If you’re tired of wrestling with Ticketmaster’s restrictions and are looking for a breath of fresh air, you’ve landed in the right place. This comprehensive guide unveils 14 of the best Ticketmaster alternatives for buying and reselling event tickets. We bet there’s at least one platform you haven’t tried yet!
Isn’t it amazing to have more options for flexibility and convenience? We will review these alternatives in detail.
Note: Almost all these sites implement strict measures against the use of ticket bots for bulk buying. If a bot is detected, the associated account and IP address are at risk of being banned and blacklisted. A ticket proxy, particularly a residential proxy, is employed to mask the user’s IP address and avoid bans. This proxy makes the requests appear as if they are coming from real users in different locations and lets you buy more tickets without being banned.
Table of Contents
Ticketmaster’s Limitations: Why Look For An Alternative?
Ticketmaster has long been one of the primary go-to platforms for purchasing tickets to concerts, sports events, and other live shows. Due to restrictions, random waiting rooms, and high fees, users might look for an alternative. Let’s review the other great options.
1. StubHub
StubHub is a global ticket marketplace where fans can buy and sell tickets to various sports, music, and theater events over 40 countries including the US.
Event Variety and Locations
- Variety: StubHub.ie offers a vast selection of tickets for various events including concerts, sports, and theater.
- Event Locations: The platform covers a wide range of events, including English Premier League football, Spanish League football, other European football competitions, major concerts, and events like EURO 2024 and Wimbledon.
Buying Process and Restrictions
- Buying Process: Creating an account on StubHub.ie is straightforward, and the platform provides options ranging from premium seats to budget-friendly ones. The checkout process is secure, ensuring legitimate ticket purchases.
- Payment Methods: Accepted methods include credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), StubHub gift cards, PayPal, and Apple/Android Pay.
Ticket Delivery Options
StubHub offers various delivery methods, including electronic/instant download, mobile transfer, mobile tickets (via the StubHub app), mobile or print tickets, Flash Seats (AXS) tickets, UPS delivery, and pick up tickets through Last Minute Services (LMS).
Selling and Listing Process
- Selling Tickets on Stubhub: Listing and selling tickets on StubHub is free and you only pay when the tickets are sold. The selling fees vary based on the event, price, and delivery method.
- Ticket Delivery to Buyer: Ticket Sellers must deliver tickets in the same manner they are received from the primary ticket provider, except when StubHub partners with a team or venue.
Safety and Support
- Guarantees: StubHub provides the “FanProtect Guarantee” for both buyers and sellers. This guarantee covers issues such as event cancellations, reschedules, ticket delivery issues, and ticket authenticity.
- Customer Service: StubHub offers support through live chat, phone, and email. Phone support is available from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM Pacific time.
- Trustpilot Rating: As of the review, StubHub has a rating of 1.6 stars out of 5 on Trustpilot, indicating mixed customer experiences.
2. SeatGeek
SeatGeek, founded in 2009, is a major online and mobile ticket aggregator for various events such as concerts, sports games (MLB, NFL), and more, primarily in the US.
It operates as a meta-search company, compiling ticket listings from multiple providers. SeatGeek’s primary service is facilitating the purchase and sale of PDF tickets.
Ticketing and Marketplace Integrity
- Ticket Sources: Tickets come from licensed dealers and box office teams. SeatGeek offers buyer insurance and marketplace policies to ensure the legitimacy of transactions and prevent suspicious vendor activities.
- Vendor Requirements: Vendors must provide accurate information about tickets and comply with laws. SeatGeek prohibits speculative ticketing, particularly for NFL games, and requires tickets to be in the vendor’s possession before listing.
Pricing and Transparency
- Transparent Pricing: SeatGeek mandates sellers to include all pricing factors in listings, allowing users to view options with no hidden fees.
- Service Fees: SeatGeek charges fees for buying, selling, and delivering tickets. The platform may change service fees and billing methods over time.
- Event Cancellations and Postponement Policies: Refunds or credits are provided for canceled events. For postponed events, SeatGeek works with buyers on a case-by-case basis.
Event Coverage and Locations
- Events and Categories: SeatGeek covers a wide range of events including concerts, sports (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS), Broadway, comedy, and various other categories.
- Location Coverage: The platform operates in numerous US cities, including major ones like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, among others.
Listing and Delivering Tickets
- Listing Details: Vendors are required to provide comprehensive ticket details, including event name, date, row, and seat number.
- Delivery Guarantees: Tickets are guaranteed to be delivered at least 48 hours before the event, with delivery options including email for e-tickets and physical delivery through UPS/FedEx.
