Viagogo is the world’s largest secondary marketplace for live event tickets. It has faced a lot of criticism. People often get upset about high fees, marked-up prices, and issues with ticket validity and refunds.
But, there are ways to avoid these problems. You can find legal ways to buy event tickets without Viagogo’s fees. We’ll show you how to save money on your next event.
We’ll look at the true cost of buying tickets on Viagogo. You’ll learn about hidden fees and pricing tricks. Then, we’ll give you practical tips to save money.
Understanding the secondary ticket market’s pitfalls, you can make better choices. You’ll find primary ticket sources that offer a smooth, affordable ticket-buying experience.
The Real Cost of Viagogo Ticket Purchases
Viagogo is a well-known online ticket resale site. It often charges much more than the original ticket price. This can lead to hidden fees and higher costs for buyers.
Hidden Fees and Markup Pricing
Viagogo offers access to over 50 million live events. It promises clear pricing, but users often find unexpected fees. These can increase the total cost of tickets.
Daniel Shore from Somerset paid £216 for festival tickets worth £100. Lisa Herries from Yorkshire was charged £100 extra for comedy show tickets. These fees and sales tactics make Viagogo’s prices seem inflated.
Impact on Consumer Wallet
The high markups and fees on Viagogo can hurt buyers’ wallets. If tickets are invalid, buyers might need to buy new ones. This can be costly and frustrating.
These issues can make using Viagogo a bad experience. It’s important for buyers to know about these problems. They should look for better, more honest ticketing options to avoid Viagogo’s high prices.
Direct Ticket Purchase Methods from Official Sources
Buying tickets directly from official sources is the safest and most cost-effective way. You can find tickets on artist websites, venue box offices, and authorized primary ticket sellers. These places usually sell tickets at the original price, without the high prices found on secondary markets.
For instance, the Downs Festival in Bristol sold tickets on their official website at face value. But, platforms like Viagogo were charging much more. Buying from official sources means you get real, fair-priced tickets and avoid the risks of secondary sales.
| Ticket Source | Pricing | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Websites | Face Value | Legitimate tickets Avoid reseller markups Support the artist directly |
| Venue Box Offices | Face Value | Guaranteed authentic tickets No hidden fees or surcharges Personal customer service |
| Authorized Primary Sellers | Face Value | Trusted ticket providers Transparent pricing Reliable ticket distribution |
Buying tickets directly from official sources ensures you’re following legal and ethical practices. It also helps you avoid the risks of secondary ticket resale platforms.
How To Avoid Paying Viagogo
Buying tickets can be hard, thanks to sites like Viagogo. But, you can find cheaper ways to get your tickets. By looking at the main ticket market and authorized sellers, you can save money.
Primary Ticket Market Options
First, buy tickets directly from the event’s official sites. This means checking the artist’s or venue’s website. You can often get tickets at the original price.
Also, event organizers sometimes release more tickets as the event gets closer. Keep an eye out for these chances.
Authorized Reseller Networks
If the main market is sold out, try authorized reseller networks. These, like those from the FanFair Alliance, are checked and usually have good prices. Look for these on artist websites and social media to avoid Viagogo’s high fees.
| Ticket Resale Alternatives | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Primary Ticket Market | Face value tickets, potential last-minute availability |
| Authorized Reseller Networks | Vetted platforms, reasonable prices, avoiding Viagogo fees |
Using these alternatives and avoiding Viagogo’s fees, you can enjoy events without spending too much. Always check official sources and authorized sellers for a better ticket buying experience.
Spotting Legitimate Ticket Vendors vs Resellers
When you buy tickets, it’s key to tell real vendors from resellers. Real ticket sellers are usually found on official artist or venue sites. They offer a safe and trustworthy way to buy tickets. But, watch out for search engine results, as sites like Viagogo might be at the top, but they’re not always honest.
To find real vendors, look for official seals, secure payment options, and clear refund policies. Stay away from sites that use countdown timers or “selling fast” warnings. These tactics are often used by resellers like Viagogo to make you think you need to buy quickly and pay more.
- Avoid platforms that lack transparency or fail to disclose their reseller status.
- Seek out official ticket sources that offer consumer protection against avoiding scalpers and consumer protection against viagogo.
