.
– Flexibility – Sellers can list at fixed prices or utilize auction-style selling.
– Buyer protection – eBay guarantees ticket purchases. If tickets don’t arrive or aren’t valid, buyers can get a refund.
– Minimal requirements – Anyone with an eBay account can buy and sell tickets. No separate registration needed.
StubHub
StubHub is one of the largest ticket resale marketplaces, focused solely on ticket sales. Key features:
– Massive inventory – Over 10 million tickets listed at any given time. Great access to hot events.
– Strong buyer guarantees – Refunds provided if tickets are invalid or don’t arrive in time.
– Robust seller tools – Tools for tracking inventory, managing ticket transfers, delivery, and more.
– High fees – Sellers pay a 15% commission on each ticket sold. Buyers pay additional service and fulfillment fees.
– Strict requirements – Sellers must register and have tickets in-hand before listing. Restrictions on speculative selling.
Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is another large ticket marketplace that allows users to buy and resell tickets. Key features:
– Competitive pricing – Adjustable ticket prices and bidding often result in cheap ticket deals.
– FanProtect Guarantee – Refunds provided for invalid or lost tickets.
– Rewards program – Users earn rewards points for ticket purchases and sharing the platform. Points can be redeemed for discounts.
– High fees – Sellers pay 20% commission on sales. Several additional service fees for buyers.
– Just-in-time delivery – Sellers don’t need to have tickets in-hand before listing. Tickets are sourced after purchase.
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster is an event ticketing company that also facilitates ticket resales through fan-to-fan exchanges. Features include:
– Huge inventory – Millions of tickets to concerts, sports, theater and more.
– Official partnerships – Direct partnerships with venues, sports leagues, etc. Access to official platinum tickets.
– Seat upgrades – Users can bid on seat upgrades during the event.
– High fees – Seller commission of 25%+. Buyers pay additional service fees.
– Verified tickets – All resale tickets are validated and verified.
Craigslist
Craigslist provides localized classified ads and forums, including event ticket sales. Key features:
– Completely free – No fees for buyers or sellers. All profits go to the seller.
– Local focus – Buy and sell tickets conveniently with others in your geographic area.
– Flexible communication – Contact sellers via email, phone, or in-person.
– No guarantees – Craigslist does not vet users or tickets. No guarantees or protections provided.
– Limited exposure – Much smaller user base compared to large ticket platforms.
– Manual processes – All aspects of the transaction are handled manually between buyer and seller.
Key Factors in Choosing a Ticket Selling Platform
When selecting a ticket sales platform, four key factors to consider are:
Fees and Pricing
The fees charged by the platform greatly impact seller profits. Platform fees range from 0% on Craigslist to over 25% on some larger platforms. Consider lower fee platforms like eBay if maximizing profit is your top priority. Buyers should also assess service and delivery fees when choosing a purchasing platform.
Exposure and Demand
The number of active buyers on a platform determines how much demand and exposure your ticket listing will get. Larger platforms like StubHub offer more potential buyers. Niche or regional platforms can also connect you with targeted engaged audiences.
Protections and Guarantees
Protections provide security and peace of mind for buyers. Guaranteed valid tickets, fraud prevention, and delivery protections are important. Sellers may also want payment release guarantees. Weigh the protections on each platform.
Tools and Support
The best platforms provide robust tools for managing ticket sales from listing to delivery. Key features like integrated ticket transfer and tracking provide helpful support, especially for high-volume sellers. Evaluate available tools.
Best Platforms for Specific Use Cases
Certain ticket sales platforms are better suited to particular use cases:
Large Volume Ticket Resellers
For professionals or brokers selling high volumes of tickets, StubHub and Vivid Seats are likely the best platforms. Their tools and support for high-volume sellers, along with large buyer bases, make them ideal. The higher commissions may be worth it.
Occasional or Small-Scale Sellers
For individuals just looking to sell some spare tickets to events now and then, eBay is a top pick. Lower fees, flexible selling options, and built-in protections make eBay a great choice for small-scale peer-to-peer sales.
Maximizing Ticket Profits
To maximize profits on ticket sales, Craigslist is undoubtedly the best choice. With zero platform fees, you keep 100% of your ticket sale revenue (aside from any payment processing fees). Just be aware there are no guarantees or protections.
Access to Hot, In-Demand Tickets
For buyers looking for tickets to highly coveted events or shows that are likely sold out, StubHub is a great option. The enormous inventory and marketplace typically provides ample access to in-demand tickets, even sold out events. Just be prepared to pay higher premiums.
Regional Events and Venues
For events happening locally, regional sites like Craigslist or eBay may be best. You can target local buyers who likely have more interest. Larger national platforms also incorporate location tools to find regional tickets.
Factors for Buyers Selecting Ticket Platforms
As a ticket buyer, consider these key factors when choosing a purchasing platform:
Ticket Availability and Selection
The platform should provide plenty of ticket availability for your desired event. Larger marketplaces like StubHub offer huge inventories and selection. Check for both primary and resale ticket availability.
