Buying event tickets safely online

Summary

There are lots of things to think about when you buy an event ticket, even from an official seller. Think about whether: * you can sign up for any pre-sale or preferential access tickets, for example, through a fan club, mobile phone or credit card company * there are any additional costs, for example booking, handling or transaction fees, or delivery charges * you’ll have to show proof of identity to get into the event * the event or artist says you can’t resell your ticket if you can’t go - check their websites If you can’t get a ticket from an official seller, try a ‘fan-to-fan’ website like Scarlet Mist or Twickets. Some artists and events recommend or link to these sites to resell tickets for their events. Tickets should be at the original price of the ticket (known as ‘face value’) or less. If you buy from Twickets, you’ll have to pay a 10% fee, but you’ll get a refund if the tickets aren’t as the seller described them. The seller can include up to 15% to cover original booking fees. There might be a delivery fee, depending on how you choose to receive your ticket. Scarlet Mist allows buyers and sellers to obtain each other’s details and arrange how to exchange tickets and.

Key information

• •you can sign up for any pre-sale or preferential access tickets, for example, through a fan club, mobile phone or credit card company
• •there are any additional costs, for example booking, handling or transaction fees, or delivery charges
• •you’ll have to show proof of identity to get into the event
• •the event or artist says you can’t resell your ticket if you can’t go - check their websites
• •what kind of tickets you’re buying - for example your seat number or if the tickets are for a standing area or has a restricted view
• •the original, or face value, price of the tickets
• •the total price you’ll have to pay - including any buyer fee (usually around 10% of the face value)
• •if the seller is connected to the website you’re buying from or the organiser of the event - for example if they work for them
• •if the seller is a business, they must give their name and business address - you might need to hover over or click on ‘seller’ to get that information and take a screenshot of that information in case you need it later
• •any restrictions on who can use the tickets - for example if they can’t be used by under-18s, the venue might ask for proof of identity, the artist or event might cancel resold tickets
• •give you wrong or misleading information - like selling you a ticket for a seat but sending you a ticket for a standing area
• •use unfair terms - like putting a restriction on reselling tickets in very small print

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Buying event tickets safely online](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/event-tickets/buying-event-tickets-safely-online/)

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