- Purchase tickets using credit or debit cards to maximize protection against fraud.
Being careful and choosing trusted ticket sellers, you can protect your money. This way, buying tickets will be easy and worry-free.
Consumer Rights and Ticket Protection Laws
When you buy tickets from places like Viagogo, you have legal rights. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has stepped in to make sure Viagogo follows the rules.
Legal Safeguards for Buyers
Buyers have the right to know the true cost of tickets. Viagogo must now show all fees and seat details clearly. They also have to reveal who is selling the tickets, so you know if it’s a real fan or a reseller.
Reporting Unfair Practices
If Viagogo treats you unfairly, get help from groups like Citizens Advice. The “Victims of Viagogo” Facebook group, started by Claire Turnham, also offers support. The CMA keeps an eye on Viagogo to make sure they follow the rules and fix any problems.
Smart Timing Strategies for Ticket Purchases
Buying tickets without the rush can help you avoid extra fees. Adam Webb from the FanFair Alliance suggests waiting patiently. This is because more show dates might be added for popular events.
Keep an eye on official channels for ticket releases. Sometimes, venues offer tickets that were held for production teams. Or, they might have tickets available as the event gets closer.
Timing your ticket buys wisely is key. About 26% of tickets are bought just a week before the event. And 12% are bought in the last 24 hours. Prices can change, with cheaper tickets often available a week before.
Being careful and flexible can help you avoid high costs. This way, you can enjoy your favorite events without the extra fees from platforms like Viagogo.
- Check prices during off-peak hours or opt for single seats to find cost savings.
- Consider traveling to alternate cities for concert dates, as this may offer more ticket options and potentially lower prices.
- Utilize price comparison tools like Google Flights and Kayak to analyze deals and identify the best time to purchase.
With a bit of planning and smart timing, you can enjoy your favorite events. You won’t have to deal with the hidden fees and markup pricing of resale platforms like Viagogo.
Official Box Office Alternatives
Looking for legal ways to buy tickets? There are better options than Viagogo. Buying directly from venues can save you money. You get tickets at face value, without extra fees.
Venue Direct Sales
Many places now sell tickets directly to fans. This way, tickets are sold at the original price. No hidden fees or markups.
Keep an eye on venue websites and social media. This way, you won’t miss out on direct sales.
Artist Fan Clubs
Joining an artist’s fan club can get you pre-sale tickets. Many artists offer these tickets at face value. Just sign up for the fan club and watch for pre-sale alerts.
Using these alternatives, you can enjoy live events without the high costs of the secondary market. A bit of research and planning can help you get tickets at the original price. Then, you can make memories that last a lifetime.
Red Flags in Secondary Ticket Markets
When buying event tickets, be careful of secondary markets. They might not guarantee ticket validity. Stories like Lisa Herries’ show the risks of name mismatches on Viagogo tickets.
Look out for red flags in secondary ticket sales. These include high prices, unclear seating, and no buyer protection. If a deal seems too good, it’s best to stay away.
Artists like Sir Elton John and Prince have criticized resale sites. They say these sites raise ticket prices too high. For example, Justin Bieber’s London O2 tickets were sold for up to £1,825, much more than the £50 face value.
Government reviews and groups have found more problems. They’ve seen tickets sold before official release and ignored event restrictions. Buying from unauthorized sellers can lead to cancelled tickets or no tickets at all.
Being careful, music fans can save money and enjoy events without stress. Always buy from official sources and use reliable price comparison tools.
Ticket Price Comparison Tools and Resources
Finding the right concert tickets can be tough. Prices change a lot, and there are many options. To get the best deal, use reliable tools and resources. They help you avoid high fees and find fair prices, making your concert experience better.
Reliable Comparison Platforms
SeatGeek, Gametime, and TicketSmarter are great for comparing tickets. They let you see different types, prices, and availability from various sellers. By using these platforms, you can find the best seats at good prices, avoiding Viagogo’s high fees.
Price Tracking Methods
Keeping up with ticket prices and availability is key. Use tools that alert you when tickets are released or prices drop. The FanFair Alliance helps you avoid overpaying by guiding you through the ticketing world.
