Buzz
Whether you purchased tickets well in advance for a concert you're unable to attend, or you've ventured into buying and reselling tickets for profit, it's imperative to devise a plan to ensure your concert tickets find buyers. Selling concert tickets might appear daunting initially; not only is it an activity unfamiliar to many, but the looming concert date imposes a deadline for completing the sale. Fortunately, selling concert tickets is a relatively straightforward endeavor for novices, whether conducted online or in-person.
Procedures
Selling Tickets through Online Platforms
Select the appropriate resale platforms to list your tickets. The speed at which your tickets sell and the associated fees can vary significantly across different websites. Choose the platforms that align best with your sale objectives.
- For instance, if your priority is to sell tickets swiftly, consider platforms like StubHub or TicketMaster, known for their high traffic volumes.
- However, if maximizing your profits is paramount, explore options like TickPick, which impose lower fees.
- If your tickets are for a jam band concert or music festival, explore selling them on Cash or Trade, a platform specializing in transactions within that music genre.
Sign up for the chosen sites and list your tickets. Before you can list tickets on most resale platforms, you'll need to create an account. The registration process is usually quick and straightforward.
- Avoid paying for registration on resale platforms; many top sites like StubHub and TicketMaster offer free registration.
- During registration, you may need to provide personal details, and some sites may require valid credit card information, though this is typically for verification purposes only.
- Ensure your listing is detailed and accurate; errors in seating information can lead to reversals and penalties.
Research comparable listings to determine the right ticket price. Set a price that reflects the value of your tickets while also attracting buyers.
- Check other listings for your concert to understand pricing trends. These are your competitors in the market.
- For instance, if similar seats are priced lower than your tickets, consider adjusting your price accordingly to remain competitive.
- If you prefer, many platforms offer automated pricing or assistance in setting competitive prices.
Decide on your preferred payment method. Most resale platforms offer convenient online payment options like PayPal, although physical checks may also be available.
- StubHub provides the option to donate proceeds to charity.
- PayPal is widely accepted and free to use; it's a recommended choice for online transactions.
Promote your listing on social media platforms. Expand your potential buyer pool by sharing your listing with friends, family, and followers.
- Post on platforms like Facebook with a direct link to your listing, encouraging interested individuals to buy your tickets.
- Consider local sales to avoid online fees if friends or family express interest.
Complete the ticket transfer process upon sale. Once your tickets are sold, follow the platform's instructions to transfer ownership promptly.
- For e-tickets, uploading PDFs or barcodes usually completes the transfer instantly.
- If you have physical tickets, use provided shipping labels to mail them to the buyer, initiating payment processing upon delivery.
Take down your listing once the sale is confirmed. Removing your posting promptly ensures you don't accidentally sell the same tickets twice and avoids having to cancel a deal through the resale site. Remember to remove your listing from all platforms where you posted it.
- Wait until you've received full payment before removing your listings.
Selling Tickets at the Venue
Review local regulations to confirm legality of venue ticket sales. Ticket resale laws vary by state in the US, so ensure you're compliant with local laws before selling tickets at a venue.
- For instance, ticket resale in Michigan requires venue operator consent, while Minnesota permits all ticket resale.
Set a negotiable price range for your tickets. Since you're selling in person, be prepared for potential buyers to haggle. Establish a price range you're comfortable with and be flexible within it.
- Consider starting at $50 per ticket but be open to negotiating down to $40. If a buyer refuses, move on to another.
- Ensure compliance with state laws regarding ticket resale prices.
Arrive early at the venue. Maximizing your selling window is crucial, especially for high-demand events where buyers may arrive hours before the concert. Stay as long as possible as last-minute buyers are common at venues.
- Even if you arrive early, stay to catch potential last-minute buyers.
Position yourself where potential buyers can spot you. Visibility is key to selling your tickets. Choose a location near the venue entrance or in high-traffic areas for maximum exposure.
- Some venues designate specific zones for ticket resale at face value. Check for nearby 'no scalp zones' for better selling prospects.
- Ensure compliance with local laws regarding ticket resale distances from the venue.
Complete the transaction. Once a buyer agrees to your ticket price, exchange the tickets for cash. The process should be swift, and you can leave once the sale is finalized.
- Verify the authenticity of the cash before handing over the tickets. Avoid accepting suspicious-looking or counterfeit money.
- Do not accept checks as payment, as they may bounce, leaving you without payment. Insist on cash transactions only.
Useful Tips
Important Warnings
- When conducting in-person ticket sales, ensure the exchange takes place in a visible location where assistance can be sought if needed.
