Tips for Buying Tickets Online Before They Sell Out: A Comprehensive Guide
Buying tickets online can be a logistical challenge, especially when you want to secure your preferred seats for an event. Whether you're attending a concert, festival, or any large-scale event, here are some essential tips to increase your chances of getting tickets before they sell out.
Directly from the Organizer or Ticketing Partner
One of the key pieces of advice is to buy tickets directly from the event organizer or their dedicated ticketing partner. This bypasses the hassle of dealing with multiple ticket sellers and reduces the risk of purchasing from a fraudulent source.
Bookmark the Ticket Site and Join Mailing Lists
Remember to bookmark the event venue or organizer's official ticketing site. This ensures you can access the site quickly when tickets go on sale. Additionally, joining the venue or event organizer's mailing list can provide you with exclusive access to presales and other promotions.
Follow on Social Media
Stay updated by following the event organization or venue on social media. They may offer early access opportunities, special offers, or insider tips on upcoming presales and ticket availability.
Set a Timer for Presale and General on-Sale Dates
Set a timer 10 minutes before tickets go on sale to ensure you don't miss the window of opportunity. If the event is particularly popular, you might even set multiple timers for various presales or limited-time offers.
Call the Venue for Insider Tips
Calling the venue or event organizer ahead of time can provide you with valuable insights. They might offer insider tips, password-protected access to exclusive presales, or additional information about ticket availability.
Understanding Presale and General On-Sale Dates
Tickets are often sold over various dates and times, given to different customers to prioritize their purchase. These presales allow fans to buy tickets in advance:
Presale Tickets
During presale periods, tickets are available to a specific group of customers, such as season ticket holders or concert club members. These presales may require codes or applications to unlock access. Codes can be unique and require advance sign-up. Once released, presale tickets can sometimes be sold at lower prices due to dynamic pricing. However, not all tickets are available during presales; only a certain selection is released.
General On-Sale
The general on-sale period typically begins after all presales are complete. Any remaining tickets from presales plus whatever was held back for this period will become available for purchase. The best seats may be sold out during the general on-sale, so it's essential to have a few options on where to sit.
Ticket Drops
Until the event begins, venues often release tickets on a drop basis, meaning a steady supply of tickets becomes available. Some ticket buyers will exceed their allocated limit, and when these tickets are canceled, they will be released to the public. Additionally, venues often hold back tickets until the seating chart is finalized, releasing them back to the public as needed.
For popular events like concerts, tickets can sell out by the general on-sale date. Therefore, your best bet is to get tickets during any presale opportunities that arise.
Final Tips and Resources
Make sure to bookmark your preferred event venue or organizer's ticketing site, join their mailing list, and follow them on social media for early access and updates. Always call the venue for insider tips and consider multiple presale opportunities to increase your chances of securing tickets.
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