Ticketmaster. The name alone can elicit groans from even the most avid concert-goers and sports enthusiasts. While they’re often the go-to source for tickets to the hottest events, the fees they tack on can significantly inflate the final price. But fear not! There are strategies you can employ to lessen the sting, or even bypass those dreaded fees altogether. This comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge and tactics needed to navigate the Ticketmaster landscape like a pro and save money on your next live event experience.
Understanding Ticketmaster Fees
Before diving into the strategies for avoiding fees, it’s essential to understand what they are and why Ticketmaster charges them. These fees aren’t just arbitrary additions; they are, according to Ticketmaster, meant to cover various operational costs. These fees can vary widely depending on the event, venue, and even the ticket price itself.
Common Types of Ticketmaster Fees
Several types of fees might appear on your Ticketmaster bill:
- Service Fee: This is arguably the most substantial and controversial fee. It is often presented as covering the cost of maintaining the Ticketmaster platform, customer service, and other related expenses.
- Order Processing Fee: This fee supposedly covers the cost of processing your order, including credit card charges and other payment-related expenses.
- Facility Fee: Some venues add a facility fee to each ticket, which is intended to cover the costs of maintaining and operating the venue.
- Delivery Fee: If you choose to have your tickets mailed to you, you’ll likely be charged a delivery fee. Mobile tickets often have a “convenience fee” that is essentially a delivery fee in disguise.
Understanding that these fees are somewhat negotiable (or avoidable) is the first step in reclaiming your hard-earned cash.
Strategies to Avoid Ticketmaster Fees
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to minimize or eliminate those pesky Ticketmaster fees. There’s no single magic bullet, but a combination of these approaches can significantly reduce your costs.
The Box Office Gambit
Your first line of defense against Ticketmaster fees is the venue’s box office. Purchasing tickets directly from the box office is often the most straightforward way to avoid online service fees. Many venues sell tickets in person at their box office without the additional fees that Ticketmaster charges. This requires a bit more effort, such as physically going to the venue during their operating hours, but the savings can be well worth it, especially for multiple tickets.
Before heading to the box office, confirm their hours of operation and whether they sell tickets for all events or only specific ones. Some venues might only sell tickets for events they directly manage, while others handle ticket sales for all events held at the venue. Call ahead to confirm availability and accepted forms of payment. Some box offices only accept cash, while others accept credit or debit cards.
Presales and Fan Clubs
Being a part of a presale or fan club can sometimes unlock opportunities to purchase tickets with reduced or waived fees. Artists, bands, and sports teams often offer presales to their loyal fans as a perk of membership. These presales may offer tickets at face value or with significantly reduced fees.
Sign up for email lists, join fan clubs, and follow your favorite artists and teams on social media to stay informed about upcoming presales. Be prepared to act quickly when presales are announced, as tickets can sell out fast. Sometimes, credit card companies offer presale access, so check your credit card perks.
Use Discounted Gift Cards
This method involves purchasing Ticketmaster gift cards at a discount from various sources. Websites like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny often sell gift cards at a discounted rate. If you can purchase a Ticketmaster gift card at, say, 10% off, you’re essentially reducing the overall cost of your tickets by that amount, which can help offset the fees.
Keep an eye out for promotions and deals on gift cards, especially around holidays. Before purchasing a gift card, ensure it’s valid and has sufficient balance to cover the cost of your tickets. Be aware of any potential scams and only purchase from reputable sources. Always check the terms and conditions associated with the gift card before using it.
Consider Resale Markets Strategically
While Ticketmaster owns a resale platform, other resale markets exist, such as StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats. While these platforms also charge fees, sometimes you can find tickets priced lower than the original face value, effectively negating the impact of the fees, or even saving you money overall. The key is to compare prices across multiple platforms and factor in all fees before making a purchase.
Be wary of suspiciously low prices, as they could indicate counterfeit tickets. Check the seller’s ratings and reviews before making a purchase. Understand the platform’s buyer protection policies in case something goes wrong. Look for deals on resale tickets closer to the event date, as sellers may be more willing to lower prices to avoid being stuck with unsold tickets.
Waiting it Out: Last-Minute 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, ticket sellers may be more willing to lower prices to fill empty seats. This strategy is risky, as there’s no guarantee that tickets will be available, but it can be a viable option if you’re not set on attending a specific event.
