Ticketmaster, the undisputed king of ticket sales, is also notorious for its hefty service fees. These fees, tacked onto the price of your concert, sports, or theater tickets, can often feel like a slap in the face, especially when you’re already shelling out a considerable sum. But fear not, fellow entertainment enthusiasts! While completely evading Ticketmaster’s grasp might be impossible, there are strategic ways to minimize, and sometimes even eliminate, those dreaded service fees. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics you need to become a savvy ticket buyer.
Understanding Ticketmaster’s Fee Structure
Before diving into the avoidance strategies, it’s crucial to understand what these fees represent. Ticketmaster’s fees are not just random numbers pulled out of thin air (though it may sometimes feel that way!). They are typically broken down into various categories.
Decoding the Fee Labyrinth
The most common culprits include:
-
Service Fee: This is the big one, the all-encompassing fee that Ticketmaster charges for using their platform, processing your order, and providing customer service. Its percentage varies widely depending on the event, venue, and ticket price.
-
Order Processing Fee: This fee covers the costs associated with handling your order, including credit card processing and administrative tasks.
-
Facility Fee: This fee is often imposed by the venue itself and is passed on to the customer through Ticketmaster. It’s intended to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the facility.
-
Delivery Fee: This fee covers the cost of delivering your tickets, whether physically through mail or electronically.
Understanding these different fees is the first step in fighting back against them. Recognizing which fees are potentially negotiable or avoidable will inform your strategy.
Strategic Approaches to Minimize Ticketmaster Fees
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: actionable strategies to reduce or eliminate those pesky Ticketmaster fees. While a guaranteed fee-free experience isn’t always possible, these tactics can significantly lighten the financial load.
Directly from the Source: The Venue Box Office
One of the most effective ways to bypass Ticketmaster’s fees is to purchase your tickets directly from the venue’s box office. This cuts out the middleman and often allows you to avoid the service fees that Ticketmaster tacks on.
Visiting the box office in person is often your best bet. Call ahead to confirm their operating hours and payment methods, as some box offices may only accept cash.
Some venues also offer phone sales, which can be a convenient alternative if you can’t make it to the box office in person. However, be aware that phone sales may still incur some processing fees, though usually less than buying online through Ticketmaster.
Leveraging Presales and Fan Clubs
Many artists, bands, and sports teams offer presales to their fans through fan clubs or email lists. These presales often come with unique access codes that allow you to purchase tickets before the general public, potentially snagging better seats and sometimes even avoiding or reducing fees.
Sign up for the email lists of your favorite artists, bands, and venues. Check their websites and social media pages for information about upcoming presales.
Often, credit card companies like American Express or Citi offer presale access to their cardholders. Check your credit card benefits to see if you’re eligible for any presales.
Scoring Discounted Tickets and Promotions
Keep an eye out for promotional codes and discounts offered by Ticketmaster or the event organizers. These codes can sometimes be applied to reduce the ticket price or waive the service fees.
Websites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Goldstar often offer discounted tickets to events in your area. These tickets may have reduced service fees or even be completely fee-free.
Check with your employer or professional organizations to see if they offer any discounts on tickets to concerts, sports events, or theater performances.
The Art of Waiting: Last-Minute Ticket Deals
If you’re flexible with your plans, waiting until the last minute to purchase tickets can sometimes pay off. As the event date approaches, Ticketmaster or the venue may release unsold tickets at discounted prices, often with reduced or waived fees.
Websites like StubHub and Vivid Seats can be good resources for finding last-minute ticket deals. However, be aware that these sites also charge fees, so compare prices carefully.
Many venues offer rush tickets or standing-room-only tickets at discounted prices on the day of the event. These tickets are often available at the box office on a first-come, first-served basis.
Credit Card Rewards and Perks
Some credit cards offer rewards programs that allow you to redeem points or miles for concert tickets or gift cards to entertainment venues. This can be a great way to offset the cost of tickets and avoid paying out-of-pocket for service fees.
Look for credit cards that offer bonus points or miles on entertainment purchases. These cards can help you accumulate rewards faster, making it easier to redeem them for tickets.
Many credit cards offer access to exclusive events and experiences, including concerts and sporting events. These events often come with complimentary tickets or discounted prices, helping you avoid service fees.
The Resale Market: Proceed with Caution
The resale market, including platforms like StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek, can offer tickets at prices below face value, especially as the event date nears. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, as these platforms also charge fees.
Always compare prices across multiple resale platforms before making a purchase. Factor in the fees charged by each platform to determine the true cost of the ticket.
Be wary of tickets that are priced significantly below face value, as they may be counterfeit or invalid. Purchase tickets only from reputable resale platforms that offer buyer protection.
Negotiating with Ticket Brokers (Use Sparingly)
In some cases, particularly for high-demand events, ticket brokers may have access to tickets that are not available through Ticketmaster or the venue. While brokers often charge a premium for their services, there may be room for negotiation.
Be polite and professional when negotiating with a ticket broker. Explain your budget and see if they are willing to work with you on the price.
Get a written agreement outlining the terms of the sale, including the ticket price, fees, and delivery method. This will protect you in case of any disputes.
Become a Season Ticket Holder
While requiring a substantial upfront investment, becoming a season ticket holder for your favorite sports team or performing arts organization can be a smart move in the long run. Season ticket holders often receive significant discounts on individual tickets and are typically exempt from service fees.
Consider the overall cost of attending multiple events throughout the season. Factor in the discounts on individual tickets and the savings on service fees to determine if season tickets are a worthwhile investment.
