Viagogo connects ticket buyers and sellers online. It’s a marketplace for event tickets, handling the money and making sure exchanges go smoothly. Ever missed out on tickets to a big show or game? Viagogo might help. Let’s break down how to use it – from signing up to buying and selling tickets.
What is Viagogo?
Viagogo is a ticket resale platform founded in London in 2006. It’s now headquartered in the United States and owned by StubHub Holdings. The company operates in many countries, offering tickets for a wide range of events.
Company Background
Viagogo has grown significantly since its inception. It’s known for partnerships with major sports teams and leagues, including Chelsea FC and Manchester United FC. These partnerships allow Viagogo to offer a broad selection of tickets to popular events.
Viagogo’s Role in the Ticket Resale Market
Viagogo acts as a middleman between ticket sellers and buyers. It provides a platform where people can list tickets they want to sell and where others can find and purchase those tickets. This service is especially useful for sold-out events or when fans want better seats than what’s available through primary ticket sellers.
Types of Events Covered
You’ll find tickets for all sorts of events on Viagogo:
- Concerts
- Sports games
- Theater shows
- Festivals
- Comedy shows
Whether you’re a music fan, sports enthusiast, or theater lover, Viagogo likely has something for you.
The Viagogo Buying Process
Buying tickets on Viagogo is straightforward, but it’s good to know what to expect. Let’s break it down step by step.
Creating an Account
First, you’ll need to set up a Viagogo account. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. You’ll provide basic information like your name, email address, and password. Having an account makes future purchases quicker and lets you track your orders.
Searching for Events
Once you’re logged in, you can start searching for events. Use the search bar on the homepage to look for specific artists, teams, or venues. You can also browse by category if you’re not sure what you want to see.
Selecting Tickets
After finding your event, you’ll see a list of available tickets. Viagogo shows you:
- Seat locations
- Prices
- Number of tickets available
You can use filters to narrow down your options based on price range or seating area.
Checkout Process
When you’ve chosen your tickets, click to add them to your cart. Viagogo will hold these tickets for you for a short time while you complete your purchase. You’ll see a countdown timer showing how long you have to finish the transaction.
Payment Options
Viagogo accepts various payment methods, including:
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Other secure online payment systems
Choose the option that works best for you.
Ticket Delivery Methods
Depending on the event and seller, you might receive your tickets in different ways:
- E-tickets sent to your email
- Mobile tickets you access through an app
- Physical tickets mailed to your address
Viagogo will let you know which delivery method applies to your purchase.
The Viagogo Selling Process
If you have tickets you can’t use, Viagogo offers a way to sell them. Here’s how it works.
Listing Tickets for Sale
To sell tickets, you’ll need a Viagogo account. Once logged in, click on “Sell Tickets” and follow the prompts. You’ll need to provide details about your tickets, including:
- Event name and date
- Seat locations
- Any special features (like VIP access)
Setting Prices
You decide how much to charge for your tickets. Viagogo will show you the going rates for similar tickets to help you price competitively. Remember, if you price too high, your tickets might not sell.
Managing Listings
After listing your tickets, you can edit or remove the listing at any time before someone buys them. Keep an eye on your account to see if your tickets have sold.
Getting Paid
When someone buys your tickets, Viagogo handles the payment. They’ll send you the money, minus their service fee, about 10 business days after the event takes place. This delay helps protect buyers from fraud.
Viagogo’s Pricing Structure
Understanding Viagogo’s fees is crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Base Ticket Prices
The base price of tickets on Viagogo is set by the sellers. This can be higher or lower than the original face value of the ticket, depending on demand.
Service Fees for Buyers
Viagogo adds a booking fee to the ticket price. This fee varies but typically ranges from 20-25% of the ticket price. They also charge a delivery fee, which depends on the delivery method chosen.
Fees for Sellers
Sellers pay a service fee to Viagogo when their tickets sell. This fee is usually around 15% of the total booking value, though it can vary based on the ticket price.
Currency Conversion
If you’re buying tickets for an event in another country, Viagogo will show prices in your local currency. Be aware that exchange rates may affect the final price.
Viagogo’s Guarantee and Buyer Protection
Viagogo offers a buyer guarantee to give customers peace of mind.
100% Buyer Guarantee Explained
Viagogo promises that:
- You’ll get your tickets in time for the event
- The tickets will be valid for entry
- The tickets will match the description on the site
What’s Covered
If something goes wrong, Viagogo will try to find you comparable or better tickets. If that’s not possible, they’ll give you a full refund.
Refund Process
To claim a refund, you need to contact Viagogo within 10 days of the problem occurring. They may ask you to fill out a Dispute Claim Form and provide additional information.
