If you’ve ever bought concert, sports, or theater tickets and later couldn’t attend, you’ve likely wondered: “How much does Ticketmaster charge to sell tickets?”, “How to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster?”, or simply “How to sell tickets back to Ticketmaster.”
Luckily, Ticketmaster has built-in resale options for many events, allowing you to resell your tickets directly through their platform — safely and officially. But while the process is straightforward, the fees and fine print can surprise first-time sellers.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about reselling your tickets on Ticketmaster, including how much Ticketmaster charges to sell tickets, how to list them, when you’ll get paid, and how to make the most from your resale.
What Is Ticketmaster Resale?
Ticketmaster’s fan-to-fan resale marketplace lets you list tickets you can no longer use and sell them securely through your Ticketmaster account.
Unlike third-party platforms like StubHub or Vivid Seats, Ticketmaster resale happens within the official event ecosystem. This means:
- The tickets remain verified by Ticketmaster.
- Buyers receive new, valid tickets in their own accounts.
- You don’t need to manually transfer tickets or worry about scams.
The feature is typically available for concerts, major sporting events, comedy shows, and theater performances — though not all events allow resale.
How to Check If You Can Sell Tickets Back to Ticketmaster
Before you can list, you’ll need to confirm that resale is allowed for your event.
Here’s how:
- Log in to your Ticketmaster account.
- Go to “My Tickets.”
- Select the event you want to sell.
- If the event allows resale, you’ll see a “Sell” or “Sell Tickets” button.
If there’s no “Sell” button, Ticketmaster resale is not enabled for that event — either because of the artist, venue, or promoter restrictions.
Pro tip: Some events only allow you to transfer tickets to another person, not resell them. If resale is disabled, consider using the transfer option or listing them on another approved marketplace.
Step-by-Step: How to Sell Your Tickets Back to Ticketmaster
Here’s the simple process to sell tickets directly through Ticketmaster’s resale platform:
Step 1: Log in and Access Your Event
Go to your Ticketmaster account on the website or mobile app. Under “My Tickets,” find the event you can’t attend.
Step 2: Click “Sell Tickets”
If the resale option is available, click “Sell.” Ticketmaster will automatically show your seats (section, row, seat numbers) and let you select which ones to sell.
Step 3: Set Your Price
You can set your own price, but Ticketmaster may suggest a range based on current market trends.
Keep in mind:
- Some events cap resale prices to prevent price gouging.
- You’ll receive your payment minus Ticketmaster’s seller fee.
Step 4: Confirm Payout Method
Ticketmaster typically pays sellers via direct deposit to your bank account, but payout methods can vary by country.
You’ll need to enter your bank details or confirm an existing account before completing the listing.
Step 5: Publish Your Listing
Once you list your tickets, they’ll appear alongside other verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster’s event page. Buyers will see your seats and price, just like any other listing.
Step 6: Wait for the Sale
When someone purchases your tickets:
- Ticketmaster cancels your original barcodes.
- New barcodes are generated for the buyer.
- You’ll get a confirmation email and your payout is scheduled automatically.
Step 7: Get Paid
You’ll typically receive payment 5–7 business days after the event (once Ticketmaster confirms the event occurred without issues).
How Much Does Ticketmaster Charge to Sell Tickets?
Here’s the key question most fans ask: “How much does Ticketmaster charge to sell tickets?”
Ticketmaster’s fees vary depending on the event, venue, and ticket price — but here’s what you can generally expect:
- Seller fee: Usually 10% to 15% of your ticket’s sale price.
- Buyer fee: Buyers also pay a service fee (often 15%–25% of the total), but that doesn’t affect your payout directly.
Example:
If you sell a concert ticket for $200:
- Ticketmaster may take around $25 (12.5%) as a seller fee.
- You’ll receive $175 in your payout.
However, the fee structure isn’t displayed until you actually list your ticket, since Ticketmaster’s pricing model is dynamic and may depend on the promoter’s agreement.
Tip: Always check your “estimated payout” before confirming your listing to understand exactly how much you’ll receive after fees.
Why Does Ticketmaster Charge Seller Fees?
Ticketmaster charges fees to cover:
- Payment processing (credit card transactions).
- Ticket verification (ensuring valid barcodes).
- Customer protection under its Fan Guarantee, ensuring safe resale experiences.
- Platform maintenance and fraud prevention across millions of listings.
While some sellers see it as steep, the benefit is you’re using an official resale channel that minimizes risk of fraud or invalid tickets — something that can’t always be guaranteed on third-party sites.
When You Can’t Sell Tickets Back to Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster resale isn’t available for all events. You won’t see the “Sell” button if:
- The event organizer or artist has disabled resale.
- The ticket type is non-transferable or linked to your identity.
- You bought tickets using a presale, group package, or special offer that prohibits resale.
- The event is too close to its start time (some listings close 1–2 hours before).
If this happens, you can:
- Transfer tickets to a friend or family member using the “Transfer” option.
- List on a third-party site like StubHub or SeatGeek (only if Ticketmaster allows transfer).
Pros & Cons of Selling on Ticketmaster
Pros:
- 100% verified tickets (no scams or invalid barcodes).
- Automatic delivery to the buyer (no manual transfer needed).
- Payment is guaranteed after the event.
- Simple listing process within your Ticketmaster account.
Cons:
- Seller fees (10–15%) reduce your payout.
- Not all events allow resale.
- Payment is delayed until after the event occurs.
- You can’t always control the buyer’s fees or final ticket price visibility.
Tips for Selling Tickets Successfully
If you want to maximize your return when you sell tickets back to Ticketmaster, follow these tips:
- List Early:
The earlier you list, the more likely your tickets will sell before event day. - Monitor Market Prices:
If your tickets aren’t selling, lower your price slightly — Ticketmaster shows what similar seats are going for. - Avoid Overpricing:
Ticketmaster may limit resale prices for high-demand events, especially to prevent price gouging. Stay within fair market value. - Be Accurate:
Double-check your seat details before listing to avoid cancellation or disputes. - Keep Notifications On:
Ticketmaster will notify you immediately when your tickets sell. - Watch Cutoff Times:
Some events close resale listings a few hours before start time — don’t wait until the last minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Ticketmaster charge to sell tickets?
Ticketmaster usually takes 10–15% of the ticket’s sale price as a seller fee. The exact percentage depends on the event.
2. Can I sell my tickets back to Ticketmaster for a refund?
No, Ticketmaster doesn’t buy tickets back directly or offer refunds unless the event is canceled or rescheduled. You can only resell your tickets through their resale platform.
3. When do I get paid after selling tickets on Ticketmaster?
You’ll receive your payout within 5–7 business days after the event has taken place.
4. Can I cancel a resale listing?
Yes, you can remove your listing anytime before the tickets are sold. Once they’re purchased, the sale is final.
5. What happens if my tickets don’t sell?
If your tickets don’t sell, they’ll remain in your account. You can either attend the event or transfer them to someone else.
Conclusion
Selling tickets on Ticketmaster is one of the safest and most convenient ways to recover your money when plans change. Whether you’re wondering how much does Ticketmaster charge to sell tickets, how to sell your tickets back to Ticketmaster, or simply how to sell tickets back to Ticketmaster, the process is easy once you understand the steps.
While seller fees typically range between 10–15%, the peace of mind and security of using Ticketmaster’s verified resale system make it worthwhile.