Introduction
If you're an event lover, you've probably noticed that StubHub often offers tickets at lower prices compared to Ticketmaster. While it's easy to assume that this price difference is due to StubHub being a ticket resale website and Ticketmaster being a larger ticketing company, there's more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why tickets on StubHub are generally cheaper than those on Ticketmaster.
What is StubHub?
StubHub is an American-based online ticket platform that allows individuals to buy and sell tickets for various live events such as concerts, sports games, and theater performances. Founded in 2000 by Eric Baker and Jeff Fluhr, StubHub has become one of the leading platforms for ticket reselling. Unlike primary ticket vendors, StubHub does not sell tickets directly from event organizers or hosts. Instead, it acts as an intermediary between ticket sellers and buyers .
One of the primary features that sets StubHub apart from primary ticket vendors is its ability to offer event tickets that are already sold out. If you've missed the initial ticket sale for an event, you can browse StubHub's listings to see if anyone is reselling their tickets. This makes StubHub a popular destination for event-goers seeking last-minute or hard-to-find tickets for their favorite live performances. Additionally, StubHub ensures a secure and reliable ticket exchange process, with prompt ticket delivery and a guarantee of ticket validity.
What is Ticketmaster?
Ticketmaster, on the other hand, is one of the largest and most established online ticketing companies in the world. It has been in existence since 1976 and serves as both a primary and secondary ticketing platform. As a primary ticket vendor, Ticketmaster partners with event organizers, promoters, and venues to sell tickets directly to the public. This means that when you purchase a ticket from Ticketmaster, you're buying directly from the event organizers.
Ticketmaster offers a user-friendly ticket-buying experience, allowing you to choose your preferred seat, ticket type, and quantity before checking out. If you're buying a ticket from a third party on the platform, the name on the ticket may be that of the original purchaser, but it doesn't hinder your entry to the event as only the barcode is needed for entrance.
How Do StubHub and Ticketmaster Work?
StubHub
As a secondary online ticket marketplace, StubHub allows sellers to determine the resale price for their tickets. This means that prices on the platform can fluctuate based on supply and demand. Unlike Ticketmaster, there is no fixed price for tickets, even if they are for the same event. Sellers on StubHub are often individuals who have purchased tickets for an event but can no longer attend. They are eager to sell their tickets and recoup their money, often willing to sell at a lower price to attract buyers .
Selling tickets on StubHub is a straightforward process. Sellers can create an account on the platform and provide the necessary ticket information, including the number of tickets, seat details, and delivery preferences. They can set their own price based on market conditions and adjust it as needed. Once the tickets are listed, StubHub handles all communication with buyers and ensures prompt ticket delivery and payment to the seller.
As a buyer on StubHub, you can create an account or make a purchase as a guest. The platform recommends creating an account to track purchases and facilitate ticket resale if desired. To buy tickets, simply search for your desired event, choose from the available tickets, and proceed to checkout. StubHub offers various ticket delivery options, including mobile transfer, flash seats, barcodes, PDF tickets, and traditional paper tickets .
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster operates as both a primary and secondary ticketing platform. As a primary ticket vendor, Ticketmaster partners with event organizers, promoters, and venues to sell tickets directly to the public. This means that when you purchase a ticket from Ticketmaster, you're buying directly from the event organizers. Ticketmaster is often the first platform to offer tickets as soon as the sales window opens.
Selling tickets on Ticketmaster is limited to tickets purchased from the platform itself, and reselling is subject to the event organizer's permission. Sellers can create an account on Ticketmaster, sign in, and navigate to the "My Tickets" section to list their tickets for resale. Ticketmaster provides options such as "Sell Instantly" or "Instant Offer" to facilitate the selling process. Once the tickets are sold, Ticketmaster handles the ticket delivery to the buyer and transfers payment to the seller within a specified timeframe.
To buy event tickets from Ticketmaster, you can create an account or sign in if you already have one. Search for your desired event, choose from the available seats, and proceed to checkout. Ticketmaster offers various ticket delivery options, including mobile tickets, print-at-home tickets, and physical tickets mailed to your address.
Why Are Tickets on StubHub Cheaper?
The primary reason why tickets on StubHub are often cheaper than those on Ticketmaster is the nature of the sellers on each platform. On StubHub, sellers are individuals who have purchased tickets but can no longer attend the event. They are motivated to sell their tickets and recoup at least a portion of their investment. As a result, they are often willing to sell at a lower price, especially as the event date draws closer. The competition on StubHub is more about attracting buyers quickly rather than selling at a higher price.
In contrast, Ticketmaster primarily sells tickets directly from event organizers, and reselling is limited to tickets purchased from Ticketmaster itself. Sellers on Ticketmaster may be more inclined to sell tickets at a higher price, especially if the event is sold out and there is high demand. Since Ticketmaster is often the first platform to offer tickets, sellers may take advantage of the limited availability to maximize their profit.
In summary, the price difference between StubHub and Ticketmaster can be attributed to the sellers' motivations and the dynamics of the ticket resale market. StubHub's platform allows for more flexibility in pricing, leading to potentially lower prices for buyers. However, it's important to note that ticket prices can vary depending on factors such as supply and demand, event popularity, and timing.
Conclusion
StubHub and Ticketmaster are both popular platforms for buying and selling event tickets. While StubHub often offers tickets at lower prices compared to Ticketmaster, this price difference is primarily due to the nature of the sellers on each platform. StubHub's secondary ticket marketplace allows sellers to set their own prices, leading to potential discounts for buyers. On the other hand, Ticketmaster primarily sells tickets directly from event organizers, and reselling is limited to tickets purchased from Ticketmaster itself. Understanding these differences can help event-goers make informed decisions when purchasing tickets for their favorite live performances.
