In the world of event tickets, Ticketmaster, StubHub, and SeatGeek lead the way. These sites are top choices for fans of sports, concerts, and theater in the U.S. Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation Entertainment, is worth $22.7 billion and handles most U.S. ticket sales. StubHub is valued at $16.5 billion and has considered an IPO. SeatGeek almost went public for $1.4 billion, highlighting their importance.
These ticket sites offer both primary and secondary market services. They help fans get tickets to big events and find last-minute deals. They are key to the ticketing experience for many.
Stubhub Vs Seatgeek Vs Ticketmaster
When looking to buy tickets for sports, music, and shows, fans have many choices. The main ticket market is run by big names like Ticketmaster. But, the secondary market, where fans sell their tickets, has grown with platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.
Primary Market Services
Ticketmaster and SeatGeek work in both main and secondary markets. They let fans buy tickets directly and also resell them. StubHub mainly focuses on the secondary market, helping fans sell their tickets.
Secondary Market Platforms
StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster all have a wide selection of tickets. They let fans follow their favorite artists, venues, and cities. Each platform has a website and app, but they differ in how easy they are to use.
Platform Features Comparison
| Feature | StubHub | SeatGeek | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticket Pricing Transparency | Fees are included in the ticket price | Fees are included in the ticket price | Fees are added at checkout |
| Ticket Resale | Focused on secondary market | Offers both primary and secondary market tickets | Offers both primary and secondary market tickets |
| Ticket Delivery | Digital tickets and physical delivery | Digital tickets and physical delivery | Digital tickets and physical delivery |
| Customer Support | Phone, email, and live chat support | Phone, email, and live chat support | Phone, email, and live chat support |
The three platforms offer a variety of services for ticket buyers. They cater to different needs, from buying directly to reselling. Knowing what each platform offers helps fans choose the best for their events.
Ticket Pricing Structures and Fee Analysis
Understanding ticket prices can be tough for fans. Fees vary from 13% to 58% of the ticket cost, averaging about 30%. Knowing these fees helps you save money when buying tickets.
Ticketmaster keeps one-third of the service charge, with the rest going to the venue. Sites like StubHub charge both buyers and sellers, sometimes up to $500 per ticket. SeatGeek’s fees change based on the event and other factors.
TickPick stands out by showing the total cost, including fees, upfront. This clear pricing aims to make buying tickets easier and more honest. It might also push the industry towards clearer pricing.
The value of ticketing sites is huge, rivaling the NHL’s team worth. Companies like Vivid Seats are worth $1.1 billion. StubHub and SeatGeek could be worth $16.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, if they go public.
The ticket pricing world is complex and always changing. Each site has its own fees and pricing. Fans need to carefully choose to get the best deal for their events.
Mobile Apps and Digital Experience
The digital world is always changing, and ticket sales platforms are keeping up. Big names like SeatGeek, StubHub, Ticketmaster, and Gametime have mobile apps for both iOS and Android. These apps let users find events, buy tickets, and get updates and alerts.
User Interface Design
The design of these apps is key to a good experience. SeatGeek and StubHub have made their apps easy to use and nice to look at. TickPick’s app is special because it shows the full price, including fees, right away.
Mobile Features and Functionality
- SeatGeek and StubHub apps have lots of features, like searching for tickets and getting alerts.
- Gametime is great for last-minute ticket buys, focusing on quick, mobile use.
- Vivid Seats has a rewards program, where users can get free tickets after buying a few.
App Performance Metrics
SeatGeek shines in app performance, with a high SUPR-Q score. This score shows how happy users are with the app. On the other hand, Vivid Seats needs to work on its app, with a low score.
| Ticketing Platform | SUPR-Q Score | Usability Score | Trust Score | Net Promoter Score (NPS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeatGeek | 76th percentile | 76th percentile | 55th percentile | 17% |
| StubHub | 41st percentile | 41st percentile | 55th percentile | -5% |
| Vivid Seats | 32nd percentile | 48th percentile | 24th percentile | -23% |
| AXS | 65th percentile | 65th percentile | 79th percentile | 4% |
Security Measures and Purchase Protection
When buying tickets, security and buyer protection are key. Ticketmaster is seen as a top choice for its strong ticket security. It uses advanced encryption and fraud detection to keep transactions safe and prevent fraud prevention.
StubHub, the biggest secondary market player, also focuses on security. It offers buyer guarantees to make sure customers get valid tickets before the event. This adds extra peace of mind.
- StubHub’s buyer protection policy covers the full purchase price if the ticket is invalid or doesn’t arrive in time for the event.
- SeatGeek has security for its transactions but warns about third-party websites. The platform’s buyer protection might not apply there.
