Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster are dominant forces in secondary ticket sales and key players in the digital ticketing industry. Vivid Seats, started in 2001, is a marketplace for many ticket sellers and offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee.
Ticketmaster, owned by Live Nation Entertainment, handles about two-thirds of U.S. ticket demand. Both platforms offer tickets for concerts and sports. They are crucial for those looking for event tickets.
When comparing Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster, we look at pricing, fees, seat selection, and customer service. These platforms aim to make buying tickets easy and enjoyable. They are vital for fans and ticket resellers.
Market Share and Platform Dominance
The ticketing industry has changed a lot in recent years. Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, is now the top player. With a market value over $22 billion, they control more than 70% of the live event and concert ticket market since 1995.
Digital Ticketing Evolution
Digital ticketing has changed the industry a lot. Since Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought Ticketmaster for $300 million in 1993, tickets are now mostly sold online. Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment lead this digital shift.
Current Industry Valuations
The current values show who’s leading in the ticketing world. Live Nation Entertainment, Ticketmaster’s parent, is worth $22.7 billion. StubHub is looking at a $16.5 billion IPO. Vivid Seats, a big name in secondary ticket availability, is valued at $1.1 billion. Together, these companies are as valuable as all 32 NHL teams.
| Company | Valuation |
|---|---|
| Live Nation Entertainment (Ticketmaster) | $22.7 billion |
| StubHub | $16.5 billion (IPO) |
| Vivid Seats | $1.1 billion |
This data shows how big Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment are in the market. They have a lot of power and money.
Vivid Seats Vs Ticketmaster: Fee Structures and Pricing Models
In the live event ticketing world, how much you pay can change a lot. A 2018 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that fees can be from 13% to 58% of the ticket price. This is true for both primary and secondary ticketing companies.
Vivid Seats makes money by charging service fees to both buyers and sellers. These fees are a percentage of the ticket price. The company focuses on making things easy for users and offers deals and rewards to add value. On the other hand, Ticketmaster has different fees like service fees, convenience fees, and processing fees. These can add up to a third of the stated service charge for concerts.
Ticketmaster’s fees can be between 10% and 25%. This might make it cheaper than Vivid Seats, which charges between 20% and 40%. For example, a 25% service fee on a $150 ticket adds $37.50, making the total $187.50. But Vivid Seats also has discounts and promo codes to help lower these costs.
The live event ticketing industry is very competitive. This competition can affect prices and what you pay. It’s smart to look at different platforms to find the best deals. This way, you can make a choice based on the total cost, including taxes and delivery fees.
Ticket Security and Verification Systems
In the world of ticket resellers, keeping things secure and trustworthy is key. Vivid Seats leads the way with a strict seller verification process. Before they can list tickets, sellers must apply and get approved. This makes sure the tickets are real.
Vivid Seats also offers a 100% Buyer Guarantee for all ticket buys. This gives customers confidence. If an event is canceled, Vivid Seats offers a full refund or a 110% credit for future tickets, meeting customer needs.
Seller Verification Processes
Vivid Seats and other resellers know how vital it is to check sellers. They have strict screening to make sure only trusted sellers can list tickets. This helps prevent scams and gives buyers peace of mind that their tickets are genuine.
Buyer Protection Guarantees
Vivid Seats has a strong 100% Buyer Guarantee to protect ticket buyers. This means customers can buy tickets without worry, knowing their money is safe. If a problem arises, Vivid Seats offers a full refund or a 110% credit for future tickets.
Event Cancellation Policies
The live event world sometimes faces cancellations or changes. Vivid Seats has flexible policies for these situations. If an event is rescheduled, customers can choose to go on the new date or sell their tickets.
Vivid Seats and other top ticket resellers focus on security and customer needs. They aim to make ticket buying and event going smooth and reliable.
Secondary Market Integration and Cross-Platform Sales
The secondary market has become key in ticket sales. Sites like Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster now offer easy cross-platform sales. They meet the needs of both buyers and sellers.
Vivid Seats has grown in Asia since 2017. Their Skybox feature connects to StubHub and TicketMaster+/TicketsNow. This lets ticket resellers list for free. It also helps professional brokers avoid double sales with Ticket Utils.
Ticketmaster is tackling the secondary market’s challenges. Their TradeDesk tool checks tickets on Ticketmaster, making sales safer and more transparent. Their Verified Fan program has also reduced resale by up to 90% on over 100 tours. This helps real fans and limits ticket resellers.
While cross-platform sales are easier, not all tickets can be resold. This makes resale tricky. It’s crucial to know the event and platform rules before buying or selling tickets.
To wrap up
The ticketing world is complex, with many pricing models and fees. Vivid Seats and Ticketmaster each have their own strengths. They serve different needs in the ticket market.
Legal battles and new laws could change the ticketing world. The DOJ’s lawsuit against Live Nation and the TICKET Act are examples. These could impact how tickets are sold and priced.
When picking a ticket site, think about fees, protection, and reliability. Vivid Seats often had better prices, but Ticketmaster’s prices were sometimes higher. But, the total cost can vary a lot.
The ticket market keeps changing, with prices that shift and the secondary market’s role. It’s important for buyers to stay up to date. Knowing about Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster, and others helps find good deals. This way, fans can enjoy events without spending too much.
