Is StubHub Legitimate? What Ticket Buyers and Sellers Should Know

"Los Angeles, CA, USA - November 5, 2012: Music concert show event tIckets for Los Angeles area performances.
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It would be nice if every time you went to purchase something online you didn’t have to worry whether the transaction was legitimate or not. You should be able to buy something, receive that product as advertised in a timely manner and go about the rest of your day in this consumer-driven society. Next time you want to buy tickets to see your favorite band or the newest show in town, make sure you trust who you give your money to. 

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Is StubHub Legitimate?

StubHub is an American ticket exchange for buying tickets such as theater, concert, sports or other event tickets. It’s one of the world’s most expansive marketplaces to buy and sell tickets. Here are some key takeaways:

  • StubHub is a legitimate marketplace where you can resell or purchase tickets.
  • You will get your tickets in time for your event, which is backed by StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee.
  • Your order guarantees a ticket valid for entry into the event.
  • If there is an issue with your order, StubHub will make it right with comparable or better tickets. You can also opt for your money back should you not want replacement tickets.
  • If your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you can get a full refund or you’ll receive 120% credit to put toward the ticket price of future purchases.

Is Buying Tickets on StubHub Safe?

Whether you are buying or selling tickets on StubHub, it should put your mind at ease that with any transaction you are covered by the FanProtect Guarantee. This means StubHub guarantees you will get your tickets on time for your event and any replacement ticket is valid. If you have questions about your tickets, you can contact StubHub’s customer service.

Any time you swipe your credit card online can leave you feeling uneasy, but StubHub definitely has more safety measures in place than buying tickets on websites with more questionable sellers like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. If you don’t buy tickets directly from the specific event, show or concert’s box office, StubHub is a viable option.

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Can You Make Money Selling Tickets on StubHub?

You can sell tickets on StubHub, but there are a few more hoops to jump through when compared to buying tickets. Here are some key takeaways if you are looking to earn some extra cash when you list your tickets:

  • You cannot contact buyers outside of the StubHub platform as part of StubHub’s seller policies. Also, make sure your transaction starts and ends on the StubHub website.
  • You have to sell tickets in the same format you purchased them. In other words, if you bought an e-ticket, you have to sell it as an e-ticket, and if you purchased a paper ticket, you must sell it as a paper ticket.
  • If you are selling and shipping paper tickets, you must alert the buyers when they should expect to receive them.
  • If you are caught selling fake or invalid tickets, you could be subject to account suspension, penalty fees or get removed from the StubHub platform altogether.
  • How much money you can make on your tickets can vary from state to state, as different states have limits to how much you can mark up your ticket from its face value, which can put a cap on your profit margin.
  • It is free to list your tickets on StubHub, and you can set your own prices within state law. Just be aware that StubHub does take a fee from each sale. 
  • Be aware that there are text or email phishing scams designed to look like they are from StubHub, so don’t click on links or give your credit card information or other financial data directly to the ticket seller when trying to buy.

Final Take To GO 

Whether you are buying or selling your tickets, the bottom line for any platform is to make sure you know how you are protected and what restrictions you are working within. StubHub is a legitimate way to get access to upcoming events, and the platform does offer protection to purchases so there is less of a chance you will have buyer’s remorse. That being said, as with any time you shop or sell online, be aware of parameters and any potential for phishing scams mimicking the site you are on.

FAQ

  • Is it safe to buy tickets on StubHub?
    • Yes, it is safe to buy tickets on StubHub, as any purchased ticket has you covered by the FanProtect Guarantee. This means StubHub guarantees you will get your tickets on time for your event and any replacement ticket is valid. If you have questions about your tickets, you can contact StubHub's customer service.
  • Is it safe to sell tickets on StubHub?
    • It is safe to sell tickets on StubHub, and sometimes you can even make a little money. Here are some things to consider before listing and selling your tickets on StubHub:
      • You cannot contact buyers outside of the StubHub platform as part of StubHub’s seller policies. Also, make sure your transaction starts and ends on the StubHub website.
      • You have to sell tickets in the same format you purchased them. In other words, if you bought an e-ticket, you have to sell it as an e-ticket, and if you purchased a paper ticket, you must sell it as a paper ticket.
      • If you are selling and shipping paper tickets, you must alert the buyers when they should expect to receive them.
      • If you are caught selling fake or invalid tickets, you could be subject to account suspension, penalty fees or get removed from the StubHub platform altogether.
      • How much money you can make on your tickets can vary from state to state, as different states have limits to how much you can mark up your ticket from its face value, which can put a cap on your profit margin.
      • It is free to list your tickets on StubHub, and you can set your own prices within state law. Just be aware that StubHub does take a fee from each sale.
  • Are tickets on StubHub guaranteed?
    • Yes, tickets bought on StubHub come with a FanProtect Guarantee, which means you will get your valid tickets on time for your event if you have them shipped or instantly downloaded.
  • Is Ticketmaster better than StubHub?
    • Ticketmaster and StubHub have quite similar platforms; however, Ticketmaster seems to have higher fees for paper tickets because extra shipping fees apply. Here are some things to know about StubHub:
      • StubHub is a legitimate marketplace where you can resell or purchase tickets.
      • You will get your tickets in time for your event, which is backed by StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee.
      • Your order guarantees a ticket valid for entry into the event.
      • If there is an issue with your order, StubHub will make it right with comparable or better tickets. You can also opt for your money back should you not want replacement tickets.
      • If your event is canceled and not rescheduled, you can get a full refund or you’ll receive 120% credit to put toward the ticket price of future purchases.
  • Is StubHub owned by Ticketmaster?
    • No, StubHub is not owned by Ticketmaster, but rather, it was acquired by eBay for $310 million in 2007 and again acquired in 2020 by Viagogo.

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Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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