Can You Sell Tickets on StubHub Before You Have Them?
If you are an event attendee or ticket reseller, you have likely come across the issue of selling tickets you do not have yet. This can happen for various reasons; maybe you purchased the tickets, but they have not been delivered, or perhaps you are trying to secure a buyer before you even buy the tickets. Whatever the situation may be, you may be wondering if it is possible to sell tickets on StubHub before you have them in hand.In this blog post, we will explore whether or not you can sell tickets on StubHub before you actually have them and what you should consider before doing so.
The Short Answer
The short answer to this question is yes, you can sell tickets on StubHub before you have them. However, the website has certain requirements that must be met before you can complete the transaction. StubHub has a feature called “Instant Download,” which allows sellers to list tickets for sale before they have them physically in hand. If you choose this option, you must have the ability to deliver the tickets electronically to the buyer once you receive them from the original source. This could include emailing the buyer a PDF or transferring the tickets to their account through the vendor’s platform, such as Ticketmaster or AXS.
What You Should Consider Before Selling Tickets You Do Not Have
While it may be possible to sell tickets you do not have on StubHub, there are a few things you should consider before doing so.
1. The Possibility of Ticket Fraud
If you choose to sell a ticket you do not have yet, you run the risk of not receiving the tickets from the original source. In this case, you would have to explain to the buyer that you cannot deliver the tickets, which could lead to a refund and a negative review on StubHub. Additionally, if you cannot obtain the tickets through the original source, you may be tempted to purchase them through a third party or scalper. This is not recommended, as it is illegal in many states and can result in invalid tickets.
2. The Possibility of a Price Drop
When selling tickets before you have them, you are predicting the future market demand and your own ability to obtain the tickets. This means there is a chance that you may not receive the tickets at the price you expected or that the market value of the tickets may drop before you are able to obtain them. If either of these situations happens, you may be left with the option of either purchasing the tickets at a loss or canceling the sale, which can result in negative consequences on StubHub.
3. The Possibility of a Delayed Delivery
When you sell tickets you do not have, you are essentially betting on the delivery timeline. If the original source experiences a delay in delivering the tickets, you may not be able to fulfill the sale on time. This can lead to negative consequences on StubHub, such as a refund and a poor rating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to sell tickets on StubHub before you have them in hand, but it is not recommended. You should consider the potential risks, including the possibility of fraud, a price drop, or a delayed delivery, before doing so. If you do choose to sell tickets you do not have yet, make sure you select the “Instant Download” option and have a plan in place to deliver the tickets electronically once you receive them from the original source. At the end of the day, your reputation as a ticket seller is crucial in the highly competitive secondary ticket market. It is important to make ethical decisions that prioritize the buyer’s trust and the safety of the transaction.