Definition
A waitlist is a queue of people who want tickets for a sold-out event. When tickets become available (through cancellations, refunds, or additional allocation), people on the waitlist are notified in order.
How It Works on Tickts
- Event sells out — Buy button changes to Join Waitlist
- Fan enters their email and optionally selects preferred ticket type
- If tickets become available, waitlisted fans are emailed in order
- Fan clicks the link and completes their purchase normally
For Organisers
Waitlists give you valuable demand data. A long waitlist means you should consider adding capacity, finding a bigger venue, or adding another date. This intelligence helps you grow your events strategically.
Waitlists in Detail
A waitlist is a queue system that activates when an event sells out. Fans who arrive at a sold-out event page can add themselves to the waitlist, and if tickets become available (through cancellations, refunds, or the organiser releasing additional capacity), waitlisted fans are notified in the order they joined.
How Waitlists Work on Tickts
- An event sells out and the waitlist is automatically activated
- Fans visit the event page and see a "Join Waitlist" button instead of "Buy Tickets"
- They enter their email address and select the ticket type they want
- When a ticket becomes available (refund, cancellation, or capacity increase), the first person on the waitlist receives an email
- That person has a time-limited window to complete their purchase
- If they do not purchase within the window, the ticket is offered to the next person
Why Waitlists Matter
Waitlists serve both fans and organisers:
For fans: Instead of constantly refreshing the event page hoping a ticket appears, you join the list once and get notified automatically. First in, first served — transparent and fair.
For organisers: Waitlists capture unmet demand, automatically fill refunded tickets, and provide data about how popular your events are beyond your current capacity. This data is invaluable for deciding whether to add extra dates, move to a larger venue, or adjust pricing.
Waitlist Best Practices for Organisers
- Enable waitlists on all events: Even if you do not expect to sell out, a waitlist that activates automatically ensures you never miss demand data.
- Set reasonable response windows: Give fans enough time to see the notification and complete their purchase (24-48 hours), but not so long that tickets sit unclaimed while others wait.
- Communicate expectations: Let waitlisted fans know their approximate position and likelihood of getting a ticket. Transparency builds trust even when the answer is "unlikely."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a guarantee I will get a ticket from the waitlist?
No. The waitlist is a queue, and tickets are only offered when they become available through cancellations or capacity increases. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a ticket.
Can I remove myself from the waitlist?
Yes. You can remove yourself from any waitlist at any time. Your spot will be given to the next person in the queue.
Am I charged when I join the waitlist?
No. Joining the waitlist is completely free. You are only charged if and when you complete a ticket purchase after being notified of availability.
