If you have unused reading tickets that you want to sell, there are a few options available. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about selling reading tickets before diving into more details in the sections below.
Can I sell my reading tickets?
Yes, it is usually fine to sell unused reading tickets, as long as you follow the original issuer’s terms and conditions. Many reading ticket providers allow tickets to be resold, though some may prohibit reselling or have restrictions.
Where is the best place to sell reading tickets?
Some of the most popular places to resell reading tickets include:
- Ticket resale websites like StubHub or Vivid Seats
- Classified ad sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
- Directly to other readers through reading groups/forums
- On consignment through an authorized ticket broker
How much should I charge for my reading tickets?
Pricing resold reading tickets can be tricky. In general, aim to price them at or below face value to attract buyers. Consider factors like demand, how close to the event date it is, and fees you’ll pay to the resale platform. Be flexible and willing to negotiate or drop the price if needed.
Are there risks to reselling tickets?
There are some risks to keep in mind when reselling reading tickets:
- Fraud – Scammers may try to sell fake or invalid tickets.
- Non-transferable – Some tickets cannot be resold or transferred per the issuer’s policy.
- No-shows – The buyer could take your ticket and not show up, leaving you liable.
Take measures to avoid these risks, like using a reputable marketplace, only accepting secure payment methods, and transferring tickets as close to the event date as possible.
Conclusion
Reselling unused reading tickets is usually allowed and can be a great way to recoup some costs, as long as you take the right precautions. Do your research on the original ticket issuer’s policies, use trusted marketplaces, price competitively, and be wary of potential risks like fraud. With some savvy selling tactics, you can turn an unused ticket into cash.
Where to Sell Reading Tickets
If you decide you want to sell your reading tickets, here are some of the best places to do it:
Ticket Resale Websites
Websites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster all provide platforms for reselling tickets. These sites have large user bases of buyers, so you’re likely to find someone interested in buying your tickets. They also offer features like pricing guides and seller guarantees that can sweeten the deal. However, they do charge seller fees. For example, StubHub charges a 15% commission on each ticket sold.
Reading Group Forums and Classifieds
Reaching out directly to other enthusiastic readers can be a great way to sell tickets. Try posting about your tickets on reading group forums, discussion boards, and classified ad sites like Craigslist. You’ll avoid seller fees, but it may take more time and effort to find an interested buyer.
Facebook Groups and Marketplace
Facebook has become a popular spot to buy and sell reading tickets thanks to groups and Marketplace. Search for relevant reading groups and post that you have tickets available for sale. Or create a Marketplace listing with details on the event and tickets. This exposes your tickets to interested local buyers.
Ticket Broker or Reseller
For a hands-off approach, you can sell your tickets to a ticket broker or reseller. They will relist and resell your tickets on your behalf, often for a higher profit margin. Broker fees vary but can be 20-25% of the ticket price. While you sacrifice some potential profit, brokers handle all the work of finding buyers.
Author Events and Readings
If your tickets are for a book signing, author event, or literary festival, check if the bookstore or venue has a consignment program. Some will resell tickets on your behalf and take a small commission. This puts your tickets in front of enthusiastic readers likely to purchase them.
How to Price Your Reading Tickets
Determining the right ticket price is important to selling them quickly. Here are some tips for pricing reading tickets for resale:
- Research current ticket prices – Check what the tickets are currently going for through official channels to establish fair market value.
- Factor in demand – Are the tickets for a high-profile, sold out event? If so, you may be able to charge a premium.
- Consider the event date – Tickets tend to get cheaper closer to the event when sellers get anxious to unload them.
- Check seller fees – Account for any commission or fees from the resale platform so you still make a profit.
- Compare to similar listings – See what other resellers are pricing comparable tickets at.
- Offer discounts for multiple tickets – You may get buyers more interested if you offer a bulk discount.
In general, it’s smart to price your tickets at or just below current face value. You want to undercut the competition but still make a decent return. Be willing to negotiate or even take a loss if needed as the event gets closer and tickets remain unsold.
