Where to Sell Theatre Tickets in London: A Comprehensive Guide
London is home to some of the world’s greatest theatres, and every year, people travel from all over the world to see the shows. However, for every person who manages to secure a ticket, there is often someone else who is left disappointed. Fortunately, there are many options for selling theatre tickets in London. In this post, we will explore some of the best places to sell your theatre tickets in London and the pros and cons of each.
1. The Theatre Box Office
One of the most obvious places to sell your theatre tickets is at the box office located at the theatre. This option is particularly appealing if you have a physical ticket, rather than an e-ticket. If you have physical tickets that you won’t be able to use, the box office may be able to offer a refund, or if you’re lucky, a ticket exchange that will allow you to see another show.However, it’s important to note that the box office won’t always offer a refund, and it’s not uncommon for there to be a cancellation fee or other costs associated with cancelling or exchanging your tickets. Additionally, if you’re unable to make it to the box office, this option may not be a feasible one for you.
2. Online Ticket Marketplaces
Another option for selling theatre tickets is through online ticket marketplaces such as StubHub and Viagogo. These sites allow you to list your tickets for sale, and potential buyers can purchase them directly from you. This option can be particularly useful if you’ve purchased e-tickets or if you’re unable to attend a show at the last minute.However, it’s important to note that there are often fees associated with selling your tickets through these websites, and they may take a percentage of your sale as commission. Additionally, using online ticket marketplaces such as Viagogo has been criticized for being a scam, where customers end up paying more than the original price of the ticket.
3. Social Media
One option for selling your theatre tickets in London is through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can share a post on your account, or a group or community, stating that you have tickets available for sale and the details of the show – the date and time, seat number and price.The advantage of this approach is that it’s free and you’re more likely to find someone who’s interested in buying your tickets. However, you have to be careful with fraudulent buyers, as there is a risk of fraud in transactions through social media. Additionally, if you don’t have a large following or are not connected to the right groups, you may not be able to reach the right audience.
4. Classified Ads and Local Listings
You can also sell your theatre tickets through classified ads in local newspapers or listings websites such as Craigslist. Posting ads is often free or relatively cheap, and it can offer an opportunity to reach a larger local audience.However, this option also comes with risks, including the possibility of fraudulent buyers, the need to manage responses and the lack of restrictions on the final selling price. Another disadvantage is that you may have difficulty reaching out to people who are interested in specific productions or theatres.
5. Ticket Brokers
Finally, ticket brokers are another option for selling your theatre tickets in London. Ticket brokers are individuals or companies that specialize in the buying and reselling of event tickets, including theatre tickets.The advantage of using ticket brokers is that they usually offer quick and easy sales, and they are often willing to pay a premium for tickets to in-demand shows. However, they usually charge a significant commission or processing fee, which can lower the total value of your sale. Additionally, some brokers may not be reliable, and you may end up handing over your tickets without getting paid.
Conclusion
Selling your theatre tickets in London can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already paid for them or if the show is sold out. However, there are several options available to you, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the option you choose will depend on your preferences, the show you’re selling tickets for, and your familiarity with different selling platforms.If you’re looking for a quick and seamless selling experience, you may want to consider using online ticket marketplaces or ticket brokers. Conversely, if you’re willing to put in a little more effort, listing your tickets on social media or posting classified ads may lead to a more profitable sale. Good luck with your ticket sale!