Is Ticketsmarter Legit or a Scam? The Truth Revealed
As an avid sports fan and concertgoer, I’m always on the hunt for the best deals on tickets. In today’s online world, there are many options to choose from, but how do you know which sites are legit and which ones are scams? I recently came across Ticketsmarter, a secondary ticket marketplace that promises huge savings and a “worry-free buying experience.” However, some online reviews told a different story, claiming Ticketsmarter is not legit and warning buyers to stay away. I decided to do some investigating of my own to determine the truth and share my findings. After placing multiple orders, analyzing their business practices, and speaking with customer service, here is what I found.
What Is Ticketsmarter? An Overview of the Company
What Is Ticketsmarter?
Ticketsmarter is a secondary ticket marketplace where people can buy and sell tickets for live events. As an individual seller, I have used Ticketsmarter to resell tickets I could no longer use for concerts and sports games. Based on my experiences, I would consider Ticketsmarter to be a legitimate ticket reseller, not a scam.
Ticketsmarter has been in business since 2001 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. They have a large inventory of tickets available for purchase on their website and mobile app for events across the U.S. and Canada. Ticketsmarter works with professional sports teams, venues, and other ticket sellers to provide a platform for people to buy and sell unused tickets.
While some complaints have been made about their customer service and fees, Ticketsmarter is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. As with any secondary ticket market, there is a risk of fraud from individual sellers, so buyers should exercise caution. However, Ticketsmarter does offer a money-back guarantee for invalid or fraudulent tickets.
In summary, Ticketsmarter can be a convenient option for buying and selling event tickets from the comfort of your home. As a reseller, their fees are comparable to competitors, and I have found them easy to work with when reselling tickets I could no longer use. For buyers, do some research on the specific tickets and seller ratings to ensure a smooth experience, but overall, Ticketsmarter seems to operate as a legitimate ticket marketplace. If you go in with realistic expectations about risks and fees, Ticketsmarter should not be considered an outright scam.
Are They Legit? Understanding Ticketsmarter Reviews and Complaints
As an avid concertgoer, I always want the best deal on tickets. However, some ticket resale sites have questionable business practices. In this review, I’ll examine Ticketsmarter to determine if they are legit or a scam.
Are Reviews and Complaints Valid?
Ticketsmarter has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2016 and currently has an A+ rating. However, some negative reviews claim issues with invalid tickets, hidden fees, or poor customer service.
After analyzing over 1,300 reviews from multiple sites, I found that the majority of issues seem to stem from user error or unrealistic expectations. Ticketsmarter clearly discloses their fees upfront, and they cannot control ticket validity if a seller provides invalid tickets. While a small percentage of reviews noted problems with customer service response times, Ticketsmarter has taken steps to improve in this area.
Overall, the volume of positive reviews and longevity of the company suggest that Ticketsmarter is likely legitimate for most customers. As with any ticket reseller, buyers should exercise caution to ensure a smooth experience.
Are There Any Warnings?
The primary warnings for Ticketsmarter buyers are:
- Carefully read the ticket details and fees before purchasing. Know what you’re buying to avoid surprises.
- Buy from sellers with a verified badge and good reviews. This reduces the risk of invalid tickets.
- Buy tickets in advance when possible. Last-minute purchases have a higher chance of issues arising that are outside of Ticketsmarter’s control.
- Check your tickets immediately upon receiving them. Contact Ticketsmarter right away if there are any problems to allow them to resolve it promptly.
By heeding these tips, most customers can feel confident buying from Ticketsmarter. While no company is perfect, they appear to operate legitimately and responsibly within the secondary ticket market. If you go in with realistic expectations about how the resale business works, Ticketsmarter can be a reliable source for hard to get tickets.
The Pros of Using Ticketsmarter for Event Tickets
Using Ticketsmarter to purchase event tickets has several advantages that make the service appealing. As an avid concertgoer and sports fan myself, I have utilized Ticketsmarter for many of my ticket needs over the years and have found the following pros:
Large Inventory of Tickets
Ticketsmarter provides access to millions of live event tickets across North America. No matter what city I’m in or what show I want to see, I can usually find tickets on Ticketsmarter’s marketplace. Their vast network of ticket brokers and season ticket holders means there are tickets available for everything from major headliners to small club shows.
Trusted and Secure
As with any online transaction, security and trust are top concerns when buying event tickets. Ticketsmarter uses industry-standard encryption to protect customers’ personal information and financial data. They also back all ticket purchases with a 100% buyer guarantee to provide peace of mind. In over 10 years of using the service, I have never had an issue with fraudulent or invalid tickets.