Many season ticket packages come with additional perks, such as priority seating, access to exclusive events, and discounts on merchandise. These perks can enhance your overall experience and add value to your season ticket purchase.
Embrace Alternative Ticketing Platforms
While Ticketmaster dominates the market, alternative ticketing platforms are emerging that offer competitive pricing and lower fees. Exploring these alternatives can be a smart way to avoid Ticketmaster’s grip.
Exploring the Alternatives
Consider these alternative ticketing platforms:
-
AXS: AXS is a popular ticketing platform that partners with many venues and events. They often have lower fees than Ticketmaster.
-
SeatGeek: SeatGeek aggregates tickets from various sources, including Ticketmaster, and allows you to compare prices and fees.
-
Eventbrite: Eventbrite is often used for smaller events and festivals. They typically have lower fees than Ticketmaster and offer a more user-friendly experience.
The Power of Patience and Persistence
Finding fee-free tickets often requires patience and persistence. Don’t give up easily! Keep searching, keep comparing prices, and keep exploring different options. With a little effort, you can significantly reduce the amount you pay in service fees.
Staying Informed and Vigilant
The ticketing landscape is constantly evolving, with new strategies and tactics emerging all the time. Stay informed about the latest developments by following blogs, news articles, and social media accounts that cover the ticketing industry.
Read the fine print carefully before making any ticket purchase. Be aware of all the fees and charges involved, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Conclusion: Conquering the Ticketmaster Fee Challenge
Avoiding Ticketmaster service fees is an ongoing battle, but with the right knowledge and strategies, you can emerge victorious. By exploring alternative options, leveraging discounts and promotions, and being persistent in your search, you can significantly reduce the cost of attending your favorite events. Remember, every dollar saved on fees is a dollar you can spend on enjoying the show!
What are Ticketmaster service fees and why are they so high?
Ticketmaster service fees are charges added to the face value of a ticket at the point of purchase. These fees cover Ticketmaster’s operational costs, including maintaining their website, processing transactions, and providing customer service. They also contribute to profit margins.
The perceived high cost stems from a lack of transparency and a perceived monopoly. Ticketmaster controls a significant portion of the live event ticketing market, giving them considerable leverage to set fees as they see fit. Furthermore, they often justify the fees by including costs associated with fighting bots and scalpers, costs ultimately passed onto the consumer.
Are there any legitimate ways to completely avoid Ticketmaster service fees?
Completely avoiding Ticketmaster service fees is difficult but not impossible. One option is purchasing tickets directly from the venue box office, often bypassing online fees. This requires physically going to the venue during their operating hours. Sometimes, promotional codes are available through artist fan clubs or venue newsletters that offer discounted or waived fees.
Another less conventional, but potentially successful, strategy is waiting until the last minute. As events approach, particularly those with unsold tickets, Ticketmaster sometimes reduces or eliminates fees to incentivize sales. However, this carries the risk of the event selling out or getting stuck with less desirable seats.
Do Ticketmaster’s “official platinum” tickets help avoid high service fees?
No, “Official Platinum” tickets do not help avoid high service fees; in fact, they often exacerbate the problem. These tickets are priced according to “market value,” which can be significantly higher than the original face value, with service fees added on top.
While presented as premium seating options, Official Platinum tickets are essentially Ticketmaster’s way of capitalizing on demand, similar to ticket scalpers. The inflated price includes both the increased ticket cost and the standard Ticketmaster service fees, making them a very expensive option.
Can using a different credit card or payment method lower Ticketmaster service fees?
Generally, the payment method used doesn’t directly affect Ticketmaster service fees. Ticketmaster charges a consistent fee regardless of whether you use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. The fees are typically based on the ticket price, venue, and event.
However, some credit cards offer rewards programs or cash back on entertainment purchases. While this doesn’t lower the upfront service fee, it can provide a small rebate after the purchase, effectively reducing the overall cost. It’s best to check your card’s specific terms and conditions for eligibility.
Are there third-party ticket resale platforms that have lower service fees than Ticketmaster?
Some third-party ticket resale platforms can occasionally offer lower service fees compared to Ticketmaster, but this isn’t always the case. These platforms operate on a competitive market, and fees can fluctuate based on demand and seller preferences. StubHub, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek are examples of such platforms.
It’s crucial to compare prices across multiple platforms, including Ticketmaster, before making a purchase. Be aware of potential risks associated with resale tickets, such as counterfeit tickets or inflated prices for popular events. Always verify the seller’s reputation and the platform’s guarantees before completing the transaction.
Does Ticketmaster offer any discounts or programs that can help reduce service fees for specific groups (e.g., students, seniors, military personnel)?
While Ticketmaster doesn’t have a universal discount program for students, seniors, or military personnel that consistently reduces service fees, specific venues or events might offer discounts directly. These discounts are typically advertised by the venue or promoter, not Ticketmaster itself.
It is always worth checking with the venue directly, particularly for events organized by local universities, community theaters, or organizations that support veterans. These entities may offer discounted tickets to specific groups, potentially bypassing Ticketmaster fees altogether.
What legal actions or consumer advocacy efforts are being taken to address Ticketmaster’s service fees?
Several legal actions and consumer advocacy efforts are underway to challenge Ticketmaster’s service fees and market dominance. These include antitrust lawsuits alleging monopolistic practices, advocating for greater fee transparency, and lobbying for legislation to regulate the ticketing industry.
Consumer advocacy groups and some government officials are pushing for laws that would require all-in pricing (showing the total price upfront, including fees), restrict resale ticket markups, and increase competition within the ticketing market. The goal is to provide consumers with more information and greater control over the cost of event tickets.