The world of online ticketing is changing fast. Platforms like SeatGeek and Stubhub are fighting hard for customers. They offer different fees and ways of doing business.
Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation Entertainment, is a big player. It gets about two-thirds of U.S. ticketing demand. But SeatGeek and Stubhub are finding their own spots in the market.
A 2018 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office showed ticketing fees average about 30% of ticket prices. Fees can range from 13% to 58%. This has raised concerns, with the Department of Justice suing Live Nation for possible monopoly.
SeatGeek and Stubhub are two big names in this space. They have different fee structures and ways to make buying tickets easy. Knowing the differences can help you choose the best option for you.
Secondary Market Ticketing Platforms Evolution
The secondary market for concert and sports tickets has changed a lot in recent years. Digital ticket sales have made a big impact, with sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats becoming key players. They help sell tickets that are no longer needed.
Rise of Digital Ticket Sales
In 1993, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought 80% of Ticketmaster for $300 million. This was a big moment for the industry. Ticketmaster teamed up with America Online, making it easier for fans to buy tickets online. Now, most tickets are sold online, changing the market a lot.
Market Share Distribution
Just a few big names dominate the secondary ticket market. StubHub, Ticketmaster, and TicketNetwork hold about 45% of the market. These companies are worth billions, with StubHub looking to go public at a $16.5 billion value.
Primary vs Secondary Markets
Primary ticket sites like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek sell tickets directly from event organizers and fans. Secondary sites like StubHub focus on reselling tickets. The way these markets work together is key to the ticketing world.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Global Secondary Tickets Market Value (2023) | $1,634 million |
| Projected Global Secondary Tickets Market Value (2032) | $3,027.6 million |
| Projected CAGR (2024-2032) | 9.1% |
| Top 3 Players’ Market Share | 45% |
| North America and Europe Market Share | 80% |
| Sporting Events Application Sector Share | 60% |
The secondary market ticketing world is always changing. New players, technologies, and rules are shaping it. Knowing these changes is important for both buyers and sellers in the concert tickets and sports tickets world.
Seatgeek Fees Vs Stubhub: Direct Fee Comparison
Online ticket buying comes with fees from platforms like SeatGeek and StubHub. These fees can greatly affect the final cost for buyers. Let’s explore how these two big names compare in their pricing.
SeatGeek shows the total ticket cost upfront, including fees. These fees change based on the event, artist, venue, or seat. Sometimes, fees are high, but other times they’re lower than market value.
StubHub lists ticket prices without fees until checkout. Then, fees can be quite high, from 20% to 30% of the ticket price. They charge a 10% buyer service fee and a 15% processing fee for sellers.
| Fee Comparison | SeatGeek | StubHub |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer Fee | Varies | 10% |
| Seller Fee | 20% | 15% |
| Available Markets | North America, South America, Europe | United States, Europe |
StubHub’s fees are more set, but can still be up to $500 per ticket in some cases. Both platforms aim to offer a safe and reliable way to buy tickets. They have guarantees and support for customers.
When looking at SeatGeek pricing and StubHub pricing, remember to consider the total cost. Think about any event ticket markups. Choose the platform that offers the best value and features for you.
Platform Features and User Experience
The secondary ticket market is changing fast. SeatGeek and StubHub have updated their digital platforms to make things easier for users. They both have mobile apps for iOS and Android. This lets customers check ticket info and buy tickets anytime, anywhere.
Mobile App Functionality
SeatGeek’s app is simple and easy to use. Its main page focuses on searching for tickets. StubHub’s app, however, has a more varied homepage. It shows event recommendations based on your location.
Ticket Search and Filtering Options
Both platforms have great search and filtering tools. Users can sort tickets by price, seat location, and event date. SeatGeek’s “Deal Score” feature is unique. It evaluates ticket value based on venue and seat quality.
Interactive Seating Maps
SeatGeek and StubHub offer interactive seating maps. These maps let users see the view from different seats. This helps them pick the best seats for their budget and preferences.