Navigating the Viagogo Website and App
Viagogo’s platform is designed to be user-friendly, but it helps to know your way around.
User Interface Overview
The website and app have a clean layout with a prominent search bar. You can easily browse events by category or location.
Key Features
Some useful features include:
- Interactive seating charts
- Price alerts for specific events
- Ticket rating system (showing how good a deal is)
Mobile App Functionality
The Viagogo app offers most of the same features as the website. You can buy and sell tickets, view your orders, and get notifications about events you’re interested in.
Pros and Cons of Using Viagogo
Like any service, Viagogo has its strengths and weaknesses.
Advantages
- Wide selection of tickets, even for sold-out events
- Buyer protection guarantee
- Multiple currency and language support
Disadvantages
- Higher prices due to resale markups and fees
- Some users report customer service issues
- Pressure tactics like countdown timers during checkout
Comparison with Other Ticket Marketplaces
Viagogo’s main competitors include StubHub, Ticketmaster, and SeatGeek. Each platform has its strengths, so it’s worth comparing prices and policies across sites.
Tips for Buying Tickets on Viagogo
To get the most out of Viagogo, keep these tips in mind:
Researching Events and Prices
- Check the original ticket price on the event’s official website
- Look at prices across different resale sites
- Consider waiting if prices seem unusually high – they might drop closer to the event date
Understanding Ticket Types
Viagogo lists different types of tickets:
- Official tickets (bought directly from the event organizer)
- Season tickets (part of a season ticket package)
Make sure you understand what type of ticket you’re buying.
Reading Seller Ratings
Check the seller’s rating before buying. Sellers with higher ratings are generally more reliable.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Don’t rush into a purchase because of pressure tactics
- Double-check all details before confirming your order
- Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true
Tips for Selling Tickets on Viagogo
If you’re looking to sell tickets, here’s how to maximize your chances of a successful sale:
Pricing Strategies
- Research current market prices for similar tickets
- Consider lowering your price if your tickets aren’t selling
- Factor in Viagogo’s fees when setting your price
Maximizing Visibility
- List your tickets as soon as possible
- Provide accurate and detailed information about your tickets
- Upload e-tickets promptly if you have them
Managing Inventory
- Keep track of which tickets you’ve listed on which platforms
- Remove listings promptly if you sell the tickets elsewhere
Viagogo’s Legal and Regulatory Landscape
Viagogo has faced some legal challenges over the years.
Past Controversies
The company has been criticized for:
- Lack of transparency about fees
- Selling tickets that were invalid or didn’t exist
- Misleading marketing practices
Current Regulations
Many countries have introduced regulations for ticket resale platforms. These often require:
- Clear disclosure of fees
- Information about the original ticket’s face value
- Limits on ticket resale prices
Future Outlook
As regulations evolve, Viagogo and other resale platforms will need to adapt their practices to comply with new laws.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
Opinions on Viagogo are mixed.
Positive Feedback
Many users appreciate:
- The ability to find tickets for sold-out events
- The buyer guarantee
- The wide selection of events
Common Complaints
Some frequent criticisms include:
- High fees
- Difficulty reaching customer service
- Issues with refunds
How Viagogo Addresses Issues
Viagogo has made efforts to improve transparency and customer service in response to complaints. They’ve updated their website to make fees clearer and expanded their customer support team.
Viagogo’s Impact on the Ticketing Industry
Viagogo and other resale platforms have changed how people buy and sell tickets.
Market Share and Influence
Viagogo has a significant presence in the secondary ticket market, especially in Europe and Australia.
Effect on Primary Ticket Sellers
Resale platforms have pushed primary sellers to adopt dynamic pricing and improve their resale options.
Future of Ticket Resale
The ticket resale industry is likely to see continued regulation and technological innovation, such as blockchain-based ticketing systems.
Alternatives to Viagogo
While Viagogo is a major player, it’s not the only option for buying resale tickets.
Other Secondary Market Platforms
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- Vivid Seats
Primary Ticket Sellers
- Ticketmaster
- AXIS
- Eventbrite
Comparison of Features and Fees
Each platform has its fee structure and features. It’s worth comparing options to find the best deal for specific events.
Conclusion
Viagogo offers a way to buy and sell tickets for a wide range of events. It works by connecting sellers with buyers and handling the transaction process. While it can be a useful tool, especially for hard-to-get tickets, it’s important to understand how the platform works, including its fees and policies.
Whether you’re looking to score tickets to a sold-out show or trying to sell tickets you can’t use, Viagogo provides a platform to do so. Just remember to do your research, read the fine print, and make informed decisions when using the service.
By understanding how Viagogo works, you can navigate the ticket resale market more confidently and hopefully get to enjoy the events you love.