Check Ticketmaster and resale markets for last-minute deals. Be prepared to act quickly, as tickets can sell out fast. Be aware that your seating options may be limited. This tactic requires flexibility and a willingness to potentially miss out on the event altogether.
Contacting Customer Service
While not always successful, contacting Ticketmaster’s customer service may occasionally yield results. You can politely inquire about fee waivers or discounts, especially if you’re a loyal customer or encounter any issues with your order. Highlighting any problems with your past experiences or politely explaining your budget constraints might sometimes lead to a positive outcome.
Be courteous and respectful when speaking to customer service representatives. Clearly articulate your concerns and explain why you’re requesting a fee waiver. Understand that customer service representatives may not have the authority to waive fees in all cases, but it’s worth a try. Document your interactions with customer service, including the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with.
Bundling Tickets or Using Group Discounts
Some venues or events offer discounts for purchasing tickets in bulk or as part of a group. Explore the option of buying tickets with friends or family to potentially qualify for group discounts or reduced fees. Check the event’s website or contact the venue to inquire about group discount options.
Coordinate with your group to ensure everyone is on board with the purchase. Determine the number of tickets needed and any specific seating preferences. Be aware of any restrictions or requirements associated with group discounts.
Consider Season Tickets or Memberships
If you frequently attend events at a particular venue or follow a specific sports team, consider purchasing season tickets or a membership. Season tickets and memberships often come with perks such as discounted ticket prices, priority access to tickets, and waived fees. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings can be significant.
Research the benefits of season tickets or memberships before making a purchase. Compare the cost of individual tickets versus the cost of a season ticket or membership. Evaluate how frequently you plan to attend events to determine if a season ticket or membership is worthwhile.
Skip the Extras
Ticketmaster often attempts to upsell you on extras like parking passes, merchandise, and insurance. These add-ons can significantly increase the overall cost of your tickets. Resist the temptation to purchase these extras unless they are absolutely necessary.
Carefully review your order before finalizing your purchase. Deselect any unwanted add-ons. Consider purchasing parking passes or merchandise separately from other sources, as they may be available at a lower price.
Advocate for Transparency and Change
The fight against excessive Ticketmaster fees is an ongoing effort. Support organizations and initiatives that advocate for greater transparency in ticket pricing and fairer ticketing practices. Contact your elected officials and express your concerns about Ticketmaster’s fees. By raising awareness and demanding change, we can collectively work towards a more equitable ticketing system.
Sign petitions, participate in online discussions, and spread awareness about the issue. Support artists and venues that are committed to fair ticketing practices. Vote with your wallet by choosing alternative ticketing options when available.
Creative Alternatives to Ticketmaster
Thinking outside the box can sometimes reveal even more ways to access events without lining Ticketmaster’s pockets. Consider these less conventional approaches:
- Enter Contests and Giveaways: Radio stations, local businesses, and event sponsors often run contests and giveaways offering free tickets. Regularly check online listings and social media for such opportunities.
- Volunteer at Events: Many events rely on volunteers to help with various tasks. In exchange for your time, you might receive free admission to the event.
- Work for a Venue or Event Organizer: If you’re passionate about live events, consider working for a venue or event organizer. Employees often receive perks like free tickets or discounted admission.
While these methods require some effort or luck, they can be a fun and rewarding way to attend events without paying Ticketmaster fees.
The Future of Ticketing: A Fee-Free Utopia?
The demand for fairer ticketing practices is growing, and various companies are exploring alternative ticketing models that aim to eliminate or significantly reduce fees. Blockchain-based ticketing platforms, for example, promise to provide more transparent and secure transactions, potentially bypassing traditional ticketing intermediaries like Ticketmaster. While these alternative models are still in their early stages, they offer a glimpse of a future where ticketing is more equitable and affordable for fans.
By staying informed about these developments and supporting innovative ticketing solutions, you can contribute to a future where attending live events is more accessible and less financially burdensome.
Why are Ticketmaster fees so high, and what do they cover?
Ticketmaster’s fees, often referred to as service fees, convenience fees, or order processing fees, are levied on top of the ticket face value. These fees are not solely for profit; they supposedly cover various operational costs. These costs include maintaining the Ticketmaster website and app infrastructure, providing customer service support, processing transactions securely, and managing the overall ticketing system for the venue or event organizer.