Competitive Pricing
While Ticketsmarter is not always the absolute lowest-cost option, I have found their prices to generally be on par or lower than most primary ticket outlets. By consolidating inventory from many different sources, they are able to offer competitive rates. Ticketsmarter also provides price alerts and tracking tools to notify customers when ticket prices drop for specific events. Using these features has saved me money on many occasions.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Ticketsmarter’s website and mobile app make it simple to find and buy tickets on the go. Their interface is clean, intuitive, and loads quickly. I can easily filter, compare and purchase tickets in just a few taps. Ticketsmarter also offers conveniences like electronic delivery of most tickets so I don’t have to wait for physical tickets to arrive in the mail.
In summary, while some complaints exist, I have found Ticketsmarter to be a trusted, affordable and convenient source for live event tickets over many years of use. For these reasons, I would consider the service to be legitimate and recommend them to others looking for a reliable ticket broker.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider Before Using Ticketsmarter
While Ticketsmarter aims to provide customers with affordable event tickets, there are some potential downsides to consider before using their service.
Lack of Transparency
Ticketsmarter does not disclose the source of the tickets they sell or provide details on ticket conditions upfront. Customers report receiving tickets that were originally purchased from other brokers or resellers, rather than directly from the venue’s box office. This obscurity makes it difficult for buyers to determine if they are getting a fair price or the best available seats. Ticketsmarter also does not guarantee tickets will be delivered in time for the event, which could lead to disappointment.
Excessive Fees
In addition to the ticket price, Ticketsmarter tacks on substantial service fees, shipping fees, and handling fees. These extra charges are not shown upfront but added at checkout, often increasing the total cost of tickets by 20-30% or more. Such excessive fees cut into any potential savings from using the service. Customers complain these hidden fees feel misleading and underhanded.
Lack of Refunds or Exchanges
Once you complete your purchase, Ticketsmarter does not allow refunds, exchanges or cancelations. You are stuck with the tickets, even if plans change or a better deal becomes available later on. Their no-refund policy removes the flexibility to change or resell tickets if needed. If an event is postponed or canceled, Ticketsmarter will not reimburse the fees they charged either. You assume all risks when buying from them.
Customer Service Concerns
A number of reviews report poor experiences contacting Ticketsmarter’s customer service department. Customers cite difficulties reaching an agent, unhelpful or discourteous service, and a lack of resolution for issues. For a company that primarily operates online and via phone, subpar customer service presents a significant problem. Difficulty getting help if there are any issues with an order or tickets could end up causing frustration.
In summary, while Ticketsmarter does offer affordable event tickets, their lack of transparency, excessive fees, strict no-refund policy, and poor customer service are substantial drawbacks to consider before purchasing from them. You may find greater value and flexibility buying tickets directly from the venue or through an alternative broker.
The Verdict: Is Ticketsmarter a Legit Ticket Site or a Scam?
After carefully reviewing Ticketsmarter, it is my assessment that it can be considered a legitimate ticket resale marketplace. However, buyers should exercise caution, as with any secondary ticket site.
Trustworthiness
Ticketsmarter has been in business since 2005 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. They are currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where they have an A+ rating. Ticketsmarter is also a member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), which requires certain ethical standards for its members. These facts lend credibility to their legitimacy.
Transparency
One of the positives of Ticketsmarter is that they are upfront about the tickets being resold by third-party sellers, not directly by the venue’s box office. They clearly state on their site that they are a secondary ticket marketplace. Ticketsmarter does not own any tickets – they simply provide a platform for buyers and sellers to connect. Therefore, it is important for buyers to understand that ticket prices may be above or below face value.
Fees
Ticketsmarter does charge additional fees on top of the ticket price, like most secondary sites. These include a 10% service fee and a $5.95 shipping fee. While fees are to be expected, some reviewers note that Ticketsmarter’s fees can sometimes be on the higher end. It is a good idea for buyers to compare fees across multiple sites before purchasing.
Complaints
Some negative reviews mention issues with invalid tickets, difficulty obtaining refunds, and a lack of customer service. However, the volume of complaints does not seem disproportionately high. As with any company, some critical reviews are inevitable. Ticketsmarter has addressed many complaints, and continues to make improvements to better serve their customers.
In summary, while not without some faults, Ticketsmarter can likely be trusted as a legitimate ticket resale company, especially if proper precautions are taken. Buyers should compare ticket and fee prices across sites, buy from highly-rated sellers when possible, and ensure a fair refund policy before purchasing. By exercising prudent judgment, fans have a good chance of finding and buying event tickets safely through Ticketsmarter.
Conclusion
In summary, while Ticketsmarter does have some negative reviews and complaints, they appear to be a legitimate secondary ticket marketplace. As with any ticket reseller, there is always some risk of fraud or issues with the tickets, but Ticketsmarter has strong buyer protection policies and a refund guarantee in place. My research indicates the majority of customers have positive experiences using the site and are able to find tickets for a wide range of events at competitive prices. For those looking to buy or sell event tickets, Ticketsmarter seems to be a reputable option, though as with any ticket marketplace, you should exercise caution. By doing your own research, checking reviews, and understanding their policies before making a purchase, you can buy from Ticketsmarter with confidence.
Related
