Ticket "scalping" is an ancient practice and some consider Internet ticket broker sites to represent the newest generation of scalpers. Reputable online ticket brokers disagree, noting a key difference: unlike scalpers, they do not negotiate their prices. An industry association, the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB), has set standards for the resale of tickets and enforces a Code of Ethics among its member brokers.
If you are considering buying tickets on the secondary market, the Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to ensure a successful transaction.
BBB and NATB present the following tips for consumers:
Understand the terms of the transaction. For example, ask for section and row, and check the seating chart.
Many of the same concerns that apply to other online transactions apply to ticket sales as well. Watch out, for instance, if the seller will communicate only through email and will not provide a physical address and phone number. Don’t purchase from a seller outside of the country. As always: If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers frequently lure customers with unrealistically low prices.
If you find out that you have purchased a counterfeit ticket, report it to the NATB and file a complaint with the BBB (www.bbb.org) to help warn other potential customers.