Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster dominate ticket sales. Each runs its own system for selling concert, sports, and theater tickets. These giants work differently from each other.
Vivid Seats vs Ticketmaster: How Are Vivid Seats And Ticketmaster Different As Companies
Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster are big names in ticket reselling. They both serve the ticketing world but are quite different. This is seen in their beginnings, where they stand in the market, and how they do business.
Company Origins and Market Position
Vivid Seats started in 2001 and is now the third-biggest online ticket reseller. It focuses on a marketplace for many ticket sellers. Ticketmaster, founded in 1976, merged with Live Nation Entertainment. This makes it a big player in both primary and secondary ticket sales.
Business Model Distinctions
Vivid Seats checks sellers and tickets to ensure they are real and safe for buyers. Ticketmaster, being a big ticket issuer, has its own Fan-to-Fan Resale platform. These different business models guide how they work in the ticketing world.
Platform Ownership Structure
Ticketmaster’s merger with Live Nation in 2009 gave it a special spot. It’s part of a big entertainment company. Vivid Seats, however, is its own ticket reselling platform, independent and free.
These differences make Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster unique in the ticket reselling platforms and ticketing industry world.
Ticket Verification and Seller Standards
Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster have different ways to check ticket authenticity and seller trustworthiness. Vivid Seats makes all sellers apply and get approved before they can list tickets. They have a team that checks each ticket carefully.
They also have a “Super Seller” icon for sellers who have done well for a long time. This shows their dedication to quality.
Ticketmaster, however, says they verify 100% of tickets, even those sold and resold on their site. As the first seller, Ticketmaster makes sure every ticket is real. This gives buyers peace of mind that they’ll get into the event.
Buyer Protection Policies
Both Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster have strong plans to protect buyers. Vivid Seats offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee. This means a full refund or 110% credit if an event is canceled or changed.
Ticketmaster also focuses on keeping tickets real, in both the primary and secondary markets. This helps buyers feel safe when buying tickets.
People have mixed feelings about Vivid Seats. Some like it, while others don’t. But Vivid Seats tries hard to make buying tickets safe and reliable.
| Feature | Vivid Seats | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Screening | Sellers must apply and be approved before listing inventory, with a dedicated verification team | Claims 100% verification for all tickets, including resold ones |
| Seller Badges | Offers “Super Seller” ribbon icon for long-standing, exceptional sellers | No specific seller badges or recognition programs |
| Buyer Guarantees | 100% Buyer Guarantee, including full refunds or 110% credit for canceled/rescheduled events | Focus on verifying ticket authenticity across primary and secondary marketplaces |
Both Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster focus on ticket authenticity, seller vetting, and strong buyer guarantees. They want to give customers a safe and reliable way to buy tickets.
Pricing Strategies and Service Fees
Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster have different ways to price tickets. Vivid Seats lets sellers set prices based on demand and seat location. They also have a “Great Deal” badge for the best prices. Ticketmaster’s prices can change, especially for popular events.
Both sites add service fees to cover costs. Ticketmaster charges an average of 20.69% of the ticket’s face value in fees. StubHub’s fees are 27.76%. Vivid Seats charges 31.29%, and SeatGeek has the highest fees at 37.66%.
Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek share fees with venues or promoters. Vivid Seats uses theirs for operating costs and customer service. Ticketmaster has faced lawsuits for unclear pricing. Some sites don’t show fees until after payment.
To reduce fees, Vivid Seats offers a rewards program for cash back. The Savor Rewards card gives 4% cash back on entertainment. Buying tickets at a venue’s box office can also save money. TickPick is a no-fee site for ticket sales.
“Insights are based on 2 ticket costs for 50 different events across 4 ticket providers, resulting in 400 data points for fees-to-cost comparisons.”
Event Coverage and Inventory Sources
Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster both offer a wide range of event tickets. But, they get their tickets from different places. Vivid Seats mainly deals in the secondary market, offering tickets for sports, concerts, comedy, and theater. Ticketmaster, however, works in both the primary and secondary markets. It issues tickets directly and also has a resale platform.
Primary vs Secondary Market Access
Ticketmaster gets tickets directly from venues and promoters. This gives it a big advantage in the primary market. Vivid Seats, on the other hand, buys tickets from individuals and resellers. This lets Vivid Seats offer a wide variety of tickets, alongside Ticketmaster’s primary market offerings.
Venue Partnerships
Ticketmaster has strong ties with venues and event organizers. It controls over 70% of primary ticket sales in major U.S. concert venues. This gives Ticketmaster a big edge in offering tickets and managing prices.
Event Types and Availability
Both platforms offer tickets for sports, concerts, comedy, and theater. But, Ticketmaster’s direct access to venues might mean more tickets for big events. Vivid Seats, meanwhile, focuses on secondary market tickets. This makes it great for finding tickets that fit different budgets and preferences.
| Feature | Vivid Seats | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market Access | Limited | Extensive |
| Secondary Market Access | Robust | Moderate |
| Venue Relationships | Moderate | Strong |
| Event Selection | Diverse | Comprehensive |
Customer Loyalty Programs and Benefits
Vivid Seats shines in the live event ticketing world with its rewards program. It offers amazing benefits to its loyal fans. After buying their 10th ticket, users get a Reward Credit. This means they get a free 11th ticket.
This program makes Vivid Seats unique. It’s the only company in the industry with such a great fan perks offer.
Ticketmaster focuses on their verified ticket guarantee as a big ticket buyer incentive. But Vivid Seats goes further. It values building strong relationships with its customers.
Vivid Seats uses a special digital marketing platform. This helps them get new users and stay profitable on first-time buys. They aim to keep customers coming back for more, improving their overall experience.
Their loyalty program and occasional free upgrades keep customers coming back. This boosts Vivid Seats’ profits and makes it a leader in live event ticketing.
“Vivid Seats maintains a 100% buyer guarantee, emphasizing the importance of trust, security, and doing the right thing by their customers.”
Vivid Seats invests in technology that grows with them. They serve both buyers and sellers on their platform. This shows their dedication to a rewarding experience for all users. It solidifies their place as the top choice for live event fans.
final verdict
The comparison between Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster shows their unique strengths. Vivid Seats focuses on its marketplace, seller checks, and rewards for customers. Ticketmaster, on the other hand, uses its top spot and ticket guarantee to draw in buyers.
When looking for tickets, it’s important to think about price, availability, features, and safety. Both Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster meet different needs in the ticket world. They cater to various tastes and requirements.
The live events industry is always changing. Platforms like Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster are key in making ticket buying easy and safe. It’s vital for buyers to stay updated on the ticket market. This way, they can choose the best option for their needs.
