Ticket Buying Advice

Have you ever had a bad ticket experience when purchasing events to a show? Whether it"s through primary sources such as ticketmaster, or secondary sources that compromise various ticket brokers and street sellers, problems can arise. So here are a few tips to help ease the pain and frustration.

Since ticketmaster is the original source for most events, problems are minimal. When purchasing tickets through ticketmaster make sure that you have your credit card, and all of it"s billing address info ready. Ticketmaster is simple to use but because it runs on timers, you can sometimes lose your tickets if too much time is taken entering information! This is very important especially when the event has just gone onsale and 1 million other fans are trying to buy the same event.

When buying through ticketbrokers, the buying experience can be a little more trivial, but with companies like ticketamerica.com worries can be virtually eliminated. Here is a list of things to look for when purchasing through ticketbrokers:

1. Make sure that the company has been in business for at least 2 years.
2. Check to see if they are a member in goodstanding with the Better Business Bureau or the National Association of Ticketbrokers.
3. Make sure they have a physical office with an 800# where a live agent can be reached.
4. See what ticket guarantees they offer to insure your ticket purchase.

When buying from street sellers, be careful!!! Most street sellers are simply trying to hustle a fast buck. They basically try to buy low from people with extra tickets and then resell them at a profit. They may also be ticket brokers that are selling any extra tickets that did not previously sell. Worst of all there are the theives. These little rats are basically selling fake tickets to unsuspecting fans! Here are a couple of tips when buying tickets on the street:

1. Look at the tickets front and back, making sure their is print on both sides.
2. Make sure that there is some slight sheen appearence and feel to the tickets.
3. Check to make sure that all the info on the ticket is correct, such as Date, Time, and consecutive seat #"s.
4. Have the ticket seller walk with you to the gate entrace and verify ticket authenticity.

If you have any questions regarding a ticket purchase or need an opinion about buying tickets, feel free to contact our office.

Gary Ketchum
CEO TicketAmerica.com