Ticketmaster High Fees: Explained and How to Minimize Them

For anyone who has ever purchased concert or event tickets online, you are likely familiar with Ticketmaster. However, with the convenience of purchasing tickets online comes the frustration of high fees. It’s a common complaint among customers, with many questioning why the fees are so high and if there are any ways to minimize them. In this blog post, we will dive into the reasons behind Ticketmaster’s high fees and explore some strategies to reduce the costs.

Why Are Ticketmaster Fees So High?

Before exploring how to minimize Ticketmaster fees, it’s important to understand why the fees are so high in the first place. Ticketmaster fees can range from a few dollars to over $30 per ticket. So, what contributes to these fees?

One of the biggest reasons for high Ticketmaster fees is the cost of processing the tickets. Every time a customer purchases a ticket on Ticketmaster, the company incurs a number of costs. This includes the cost of processing the payment, maintaining the website, and providing customer service. While these costs may seem minimal, they can add up quickly, especially when you consider the tens of millions of tickets Ticketmaster sells each year.

Another reason for high Ticketmaster fees is the cost of acquiring and reselling tickets. Ticketmaster is paid by event organizers to sell their tickets, but they also purchase tickets from the organizers to sell on their own platform. In some cases, Ticketmaster may also purchase tickets from third-party sellers or brokers. When Ticketmaster resells these tickets, they often add a markup to cover their costs and generate a profit.

Lastly, high Ticketmaster fees can also be attributed to the lack of competition in the ticketing industry. Ticketmaster has a near-monopoly on the ticketing industry, owning and operating many of the most popular ticketing platforms. This lack of competition allows Ticketmaster to set high fees without fear of losing customers to competitors.

How to Minimize Ticketmaster Fees?

While it may be frustrating to pay high Ticketmaster fees, there are a few strategies you can use to minimize the costs:

1. Compare Prices on Different Platforms

Before purchasing your tickets, it’s worth checking out other ticketing platforms to see if they offer lower fees. While Ticketmaster may have a near-monopoly on the ticketing industry, there are still other platforms available such as StubHub, TickPick, and VividSeats. These platforms may offer lower fees or even no fees at all for certain events.

2. Look for Promo Codes and Discounts

Another way to minimize Ticketmaster fees is to look for promo codes and discounts. Ticketmaster often offers promo codes to customers who sign up for their email newsletter or follow them on social media. Additionally, some credit cards and membership programs may offer discounts on Ticketmaster purchases.

3. Avoid Resale Tickets

While it may be tempting to purchase resale tickets on Ticketmaster, these tickets often come with even higher fees. This is because the seller is adding their own markup on top of the original price and Ticketmaster fees. Instead, try to purchase tickets directly from the event organizer or primary seller.

4. Use Ticket Trade-in Programs

If you have tickets to an event that you can no longer attend, consider using Ticketmaster’s trade-in program. This program allows you to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster for credit towards future purchases. While you may not get the full value of your tickets back, it can help offset the cost of future purchases and minimize Ticketmaster fees.

Conclusion

While Ticketmaster fees can be frustrating, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the high costs. Whether it’s the cost of processing the tickets, acquiring and reselling tickets, or lack of competition in the industry, there are valid reasons for the fees. However, by utilizing some of the strategies outlined above, you can minimize the costs and still enjoy your favorite events and concerts.