SeatGeek and StubHub keep improving their platforms. They make it simpler for customers to explore the secondary ticket market. This way, finding the right event tickets is easier than ever.
Ticket Selection and Availability Differences
When it comes to tickets, SeatGeek and StubHub have their own perks. SeatGeek focuses on sports events but also has tickets for music concerts and more. StubHub, on the other hand, offers tickets for a wide range of sports, music, and theater events.
StubHub is great for those who want to buy tickets at the last minute. You can get tickets even just minutes before the event. SeatGeek, however, offers a wide selection by gathering tickets from many websites.
| Metric | SeatGeek | StubHub |
|---|---|---|
| Event Coverage | Specializes in sports events but also offers music concerts and other live performances | Provides tickets for a diverse range of sports, music, and theater events |
| Last-Minute Ticket Availability | – | Allows last-minute ticket purchases, even minutes before an event starts |
| Ticket Aggregation | Aggregates tickets from multiple websites, providing a broader selection | Operates primarily as a resale marketplace |
Both sites let you follow your favorite artists and venues. This way, you get notified about new events and can buy tickets early. It’s perfect for fans and event lovers.
Safety Measures and Buyer Protection
Secondary market ticketing platforms focus a lot on safety and buyer protection. StubHub and SeatGeek have strong security to keep transactions safe and protect buyers.
Refund Policies
StubHub leads with its “FanProtect” guarantee, ensuring tickets arrive before events. SeatGeek also has solid security for its platform. But, when buyers go to third-party sites, SeatGeek’s security might not be the same.
Verification Systems
Both platforms have faced legal issues over pricing transparency and consumer protection. StubHub offers over 10 million tickets, serving a wide range of buyers. SeatGeek searches many sites for tickets and uses its own verification systems for safe deals.
Transaction Security
SeatGeek’s “Deal Score” helps users understand ticket value. Both platforms have mobile apps with similar features and fees. But, SeatGeek’s live chat and easy-to-use interface might offer better transaction security and customer service.
Delivery Methods and Transfer Options
Choosing how to get your tickets is key. SeatGeek and StubHub have many ways to deliver tickets. They meet different needs and likes.
SeatGeek mainly sends tickets digitally. You get them by email or through the SeatGeek app. This makes getting tickets easy and avoids paper hassle. But, if you want a real ticket, SeatGeek lets you print it at home or mail it. Just be aware, there might be extra costs.
StubHub gives you both digital tickets and paper tickets. You can pick to get tickets digitally or have them mailed. This choice fits more people’s needs.
Both sites also let you transfer tickets. This means you can send tickets to others. But, some tickets can’t be shared because of rules at venues or events. Ticket sellers use special tools to manage tickets well and avoid selling the same ticket twice.
| Delivery Method | SeatGeek | StubHub |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Tickets | Email, Mobile App | Email, Mobile App |
| Paper Tickets | Print at Home, Mail Delivery | Mail Delivery |
| Ticket Transfer | Supported, with some restrictions | Supported, with some restrictions |
In short, SeatGeek and StubHub have many ways to deliver tickets. Digital tickets are easy, but paper tickets are good for those who like something they can hold. The way you get your tickets can really affect your experience.
Price Transparency and Hidden Costs
Seatgeek and StubHub have been criticized for their unclear pricing. They use hidden fees and “drip pricing” that can raise the final cost. A 2021 study showed that last-minute fees make consumers spend 21% more than upfront prices.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the TICKET Act in May 2022. It aims to show total prices upfront on ticket sales platforms. Canada banned drip pricing, leading to a $4.5 million settlement with Ticketmaster in 2019. StubHub also paid over $20 million in a U.S. lawsuit for false advertising.
Both Seatgeek and StubHub have promised to change their pricing. In 2024, Seatgeek and Ticketmaster will offer clear, upfront prices with no hidden fees. This could help regain consumer trust and make ticket sales more efficient.
