When it comes to purchasing tickets for concerts, sporting events, or any other type of live performance, you may have heard the term “presale.” But what exactly is a presale, and does it cost more than buying a ticket at the regular on-sale date?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions and provide you with a complete guide to presale tickets, including everything you need to know about their pricing and how to score the best deals.
What is a Presale?
A presale is essentially an exclusive period of time before the general public can purchase tickets to a live event. During this time, fans who have opted in, such as those on an artist’s fan club or a venue’s email list, are given access to the ticket sales before they go on sale to the general public.
Presales are a way for fans to get early access to tickets and sometimes better seating options. They are also a way for promoters and venues to generate interest in an event and gauge demand.
How Do Presales Work?
Presales are often announced several weeks or months in advance of the on-sale date. They typically last for a few days, during which time fans can purchase tickets through a specific vendor, such as Ticketmaster or Live Nation.
To gain access to a presale, you usually need to sign up for a specific mailing list, subscribe to an artist’s fan club, or have a promo code. These codes are often given out to fans who have previously purchased tickets to an artist’s show or who follow them on social media.
Once you have access to a presale, you can purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. However, it’s worth noting that presale tickets are often limited in availability and can sell out quickly.
Do Presale Tickets Cost More?
The answer to this question is not straightforward. Presale tickets may cost more, less, or the same as tickets sold during the regular on-sale period. It all depends on the specific event and the pricing strategy of the promoter or venue.
In some cases, presale tickets may be slightly more expensive than regular on-sale tickets. This is because promoters and venues know that fans who are willing to pay extra for early access to tickets are likely to be more dedicated and willing to spend more money overall.
On the other hand, presale tickets may also cost less than regular on-sale tickets. This can happen if the promoter or venue wants to incentivize fans to purchase tickets early and fill the venue. Lower prices could also be used to entice fans who might otherwise opt to wait for regular on-sale tickets to become available.
Presale tickets may also come with additional fees or charges, such as convenience fees, processing fees, or delivery fees. These fees can add up and make the overall cost of presale tickets higher than regular on-sale tickets.
It’s important to note that presale pricing can fluctuate depending on the demand for an event. If an event is not selling well during the presale, promoters and venues may lower prices to generate more interest and sell more tickets.
Tips for Scoring the Best Presale Ticket Deals
If you’re interested in purchasing presale tickets, here are some tips and tricks to help you score the best deals:
1. Sign up for mailing lists: Join the mailing lists of ticket vendors, venues, and artists you’re interested in seeing. This will ensure that you’re notified as soon as presale tickets become available.
2. Follow on social media: Follow your favorite artists and venues on social media, as they often announce presale dates and codes there.
3. Join fan clubs: Some artists have fan clubs that offer exclusive access to presale tickets. Joining these clubs can give you a better chance of getting early access to tickets.
4. Set a reminder: Once you know the presale date, set a reminder on your calendar or phone so that you don’t forget to purchase tickets during the exclusive window.
5. Be flexible: If possible, be flexible with your seating choices. Sometimes, less desirable seats may be discounted during presales, giving you a chance to see a show at a lower cost.
In Conclusion
Presale tickets can be a great way to secure seats to a popular event before they sell out. However, there is no guarantee that presale tickets will cost more or less than regular on-sale tickets. By following our tips and tricks, you can increase your chances of scoring the best presale ticket deals and have a memorable live event experience.