Ticket scalping, while often controversial, remains a popular way to secure seats for sold-out events. With the growing demand for tickets to concerts, sports games, and other entertainment events, numerous ticket scalping sites and websites have emerged that allow users to buy and sell tickets legally.
However, it’s crucial to be cautious when using these platforms to avoid scams or overpaying.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the 10 best ticket scalping sites, where you can safely purchase tickets to your favorite events. We’ll also cover how these platforms work, and how to avoid common pitfalls when buying scalped tickets online.
Where to Buy Scalped Tickets
Several trusted ticket scalping sites and platforms have built reputations for facilitating the safe purchase and resale of tickets. Here are some of the best places to buy scalped tickets:
1. StubHub
StubHub is one of the most popular ticket resale sites. It provides a wide selection of tickets for concerts, sporting events, and theater shows. StubHub also offers a FanProtect Guarantee, which means that if the tickets turn out to be fraudulent, buyers will receive a full refund.
- Pros: Reliable platform with a strong guarantee policy, mobile ticketing, and a wide range of events.
- Cons: Higher service fees compared to other platforms.
2. SeatGeek
SeatGeek is a ticket marketplace and aggregator that pulls listings from various ticket resale sites. Its easy-to-use interface helps users find tickets from different sources and compare prices.
- Pros: Aggregates multiple ticket sources, easy-to-use app, and offers a buyer guarantee.
- Cons: Higher prices for high-demand events due to competition.
3. Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is known for its wide range of tickets for concerts, sports events, and theater performances. The platform offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures that your tickets are valid and will arrive on time.
- Pros: Loyalty program for frequent buyers, secure purchasing experience.
- Cons: Service fees can increase the overall cost of tickets.
4. TickPick
TickPick differentiates itself with a “no-fee” pricing model. The price listed is what you’ll pay, without any hidden fees tacked on at checkout. TickPick also allows buyers to make offers on tickets, which can be a great way to score deals.
- Pros: No fees, bidding feature to potentially get tickets at a lower price.
- Cons: Limited inventory for less popular events.
5. Viagogo
Viagogo is a global ticket marketplace that allows people to buy and sell tickets for events around the world. It offers a guarantee that tickets will arrive on time and be valid for entry.
- Pros: Global platform, useful for international events.
- Cons: Known for high fees, which can make ticket prices much higher than face value.
6. RazorGator
RazorGator is another ticket resale platform that specializes in hard-to-find tickets for high-demand events. It offers a 100% buyer guarantee and transparent pricing, which can help prevent surprises at checkout.
- Pros: Great for finding tickets to sold-out events, 100% buyer guarantee.
- Cons: Higher prices for high-demand tickets.
7. LiveStub
LiveStub is a fan-to-fan ticket marketplace that prides itself on fair pricing. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer to buy tickets from other fans instead of professional scalpers or brokers.
- Pros: Fan-to-fan transactions, no hidden fees.
- Cons: Smaller inventory compared to larger platforms.
8. TicketCity
TicketCity is a reliable site for purchasing tickets to concerts, sports events, and other live shows. It’s especially well-known for sports events, and it offers a guarantee that tickets will arrive on time.
- Pros: Great for sports events, secure platform.
- Cons: Prices can be inflated for high-demand events.
9. Craigslist
Craigslist offers ticket listings from individuals, which can be both a pro and a con. Since it’s a general classifieds site, it doesn’t offer the same protections as dedicated ticket marketplaces. However, if you’re looking for last-minute deals, it can be a useful option.
- Pros: Potential for lower prices, last-minute deals.
- Cons: High risk of scams, no buyer protection.
10. eBay
eBay allows users to buy and sell event tickets just like any other product. While eBay doesn’t specialize in tickets, you can find great deals, especially for last-minute sales. Plus, eBay’s buyer protection policy ensures that your purchase is secure.
- Pros: Potential for lower prices, buyer protection policy.
- Cons: Not as focused on tickets as other platforms.
How Do Concert Ticket Sites Legally Facilitate Scalping?
Concert ticket sites facilitate ticket resales by allowing users to sell tickets they’ve previously purchased. These platforms act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, making the resale process legal.
However, ticket scalping laws vary by region, and platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek have policies in place to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Tips for Buying Scalped Tickets Safely
While buying scalped tickets can be convenient, it’s important to take precautions to avoid scams. Here are some tips to help you safely buy tickets online:
- Use trusted platforms: Always buy from reputable sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats to ensure that you receive legitimate tickets.
- Check reviews: Look up reviews of the ticket seller or platform to ensure they have a history of successful transactions.
- Avoid too-good-to-be-true deals: If the price seems unrealistically low for a sold-out event, it could be a scam.
- Verify the event details: Double-check the event’s date, time, and venue to ensure you’re buying the correct tickets.
- Use secure payment methods: Pay with a method that offers buyer protection, such as PayPal or a credit card.
Legal Considerations for Ticket Scalping
While ticket resale is legal in many places, there are laws regulating the practice.
Here are some common legal considerations:
- Price Caps: In some areas, there are legal limits on how much scalpers can charge for resold tickets. Be sure to understand your local laws regarding ticket resale.
- Bots and Automation: Using automated software, or “bots,” to purchase tickets in bulk is illegal in many regions. The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act in the U.S. makes it illegal to use bots to purchase tickets for resale.
- Jurisdiction-Specific Laws: Laws on ticket scalping vary significantly depending on where you are. Some places have strict regulations, while others allow ticket resale with few restrictions. Always check local laws before engaging in ticket scalping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Ticket Scalping Sites
Is it Legal to Scalping Tickets?
Ticket scalping is legal in many places, but some regions have strict regulations regarding how much tickets can be resold for or how they can be resold. Always check your local laws before participating in ticket scalping.
Where Can I Buy Scalped Tickets?
You can buy scalped tickets on several trusted platforms, including StubHub, SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and TickPick. These platforms offer buyer protection to ensure the tickets you purchase are legitimate.
Can I Get Scammed Buying Scalped Tickets?
Yes, buying tickets from unverified sellers can be risky. Always use platforms that offer buyer protection, such as StubHub or SeatGeek, to minimize the risk of getting scammed.
Why Are Scalped Tickets So Expensive?
Scalped tickets are usually more expensive because they are sold at a premium, especially for high-demand events. Scalpers take advantage of the limited supply and high demand to charge higher prices.
Final Words
Scalping tickets online has become a common way for people to access sold-out events, but it’s important to use trusted platforms to avoid scams and legal issues.
While platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek offer protection for buyers, it’s crucial to stay informed about local regulations on ticket scalping to ensure you’re following the law
If you’re buying scalped tickets, do so responsibly, and always take steps to protect yourself from fraud.