To make things more complicated, many of the secondary market websites (Stubhub, Vividseats etc.) often spend a lot on advertising and are well optimized, so in the majority of cases, they are among the first results which come up in a Google search about event tickets.
Why would you ever want to buy from the secondary market? Well…. To start with - it may be your only option. If the primary market is sold out, the only place you can find tickets is the secondary market. If this is the case, then you would probably pay considerably more than what the seller bought them for … but at least you will find tickets for the show. The second reason why you might want to check the secondary market is last minute deals. If the particular date and time is not selling well, resellers are strongly motivated to lower their prices below face value and get any amount for their tickets that are about to expire. This can be a gamble but sometimes it is worth exploring.
Classified websites
Buying from classified websites (like craigslist) or internet forums is never a good idea! It is way too easy for someone to photoshop and make something look like a real ticket. Make sure when buying online, that you are buying from a verified vendor.
Street vendors
What about scalpers and people saying tickets outside of the venue? Well, as you might guess, this is also risky and not recommended. Fake tickets exist and are often sold that way. However, it is true that you might also find a great deal this way. It is much more difficult to falsify a paper ticket than an e-ticket, so make sure the tickets look legitimate and always check if the date printed on the ticket is correct. Scalpers can be all kinds of people - brokers who are trying to get rid of their inventory, people who can’t make it to the show etc. But If you decide to go this way - be extra careful.
Refunds
What about refunds? Refunds are generally impossible to get. Please keep this in mind. If you don’t make it to the show this ticket is considered used. Once you purchase your tickets, the only way to recoup your money if you cannot make it to the event is to resell your tickets on the secondary market. In rare cases, some venues will allow you to past-date your tickets. This means that they will offer you another date where you could use your ticket. The date and seat is up to the venue/promoter and there is no guarantee that you will be able to make this particular date. If you need help with past-dating please email us at [email protected]