- Refund Policy: Seat Geek offers replacement tickets for canceled events but does not permit refunds for buyer cancellations post-order.
Reputation and Trust
- Reliability and Trust: SeatGeek is recognized as a reliable and trustworthy platform, with over ten years of operation and a reputation for high-quality service.
- App Downloads and Ratings: The platform is widely used, with over 28 million app downloads as of April 2022, and a 4.4 out of 5-star review on Trustpilot.
3. Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats, established in 2001, is a major online ticket exchange and resale site, known as the largest independent online ticket marketplace in North America. It caters to a wide array of events including sports, concerts, and theater shows across the US.
Service Fees and Delivery
- Service Fees: Vivid Seats typically charges a service fee of around 26.5% of the ticket’s subtotal. This rate is consistent for different types of events like NBA games and concerts.
- Ticket Delivery: Electronic transfer is a common delivery method, allowing ticket access via email, and these tickets are scannable on mobile devices at the event. The delivery cost is approximately $2.50 per ticket.
- They have a reward program that allows users to earn credit back on purchases made via their app. They also offer promotions for new customers, like discounts on initial purchases.
Ordering and Payment Options
- Ordering Process: The platform requires users to register or log in to make purchases. Electronic delivery is often the only option for ticket delivery.
- Payment Methods: Vivid Seats accepts credit cards, PayPal, and PayPal credit, with additional options like Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and Android Pay available through the mobile app.
Event Cancellation and Postponement Policies
- Cancellation Policy: For canceled events, customers typically receive a Rewards Cash loyalty credit for 110% of the order value, including fees and delivery charges. Customers can request a full cash refund if they prefer.
- Postponed Events: For postponed events, tickets are usually valid for the new date, and customers are advised to hold onto their tickets. Refunds for postponed events may be available in certain jurisdictions.
4. AXS.com
AXS.com is a platform that provides access to tickets for various events such as concerts, sports, arts, family, circus events, shows, and festivals across the US and Sweden. The website also provides news and exclusive stories on these types of events.
Service Fees and Delivery
- Service Fees: The service fee for tickets on AXS varies depending on the event and the location of the venue. The service fee is typically a percentage of the ticket price and can range from 10% to 30% .
- Delivery Costs: Electronic delivery is often the only option for ticket delivery, and it is free of charge .
Ticket Access
Electronic transfer allows ticket access via email, and these tickets are scannable on mobile devices at the event .
Ordering and Payment Options
- Ordering Process: The platform requires users to register or log in to make purchases.
- Payment Methods: AXS.com accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal as payment methods.
Premium AXS
AXS Premium is a program that allows users to purchase premium tickets for events. Premium tickets are often located in the best seats in the venue and come with additional benefits such as VIP parking, early entry, and access to exclusive lounges. AXS Premium members also receive priority access to tickets for popular events .
Event Cancellation and Postponement Policies
- Cancellation Policy: For canceled events, customers typically receive a full refund of the ticket price, including fees and delivery charges. Customers can request a refund by contacting AXS customer service .
- Postponed Events: For postponed events, tickets are usually valid for the new date, and customers are advised to hold onto their tickets. Refunds for postponed events may be available in certain cases.
Read more : How To Resell Your Tickets in AXS.com (Step by Step Guide)
5. Ticketsmarter
Ticketsmarter is an online ticket marketplace for various events including concerts, sports, theater, and more across North America. The website provides access to tickets for over 125,000 live events.
Service Fees and Delivery
- Service Fees: Ticketsmarter adds on variable service fees to ticket prices which are typically around 25% of the total cost.
- Delivery: They offer mobile ticket delivery for free. Tickets can be accessed via the mobile app for scanning at the venue entrance.
Ordering and Payments
- Ordering: Customers must create an account to make purchases on Ticketsmarter.
- Payments: Accepted payment methods include major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Guarantees and Refunds
Ticketsmarter offers a 100% ticket guarantee, providing full refunds if events are canceled or tickets are invalid for entry.
- Cancellations: Refunds are issued for the full ticket price including fees for canceled events.
- Postponements: Tickets typically remain valid for rescheduled event dates. Refunds may be available in certain cases.
6. TicketCity
TicketCity is an online ticket marketplace founded in 1990 that provides access to tickets for over 100,000 live events including sports, concerts, theater, and more across the United States. Users can search for tickets by event, location, or date.
Trust and Security
- TicketCity is BBB accredited and has served over 1 million customers.
- Orders are backed by a guarantee that tickets will be valid, delivered on time, and transactions will be secure.
