Buying tickets online for your favorite concerts, sports events or shows can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. With high demand and limited inventory, fans often turn to resale platforms like Vivid Seats to secure seats. However, the fear of falling victim to ticket scams can dampen the thrill.
Can you get scammed on Vivid Seats? The short answer is yes, there is a risk of getting scammed when using the Vivid Seats platform, though the company has measures to protect buyers. Scams like invalid tickets, orders never arriving, and difficulty obtaining refunds have been reported by some users.
This in-depth article will examine the legitimacy of Vivid Seats, common scams to watch out for, safety tips for using the platform, and how Vivid Seats compares to other resale marketplaces. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to navigate Vivid Seats confidently and securely.
What is Vivid Seats?
Established in 2001, Vivid Seats is an online ticket resale marketplace that facilitates the buying and selling of tickets for various live events across the United States. It acts as an intermediary platform, connecting individual sellers and professional ticket brokers with buyers seeking tickets.
With over 100 million tickets sold so far, Vivid Seats has solidified its position as a prominent player in the resale market. The company offers its services through both a website and a mobile app, allowing users to browse and purchase tickets conveniently.
Is Vivid Seats Legit or a Scam?
Vivid Seats is a legitimate business that has operated for over 20 years and facilitated millions of successful transactions. However, as with any resale platform, there are risks when dealing with individual sellers.
While many customers have had positive experiences using Vivid Seats, there have also been numerous reports of scams and issues from other users. These range from tickets never arriving or being invalid, to difficulties obtaining refunds and poor customer service.
Vivid Seats Buyer Guarantee
To instill confidence in buyers, Vivid Seats claims to have a 100% Buyer Guarantee that promises:
- All tickets purchased are authentic
- Tickets will be delivered before the event
- Secure transactions
- Compensation for canceled events
- Accurate ticket orders
- Full customer service support
In theory, this guarantee should protect buyers from common scams and issues. However, the sheer volume of negative user reviews calls into question the effectiveness and enforcement of this guarantee.
Common Scams and Issues on Vivid Seats
Despite the company’s efforts to maintain a secure platform, some users have fallen victim to various scams and issues when purchasing tickets through Vivid Seats. Here are some of the most commonly reported problems:
Tickets Never Arriving or Arriving Late
One of the most prevalent complaints about Vivid Seats is that customers never received their tickets or received them too late to attend the event. In some cases, buyers reported being told by customer service that their tickets had been delivered when they had not.
Invalid, Misleading, or Duplicated Tickets
Another major concern is the sale of invalid, misleading, or duplicated tickets. Some buyers have shown up to events only to find that their tickets were not accepted or that someone else was already occupying their assigned seats.
Difficulty Getting Refunds
Numerous users have reported struggles in obtaining refunds from Vivid Seats, even in cases where the company’s Buyer Guarantee should have applied. This issue is often compounded by poor customer service experiences.
Overpriced Tickets with High Fees
While Vivid Seats does not control the prices set by individual sellers, many buyers have complained about exorbitantly overpriced tickets on the platform. Additionally, Vivid Seats charges service fees that can range from 20% to 40% of the ticket price, adding significant costs to purchases.
User Reviews and Ratings
To better understand the prevalence of these issues, it’s worth examining user reviews and ratings for Vivid Seats on various platforms:
- Trustpilot: Vivid Seats has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
- Consumer Affairs: The platform has an average rating of 1.1 out of 5 stars, with numerous negative reviews citing issues like tickets never arriving and difficulty obtaining refunds.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): As of this writing, Vivid Seats has an A rating with the BBB, although there are still many complaints related to billing and delivery issues.
Here are a few excerpts from user reviews to provide a more personal perspective:
“I placed and paid for an order for Miss Saigon tickets in NYC, but AFTER I placed the order, I received a notification that the seller would be ready to send the tickets on the day before the event!!!! This is unacceptable from any reasonable point of view.” – 1-star review on Trustpilot
“Vivid Seats is amazing! I was able to get tickets to a sold-out event at a reasonable price. The tickets arrived promptly, and the customer service was excellent. I’ll use them again.” – 5-star review on Trustpilot
While these reviews represent opposite ends of the spectrum, they highlight the inconsistent experiences that customers have had with Vivid Seats.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed on Vivid Seats
Despite the potential risks, it is possible to have a safe and successful experience when using Vivid Seats. By exercising caution and following some best practices, you can minimize the chances of falling victim to scams:
Research the Seller’s Reputation and Ratings
Before making a purchase, take the time to thoroughly research the seller’s reputation and ratings on Vivid Seats. Opt for sellers with a high rating and numerous positive reviews from past buyers.