While Ticketmaster contends these fees are necessary to operate their complex system, many consumers argue they are excessive and lack transparency. The specific amount of these fees can vary significantly depending on the event, venue, and ticket price. Unfortunately, these fees are often unavoidable when purchasing tickets directly through Ticketmaster’s primary marketplace.
Are there any legitimate ways to avoid Ticketmaster fees completely?
Completely avoiding Ticketmaster fees is a significant challenge, but not entirely impossible. One strategy is to purchase tickets directly from the venue’s box office, if available. This bypasses Ticketmaster’s online ticketing system altogether, often resulting in significant savings on service fees. Another approach is to attend smaller, local events that don’t use Ticketmaster as their primary ticketing vendor.
Another less common, but potentially effective tactic, is to look for promotional codes or discounts that specifically waive or reduce Ticketmaster fees. These promotions are rare, but sometimes offered through partnerships or exclusive deals. You can also explore alternative ticketing platforms, but remember that these may have their own fees, so comparing costs is always crucial.
What is the “official platinum” ticket option on Ticketmaster, and should I buy it?
“Official Platinum” tickets on Ticketmaster are tickets priced according to supply and demand, similar to airline tickets or hotel rooms. This means that the price of these tickets can fluctuate dramatically, often significantly exceeding the face value of standard tickets. Ticketmaster claims these tickets are sourced directly from the event organizer and are not resales.
Buying “Official Platinum” tickets is generally not recommended if your primary goal is to save money. While they may offer a better seat location, the inflated prices often make them a poor value compared to standard tickets or even resale tickets from reputable sources. Consider exploring other options before resorting to purchasing “Official Platinum” tickets.
Can I avoid fees by using resale ticket marketplaces?
Resale ticket marketplaces, like StubHub or Vivid Seats, offer an alternative to purchasing directly from Ticketmaster. While these platforms also charge fees, the total cost may sometimes be lower than Ticketmaster’s, especially for highly sought-after events where the face value is significantly lower than the market price. However, it’s important to thoroughly compare the total price, including all fees, on both Ticketmaster and resale platforms.
When using resale marketplaces, be cautious of scams and ensure you are purchasing from a reputable seller with buyer protections. Research the platform’s policies regarding refunds and authenticity guarantees. Also, factor in the potential risk of the tickets being invalid or not as advertised, although reputable platforms generally offer recourse in such situations.
Do credit card reward programs or memberships offer discounts on Ticketmaster fees?
Some credit card reward programs, particularly those affiliated with specific venues or entertainment companies, may offer discounts or rebates on ticket purchases, including Ticketmaster fees. Check the terms and conditions of your credit card to see if any such benefits are available. Certain memberships, like AAA, might also provide similar discounts on entertainment events.
However, it’s important to note that these discounts are often limited or conditional. They may only apply to specific events or require you to use a particular payment method. Thoroughly research the details of the reward program or membership to determine if the savings outweigh the costs of the card or membership itself.
How can I effectively compare prices across different ticketing platforms?
Effectively comparing prices across different ticketing platforms requires a systematic approach. Start by selecting your desired event and date, then visit both Ticketmaster and any alternative ticketing platforms you’re considering. Make sure to input the same number of tickets and seating preferences (if applicable) on each platform.
Once you have selected your desired tickets on each platform, carefully review the breakdown of the total cost. Pay close attention to the base ticket price, any service fees, convenience fees, or processing fees, and any shipping or delivery charges. Add all of these costs together to determine the final price for each platform. Compare the final prices to determine which platform offers the best deal.
What happens if an event is canceled or postponed, and how does it affect Ticketmaster fees?
In the event of a cancellation, Ticketmaster typically offers a full refund for the ticket price, including service fees. The refund is usually processed automatically and credited back to the original payment method. However, it’s crucial to review Ticketmaster’s specific cancellation policy for the event, as policies can vary.
If an event is postponed, Ticketmaster typically offers the option to either retain your ticket for the rescheduled date or request a refund. Again, the specific policies surrounding refunds for postponed events may vary. Contacting Ticketmaster’s customer service directly is the best way to understand your options and ensure you receive the appropriate refund, if eligible.