Service Fees and Delivery
TicketCity charges a service fee on all tickets purchased through their site. The amount of the service fee varies depending on the event and the location of the tickets.
The company does not charge a delivery fee for electronic tickets, but may charge a fee for other delivery methods
Ordering and Payments
Customers can browse and purchase tickets directly on the TicketCity website without needing an account. You will need to add your name and mail address and the payment method. You can pay via credit card or PayPal.
Cancellation and Postponement Policies
The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee on all tickets purchased through their site. If an event is canceled, TicketCity will provide a full refund to the customer. If an event is postponed, the customer will have the option to receive a refund or exchange their tickets for a new date.
7. TickPick
TickPick is an online ticket marketplace founded in 2011 that provides fee-free access to tickets for events like sports, concerts, theater, and more. The website serves customers across North America.
Trust and Security
- TickPick has served over 5 million customers and processed over $500 million in sales. The site is trusted for reliable service.
- The site provides buyer guarantees that tickets will be valid and orders processed securely. Refunds are given if issues arise.
Service Fees and Delivery
- TickPick does not charge any service fees on ticket orders. The price listed is the final price paid.
- Delivery of mobile tickets via email is free. Tickets are transferable to mobile devices.
Ticket Availability and Listing
- TickPick sources ticket inventory from professional sellers. Large selection is available.
- It specializes in last minute ticket sales. Limited deals can be found as events approach.
- TickPick sources its ticket inventory from professional ticket resellers. Individual users cannot list tickets directly on TickPick.
Unique Features
- Price Beat Guarantee: Refund of 110% price difference if tickets found cheaper elsewhere.
- Integrated mobile app provides convenient access.
- Alerts can be set for ticket deals.
Ordering and Payments
Customers create an account to make purchases and access tickets. Payments accepted include all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
Cancellation and Postponement Policies
Refunds are provided if events are canceled and not rescheduled. Tickets for postponed events typically remain valid for the new date.
8. TicketNetwork
TicketNetwork is an online ticket marketplace founded in 2002. It provides access to tickets for over 80,000 events worldwide including concerts, sports, and theater.
Trust and Security
- TicketNetwork has served over 5 million customers but has some poor ratings on review sites like Trustpilot, BBB, and others.
- They provide a 100% money back guarantee, but some reviews state refunds were denied or only partial.
- You can find a large selection of over 5.5 billion tickets across a wide range of events and they source inventory from a network of professional ticket resellers.
Service Fees
As a ticket reseller, prices at TicketNetwork are above face value. There are additional service fees that can be very high.
Ordering, Payment and Delivery
- Account creation is required for purchases.
- Payment methods include credit cards, amazon pay, PayPal, and Paying overtime with affirm.
- Mails are delivered via the email you provide.
9. Goldstar
Goldstar.com is a platform that provides access to tickets for various events such as concerts, sports, arts, family, circus events, shows, and festivals across the world. The website also provides news and exclusive stories on these events and more.
Trust and Reputation
From 155 reviews on sitejabber, Goldstart got a rating of 2.47 stars. Reviewers complaining about Goldstar most frequently mention customer service, credit card, and phone number problems.
Service Fees and Delivery
- The service fee is typically a percentage of the ticket price and can range from 10% to 30%.
- The delivery is electronic and free.
Ordering and Payment Options
- The platform requires users to register or log in to make purchases.
- For payment, they accept credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
- Their rewards program allows users to earn credit back on purchases made via their app. They also offer promotions for new customers, like discounts on initial purchases.
Event Cancellation and Postponement Policies
- Cancellation Policy: For canceled events, customers typically receive a full refund of the ticket price, including fees and delivery charges. Customers can request a full cash refund if they prefer.
- Postponed Events: For postponed events, tickets are usually valid for the new date.
10. Songkick
Songkick has been a popular platform for live music since 2007, allowing fans to stay updated with their favorite artists’ tour dates and live performances. It’s used by over 15 million music fans globally.
They primarily serve to notify users about artists’ performances in their area, streamlining the process of finding and buying tickets for live concerts and shows.
While Songkick itself does not sell tickets directly, it guides users to legitimate ticket websites for transaction completion.
Features
- Artists and Genres: Songkick caters mostly to musicians but also includes shows for other artists, such as comedians. However, it does not list events related to sports, theatre, or unusual local events, focusing mainly on musicians and live shows.
- Free to Use: Songkick is free for both users and artists, making it an accessible tool for discovering live music events and artist promotion.
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- What Is Vinted: The Reseller’s Marketplace (2024)
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- Can You Transfer Ticketmaster Tickets to StubHub? (2024)