Verify Seat Numbers and Sections Match Venue
Vivid Seats doesn’t show exact seat numbers until after purchase, but you can check the section and row info against the venue’s seating chart to verify ticket legitimacy.
Only Pay with a Credit Card for Protection
Avoid making payments through cash, Venmo, or other untraceable methods. Always use a credit card for your purchase, as this provides an additional layer of protection if you need to dispute charges in case of a scam.
Don’t Share Ticket Photos/Barcodes Online
Resist the temptation to share photos of your tickets or barcodes on social media before the event. These can be easily duplicated and used by others, potentially invalidating your tickets.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Additionally, be wary of certain red flags that may indicate a potential scam:
- Extremely low prices for high-demand events that have already sold out
- Sellers asking for cash or untraceable payment methods like Venmo
- Tickets are being sold for events that haven’t gone on public sale yet
If something seems too good to be true or raises suspicion, it’s better to err on the side of caution and seek an alternative seller or platform.
Is it Safe to Buy Tickets from Vivid Seats?
The safety of buying tickets from Vivid Seats is a topic of debate. On one hand, the company claims to have robust security measures in place, such as an anti-fraud team that verifies tickets and screens transactions. They also provide a secure checkout process and offer the Buyer Guarantee as a safety net.
Vivid Seats connects buyers with individual sellers, which means there’s a risk involved. Vivid Seats has safeguards, but it can’t control individual sellers’ actions.
In comparison, purchasing tickets directly from authorized sellers or venues eliminates this middleman risk, as you are dealing with a reputable source from the outset. However, this option may not always be viable, especially for high-demand events that sell out quickly.
What To Do If You Get Scammed
If you suspect that you have been scammed when purchasing tickets through Vivid Seats, it’s crucial to act promptly:
- Contact Vivid Seats Customer Service: Immediately reach out to Vivid Seats’ customer service team and explain the situation. Provide any relevant details, such as order numbers and communication with the seller.
- Request a Refund via the Buyer Guarantee: Invoke the company’s Buyer Guarantee and demand a full refund for the invalid or undelivered tickets.
- Dispute Charges with Credit Card Company: If Vivid Seats is unresponsive or unwilling to resolve the issue, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company and request a chargeback.
- Report the Scam: To protect others from falling victim to the same scam, report the seller and the incident to Vivid Seats, as well as relevant consumer protection agencies or authorities.
Tips for Buying Legitimate Tickets on Vivid Seats
While exercising caution is essential, there are also proactive steps you can take to increase your chances of having a positive experience when purchasing tickets on Vivid Seats:
- Stick to Verified and Highly Rated Sellers: Focus your search on sellers who have been verified by Vivid Seats and have consistently high ratings from past buyers.
- Use Platform Features: Take advantage of Vivid Seats’ platform features, such as the price filter, which can help you identify reasonably priced tickets, and the “View from Seat” feature, which provides a visual representation of your potential seat location.
- Leverage the Vivid Seats Rewards Program: Vivid Seats offers a rewards program that allows you to earn credit towards future ticket purchases, potentially offsetting some of the service fees.
- Pay with a Credit Card: As mentioned earlier, always use a credit card for your purchase, as this provides an additional layer of protection in case you need to dispute charges.
Follow these tips and be vigilant to navigate Vivid Seats with confidence and increase your chances of getting legitimate tickets.
Vivid Seats vs. Other Ticket Resellers
Vivid Seats is a major ticket resale site, but it’s not the only choice. Compare Vivid Seats to other popular platforms to make an informed decision:
- StubHub: One of the largest and most well-known resale platforms, StubHub offers a similar buyer protection guarantee and has a generally positive reputation among users.
- SeatGeek: This platform is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive event listings. SeatGeek also provides a rating system for sellers, making it easier to identify reputable ones.
- Ticketmaster Resale: As the name suggests, this is Ticketmaster’s official resale platform, which may be a safer option for some users, as Ticketmaster has a long-standing reputation in the ticketing industry.
When comparing these platforms, it’s essential to consider factors such as service fees, buyer protection policies, seller vetting processes, and overall user experiences. While Vivid Seats may be a suitable option for some, others may find better value or security with alternative resale marketplaces.
In conclusion,
While Vivid Seats is a legitimate ticket resale platform, the risk of scams and issues cannot be eliminated due to the involvement of individual sellers. By remaining vigilant, researching sellers, and following best practices, you can increase your chances of having a positive experience when using Vivid Seats. However, if the potential risks outweigh the benefits, exploring alternative resale platforms or purchasing directly from authorized sellers may be a more secure option.
