7 Costly Ticket Buying Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Avoid These Expensive Ticket Buying Mistakes

We've seen buyers lose hundreds of dollars to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common errors and how to prevent them.

Mistake #1: Buying on Impulse at On-Sale

The Problem: Tickets are most expensive right when they go on sale. The excitement and fear of missing out leads to overpaying.

The Solution: Unless it's a can't-miss event, wait 2-3 weeks. Prices typically drop 15-25% once the initial hype fades.

Mistake #2: Not Comparing Platforms

The Problem: Assuming one platform has the best price. A ticket listed at $100 on Ticketmaster might be $75 on SeatGeek.

The Solution: Always check at least 3 platforms before buying. Use Ticket Scan to compare instantly.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Total Cost

The Problem: Focusing on ticket price while ignoring fees. A "$50 ticket" becomes $75 after service fees, facility charges, and processing fees.

The Solution: Always look at the total checkout price. Some platforms show all-in pricing upfront - use those.

Mistake #4: Falling for Ticket Scams

The Problem: Buying from unofficial sources, social media sellers, or sketchy websites.

Red Flags:

• Prices too good to be true
• Seller wants payment via Venmo/Cash App
• No buyer protection
• Pressure to buy immediately
• Can't verify ticket authenticity

The Solution: Stick to verified platforms with buyer protection. Never buy from random social media posts.

Mistake #5: Wrong Date or Venue

The Problem: Buying tickets for the wrong date, wrong city, or wrong venue. More common than you'd think, especially for tours with multiple shows.

The Solution: Triple-check the date, venue, and city before checkout. Read confirmation emails carefully.

Mistake #6: Not Understanding Seat Locations

The Problem: Buying "great" seats that turn out to have obstructed views, are behind the stage, or in a bad section.

The Solution:

• Check seat view websites
• Read section reviews
• Look at venue maps
• Avoid "obstructed view" tickets unless heavily discounted

Mistake #7: Missing Refund Policies

The Problem: Buying non-refundable tickets for events you might not attend.

The Solution:

• Check refund policies before buying
• Consider ticket insurance for expensive purchases
• Buy from platforms with flexible policies
• Know the resale options if you can't attend

Bonus: Dynamic Pricing Traps

Many platforms now use dynamic pricing that changes based on demand. Prices can spike during:

• Presale announcements
• Viral social media moments
• TV appearances by artists
• Playoff implications for sports

The Solution: Don't buy during hype spikes. Set a price alert and wait for prices to normalize.

Quick Reference: Smart Buying Checklist

Before every ticket purchase:

• [ ] Compared at least 3 platforms
• [ ] Checked total price including fees
• [ ] Verified date, time, and venue
• [ ] Looked up seat location/view
• [ ] Buying from a reputable source
• [ ] Understood refund policy
• [ ] Not buying during a price spike

Save Money on Every Purchase

The easiest way to avoid overpaying is to track prices over time. Create a free Ticket Scan account to monitor events and buy at the right time.