Whether your plans have changed or you’re just looking to recoup the cost of unused event tickets, Ticketmaster makes it possible to sell or return your tickets in certain cases. If you’ve ever wondered how to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster, how the process works, and how much Ticketmaster charges to sell tickets, you’re not alone. This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about reselling and returning tickets through Ticketmaster’s official resale platform.
Why You Might Want to Sell Your Tickets Back to Ticketmaster
Let’s face it: life happens. You might have bought concert, sports, or theater tickets months ago, only to realize you can no longer attend. Rather than letting those tickets go to waste, many fans explore the option to sell tickets back to Ticketmaster.
Can You Sell Tickets Back to Ticketmaster?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions: Can you sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster? The answer is yes, but with some important conditions.
Ticketmaster doesn’t offer direct buybacks in most cases. Instead, it allows you to list your ticket for resale on its official Fan-to-Fan Exchange. This means:
- You are not selling your tickets directly to Ticketmaster.
- Instead, you list them on Ticketmaster’s platform, and another fan purchases them.
- Once sold, Ticketmaster handles the ticket transfer and payment processing.
If your event and ticket type qualify, this is the safest and most convenient way to sell.
How to Sell Your Tickets Back to Ticketmaster (Step-by-Step)
Ready to resell your tickets? Here’s exactly how to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster through their Fan-to-Fan Exchange.
1: Log in to Your Ticketmaster Account
Go to www.ticketmaster.com and sign in with the email and password you used to purchase the tickets.
2: Navigate to “My Tickets”
Click on your profile and go to the “My Tickets” section to view upcoming events.
3: Select the Event
Click on the event you can no longer attend. If resale is available for this event, you’ll see a “Sell” button.
4: Click “Sell”
If your ticket is eligible for resale, click the “Sell” button to begin the listing process. (If you don’t see this option, your ticket or event may not be eligible for resale—more on that below.)
5: Set the Price
You can set your own price. Ticketmaster may offer a recommended range based on similar listings. Make sure you’re competitive but realistic.
6: Choose a Payout Method
You’ll need to add a payment method to receive your payout. Ticketmaster supports:
- Direct deposit (most common in the U.S.)
- PayPal (in some regions)
7: Confirm and Publish
Review the ticket details, delivery method, and pricing. Once everything looks good, publish your listing. Your ticket is now available for other fans to purchase.
How Much Does Ticketmaster Charge to Sell Tickets?
Now to the big question: How much does Ticketmaster charge to sell tickets?
The short answer: Around 10%–15% of the final sale price.
Here’s a closer look at the fees involved:
| Type of Fee | Description | Typical Range |
| Seller Fee | Deducted from your payout | 10%–15% |
| Buyer Fee | Charged to the buyer (not you) | Varies, up to 20%–30% |
| Listing Fee | $0 – Listing is free | Free |
Example: If you list a ticket for $100 and it sells, you might receive $85–$90 after fees.
Ticketmaster will show you the exact amount you’ll receive before you publish your listing, so there are no surprises.
Requirements to Sell Tickets on Ticketmaster
Not all events and tickets are eligible for resale. Here are the conditions you must meet to sell tickets back to Ticketmaster via their Fan-to-Fan Exchange:
Eligible Ticket Type
Your ticket must be:
- Originally purchased from Ticketmaster
- A verified digital ticket (mobile or electronic)
- Transferable (some artist or venue policies may prevent resale)
Eligible Event
The event itself must allow resale. Some festivals, charity events, and presale tickets are non-transferable by default.
Time Window
Tickets cannot be listed too close to the event start time. Typically, you must list tickets at least a few hours before showtime.
Alternatives If Ticketmaster Doesn’t Allow You to Sell
If you’re unable to sell tickets back to Ticketmaster, consider these alternatives:
- StubHub: One of the most popular ticket resale platforms, supports many ticket types and events.
- SeatGeek: User-friendly platform with strong resale support.
- Resell to a Friend: If resale is restricted, some events still allow you to transfer tickets directly via email or app.
- Social Media/Local Groups: Use Facebook groups or fan pages—but be cautious of scams.
Always double-check if reselling outside of Ticketmaster violates event policies. Some tickets are non-transferable or voided if sold elsewhere.
FAQs About Selling Tickets Back to Ticketmaster
Q: Can I sell any ticket on Ticketmaster?
No. Only tickets purchased directly through Ticketmaster (and marked as eligible) can be resold via their Fan-to-Fan Exchange.
Q: How do I know if my ticket is eligible?
When you view your event in your account, a “Sell” button will appear if the ticket qualifies. If it’s missing, resale is not available for that ticket.
Q: Can I set any price I want?
Generally yes, but some events enforce price caps to comply with anti-scalping laws or artist policies.
Q: Can I cancel a resale listing?
Yes, as long as the ticket hasn’t been sold yet. Go to your account and remove the listing under “My Tickets.”
Q: What if my ticket doesn’t sell?
If the ticket doesn’t sell by the time the event starts, it remains yours. No fees are charged for unsold tickets.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster can save you time, money, and hassle if you can’t attend an event. With secure payments, verified ticket transfers, and millions of potential buyers, Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan Exchange offers a straightforward way to recoup your investment.