Avoiding Risks When Reselling Reading Tickets
Reselling tickets does come with some risks. Here are some tips to avoid issues:
- Review the original ticket issuer’s policy – Make sure transfers or resales are allowed. Non-transferable tickets should not be resold.
- Sell through trusted platforms – Stick to reputable marketplaces and avoid individual buyers/sellers.
- Beware of scams – Only accept legitimate payment methods. Avoid wire transfers, prepaid cards, etc.
- Transfer tickets close to event – Delay transfer until just before the event to prevent the buyer from reselling again.
- Remove tickets from sale after transfer – Once sold, take down listings immediately to prevent duplicate sales.
- Hold payment until after event – Consider holding payment until after the event to ensure the buyer shows up.
While nothing can eliminate risks completely, following best practices goes a long way in avoiding problems. Do your homework on both the tickets and buyer to make the experience smooth for both parties.
Tips for Successfully Selling Reading Tickets
To boost your chances of selling your tickets quickly and easily, keep these tips in mind:
- Provide detailed listings – Include key info like seat locations, author signing details, etc. Photos help too.
- Highlight unique benefits – Mention things like VIP access, meet and greet passes, etc. that add value.
- Be responsive – Reply to inquiries and offers quickly to secure sales.
- Advertise broadly – Post on multiple platforms and reading communities to reach more buyers.
- Offer secure payment methods – Stick to payments you can verify like credit cards and PayPal.
- Consider delivery options – Providing local pickup or priority shipping gives buyers options.
- Act fast if unsold – As the event nears, drop the price and be flexible to sell.
With some effort put into promotion, pricing, and communication with buyers, selling your unwanted tickets can be straightforward. A little patience and savvy goes a long way.
Are there Legal Risks to Reselling Tickets?
While reselling tickets is very common, there are some legal risks and regulations to be aware of:
- Copyright violations – Reproducing significant copyrighted elements from tickets could violate IP law.
- Unlawful resale – A small number of states regulate ticket resale. Know your local laws.
- Deceptive practices – Misrepresenting ticket details or failing to transfer tickets could be considered fraud.
- Tax obligations – You may be required to report resold ticket profits and pay applicable taxes.
- Issuer prohibitions – Reselling tickets could violate the original issuer’s posted policies, resulting in consequences.
These issues are not extremely common, but it’s important to educate yourself on the legal landscape of ticket resale. Most risk can be mitigated by using reputable resale platforms, providing accurate listings, and following ticket issuer policies.
Alternatives to Reselling Tickets
If reselling your tickets seems too complex, some alternatives to consider include:
- Gifting them to a reader friend who will use them
- Donating them to a library or community reading program
- Absorbing the cost as a sunken investment
- Attempting to return them to the point-of-purchase for a refund
Ultimately, you’ll have to decide if the time and effort of reselling is worthwhile. For high-demand or expensive tickets, reselling makes sense. But for inexpensive, low-interest tickets, you may prefer simply gifting or donating them.
Questions to Ask Before Reselling Your Tickets
Before listing your tickets for resale, ask yourself these key questions:
- Are the tickets transferable/resellable per the issuer’s policy?
- Do I still have enough time to sell the tickets before the event?
- What is a reasonable price based on current resale ticket values?
- What marketplace or platform will expose them to the most interested buyers?
- Is it worth my effort and time investment to try and resell them?
- What legal or tax obligations do I need to consider when reselling?
Having the right expectations about the resale process will help you make the best decisions. Be honest with yourself – if reselling seems overly burdensome for little potential payoff, look into alternate options instead.
Conclusion
Reselling unused reading tickets provides a way to recapture some value from tickets when your plans change. Popular online marketplaces, reading communities, and ticket broker services make the process fairly straightforward in most cases. However, doing some due diligence is important to maximize profits, avoid risks, and handle the transaction smoothly. With the right approach, reselling tickets can be a big win for both buyers and sellers alike.