Risks of Buying Concert/Event Tickets on Resale Sites

When it comes to purchasing tickets for concerts and events, there are several risks involved, especially when using resale sites like StubHub, Ticketmaster, and others. This article will outline the primary risks and considerations to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision.

1. Promoter Cancellation and Venue Denial

A primary risk when using resale sites is the possibility of the promoter canceling your ticket and denying you entry to the venue. This can happen for various reasons, such as unforeseen logistical issues, changes in venue capacity, or other unforeseen circumstances. Once a ticket has been resold, the original buyer's standing with the promoter is often lost. If the event is canceled, your ticket may be valid for a refund if the promotor cancels the event; however, this is not always the case. Example Scenario: If an artist like Taylor Swift or Ed Sheeran cancels a show, StubHub or another resale site may not refund the original buyer's money but may honor it for the reseller. This creates a potentially unfair situation for consumers whose tickets become essentially worthless.

2. Breaching Original Ticket Terms and Conditions

Resale sites often breach the original ticket terms and conditions by reselling the tickets. Original ticket buyers typically agree to specific terms and conditions when they purchase their tickets, such as no reselling or no refunds in the case of show cancellations. When tickets are resold through these sites, the terms and conditions are typically not honored, leading to frustration and potential legal issues. Many major artists and performers, recognizing this issue, have taken a stand against the resale market by blocking tickets that are sold on platforms like StubHub and Viagogo.

Example Scenario: A famous artist like Beyoncé or Paul McCartney may block the sale of their tickets on resale sites. This means that any attempt to resell a ticket for one of their concerts through these platforms would be invalid. This move can create confusion and a sense of abjection for buyers who may be caught in a situation where their tickets are not honored.

3. No Refund Policies

The risk of no refunds is one of the most significant concerns when reselling tickets. Most reputable ticketing services and event organizers have strict no refund policies, which means if you are unable to attend the event for any reason (such as illness, work commitments, or other unforeseen circumstances), you likely will not receive a refund. This can be particularly problematic when using resale sites, as the actual ticket sellers (often resellers) may not offer refunds if the original purchaser cancels or if the event is canceled.

Example Scenario: If you purchase a ticket through StubHub and later find out that you can't attend the event, you may not be eligible for a refund from StubHub, and the reseller who sold you the ticket may not honor the refund. This can lead to a loss of money and inconvenience for the consumer.

Conclusion

While resale sites can offer a convenient way to purchase tickets at a potentially lower price, they come with significant risks. Promoter cancellations, breach of original terms and conditions, and no refund policies are just a few of the issues that can arise. Before using a resale site, it's crucial to understand these risks and weigh them against the potential benefits. If concerns about these risks are significant, it might be worth considering other options, such as direct ticket sales through the event promoter or authorized ticketing agencies.

To summarize, here are the key risks to be aware of when purchasing tickets on resale sites:

Chances of promoter cancellation and denial of entry Breach of original ticket terms and conditions No refund policies for most events

By being informed, you can make a more informed decision and potentially avoid these risks.