The focus on ticket security, fraud prevention, and buyer guarantees shows the industry’s dedication. It aims to give sports and entertainment fans a safe and reliable experience.
Customer Support Quality and Accessibility
Customer service varies across leading ticket platforms. SeatGeek shines with its easy-to-reach support through live chat, phone, and email. On the other hand, StubHub only allows account holders to contact their support team and doesn’t offer live chat.
Both SeatGeek and StubHub have detailed FAQs in their online help sections. But, StubHub’s phone wait time is about 10 minutes. This can be a big problem for those who need quick help.
Problem Resolution Success Rates
Customer service is not just about being available. It’s also about solving problems well. TickPick has been praised for its customer service team. They helped when other sites failed to keep their promises.
Support Channels Available
- SeatGeek: Live chat, phone, email
- StubHub: Phone, email (requires account access)
- TickPick: Phone, email, contact form
The quality and ease of support options greatly affect the customer service experience. It also impacts how well problems are resolved.
Ticket Transfer and Resale Options
Dealing with ticket resale and transfer can be tricky. Each site has its own rules and features. Sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster offer places to sell tickets, but moving tickets around is different on each one.
Most sites don’t help you sell tickets on other platforms. But StubHub lets sellers use tools from Ticketmaster or other apps. This makes it easier to sell tickets.
Some tickets can’t be transferred, making sales harder. Professional brokers use special software to sell on many sites at once. But regular people might not have the same options.
How you can transfer or sell tickets changes with each platform and event. For example, SeatGeek might charge 10-30% extra fees. TickPick tries to keep things simple with no extra fees, but they still have a small processing fee.
It’s key to know how each site handles ticket sales and transfers. By looking at the rules and fees of different sites, buyers and sellers can make smart choices. This helps them meet their needs better.
Market Coverage and Event Selection
The top online ticket sites – StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster – offer a wide range of events. They have something for everyone, whether you want sports tickets, concert tickets, or other event variety.
Sports Events Availability
SeatGeek is a top choice for sports fans. It offers tickets for big games in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. StubHub and Ticketmaster also have a strong selection, making it easy to find tickets for your favorite teams.
Concert and Entertainment Options
These sites are also great for finding concert tickets and other entertainment. You can find tickets for music festivals, Broadway shows, comedy, and more. They have something for every cultural interest and preference.
Regional Event Coverage
These platforms cover events all over, so you can find tickets for local or distant events. Whether you want to see a hometown team or explore a new event, they offer a wide range of options across different locations.
| Platform | Sports Events | Concerts and Entertainment | Regional Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| StubHub | Wide selection of tickets for major league sports | Extensive options for concerts, shows, and cultural events | Nationwide coverage with a focus on major metropolitan areas |
| SeatGeek | Specializes in sports events, particularlly professional leagues | Diverse range of concert, theater, and entertainment options | Broad geographic reach, including smaller markets and regional events |
| Ticketmaster | Comprehensive sports event coverage, including professional and collegiate levels | Market leader in concert, theater, and live entertainment ticketing | Unparalleled national and international event coverage |
Delivery Methods and Timeline
Leading platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster offer different ticket delivery options. You can choose from digital mobile tickets, traditional e-tickets, or physical ticket delivery.
SeatGeek lets you get tickets via email or through their app. You can show your tickets on your phone for easy entry. They also let you print your tickets, so you don’t need to wait for mail.
StubHub mainly uses digital mobile tickets through their app and emails. But, they also offer physical ticket delivery for a fee. This is for those who like to hold a real ticket.
More venues are now accepting mobile tickets and e-tickets. This move away from paper tickets has made entry faster and easier.
How long it takes to get your tickets depends on the delivery method and how close the event is. Digital tickets are usually ready right away. Physical tickets might take a few days or weeks, depending on the shipping.
“SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee promises to provide money back or better solutions if events are canceled, giving customers peace of mind when making their purchases.”
The ticketing world has changed a lot, offering many delivery choices. Digital tickets are now more popular, making buying and using tickets easier and faster.
Pricing Transparency and Hidden Fees
Transparency in ticket prices is essential for event-goers. Platforms like SeatGeek and Ticketmaster promise upfront costs with no hidden fees. But, the truth is more complicated. Sellers on secondary markets might pay up to 15% in fees, while pros get rates around 4%.
Finding your way through ticketing fees can be tough. Ticketmaster might offer 0% fee deals for certain events. But, StubHub and SeatGeek add fees from 18% to 30% at checkout. This makes it hard to compare prices and find the best deals.
Some platforms, like TickPick, show the total cost, including fees, upfront. Others, like Ticketnology and Ticket Fund, help clients avoid hidden costs. They ensure you get the best deals in the complex fee world.