Pricing and Fees
Consider the final price after all service, delivery, and processing fees have been added by the platform. Some add high “hidden” fees atop the ticket face value. Understand the full pricing.
Protections and Guarantees
Important buyer protections include fraud prevention, guaranteed valid event tickets, and delivery guarantees (either electronic or physical tickets arriving in time). Be sure the platform offers full coverage.
Purchase Security
Look for platform features that provide security for your purchase like secure checkout, encryption, and anti-fraud measures. Avoid platforms that don’t offer protections.
Reputation and Reviews
Evaluate online reviews and feedback for the platform. This can reveal potential issues with fakes, fraud, poor service, etc. Reputable platforms should have mostly positive feedback.
Customer Service and Support
Strong customer service is vital in case any issues arise pre or post-purchase. Response time, communication channels, and support resources should all be assessed.
Tips for Selling Tickets Successfully
Follow these tips to maximize your chances of successfully selling tickets on any online platform:
– Price tickets competitively based on current market rates on the platform. Don’t overprice.
– Provide detailed ticket descriptions and images to display seat locations, views, conditions, etc.
– Highlight in-demand features like VIP, premier parking, seat upgrades, etc.
– Be responsive to buyer inquiries and agree on communication and delivery logistics upfront.
– Utilize the platform’s transfer and tracking tools for delivery assurances. Only sell via official channels.
– Avoid speculative or “phantom” ticket listings that you don’t yet have in-hand. List only once tickets are secured.
– Note any ticket conditions like obstructed views, non-transferrable tickets, etc. Be transparent.
– For high-demand tickets, consider auction-style pricing to drive up bidding competition.
– Cash out earnings promptly. Transfer funds to your bank account once ticket payments clear.
Is it Legal to Resell Tickets?
Reselling tickets is legal in the United States in most cases. However, some states prohibit reselling tickets at prices above face value without an authorized broker license. Some notable laws include:
– New York: Can resell at up to 45% above face value. Higher requires a broker license.
– Massachusetts: No limit on ticket resale prices.
– California: Reselling is legal except for sports, concerts and theater, which require a broker license.
– Ohio: Ticket reselling prohibited without a license through any means besides online auction sites.
– Pennsylvania: Resale price cannot exceed 25% of face value for sporting, amusement and entertainment events.
Many major ticket platforms like StubHub comply with all state resale laws and regulations. Sellers are responsible for following applicable local laws. Buyers assume resale risks.
Are Resale Tickets Guaranteed Valid?
On reputable large ticket platforms, resale tickets are generally guaranteed to be valid and authentic. However, protections vary across platforms:
– StubHub offers a 100% “FanProtect” guarantee on valid tickets. Full refunds provided if issues arise.
– Vivid Seats provides a “100% Buyer Guarantee” on ticket authenticity and delivery timing.
– Ticketmaster resale tickets are “Veritified” for validity. Refunds given for invalid tickets.
– Most other major platforms offer similar verifications and buyer refund protections.
– Smaller platforms may not verify or authenticate resale tickets. No guarantees provided.
– Direct person-to-person sales (like Craigslist) have no protections or guarantees of valid tickets.
While major platforms offer protections, resale always carries some risk versus direct venue purchases. Buyers should research seller ratings and platform policies.
Are there Risks Buying Resale Tickets?
There are some risks to consider when purchasing resale tickets:
– Potential for fake or invalid tickets – Scams do occur despite protections.
– Prices may be inflated well above face value.
– Tickets could exceed your budget after added fees.
– Tickets may not arrive in time through slow delivery.
– Desired seating, parking, or amenities may differ from initial listing.
– Canceled events void tickets with no recourse for the buyer.
– Electronic ticket transfers can allow easy duplication of tickets.
Despite potential risks, buyer protections on leading sites minimize most issues. Reviews, research, price comparisons, and buying from top-rated sellers can further reduce risks.
How are Ticket Resale Platforms Improving?
Ticket platforms are deploying technology to improve sales experiences and prevent fraud:
– Mobile ticket transfers via QR codes provide instant, seamless delivery and validation.
– Digital ticket non-transferrable “locking” helps prevent duplications or changes.
– AI and machine learning detect high-risk listings, users, and behaviors to catch scams.
– Blockchain-based ledgers bring verified transparency to ticket sales, ownership, and history.
– Biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition may eventually replace physical tickets altogether.
While still maturing, these technologies can help modernize ticket sales and cut down on fraud – improving trust and safety for all users.
Conclusion
Selling event tickets online provides a flexible way to offload extra tickets while providing fans fair access to in-demand events. With protection guarantees, innovative delivery methods, and competitive resale marketplaces, platforms make it easier than ever for buyers and sellers to transact. While some risks remain around potential fraud or inflated prices, robust buyer-seller protections on leading sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats minimize concerns. No option is one-size-fits-all – the best platform depends on needs, goals, and type of event. But thorough research and an understanding of fees, policies, and features allows both ticket buyers and sellers to have full confidence using online ticket exchanges.