The same event can appear on several different ticketing platforms, each showing a different price. Sometimes the difference is a few pounds in fees; other times it is a significant gap. Knowing how to compare properly can save you money and help you avoid paying more than you need to.
Why prices differ between platforms
The face value of a ticket is set by the promoter or event organiser. In theory, this should be the same everywhere. But the total amount you pay varies because of the fees each platform adds on top. Different platforms have different fee structures, and these are influenced by the commercial agreements between the platform and the promoter.
Some platforms charge a percentage-based service fee. Others charge a flat fee per ticket. Some add a per-order processing fee on top. A few bundle their fees into an "all-in" price that looks higher upfront but has no surprise charges at checkout.
The result is that comparing the advertised price is not enough. You need to compare the total price at checkout, including all mandatory fees.
How to compare effectively
Follow these steps to get an accurate comparison:
Step 1: Identify all the platforms selling the event
Check the event's official page or the venue's website to see which ticketing platforms are authorised to sell. Common primary platforms in the UK include Ticketmaster, See Tickets, AXS, DICE, Skiddle, Gigantic, and venue-specific box offices.
Step 2: Select the same ticket type on each platform
Make sure you are comparing like with like. If one platform is showing a standing ticket and another is showing a seated ticket, the prices will naturally differ. Match the ticket type, section, and category across platforms.
Step 3: Go through to checkout
The only way to see the true total is to go through to the payment page (without actually paying). Fees are sometimes not shown until the final step. Add the ticket to your basket and note the total including all fees and delivery charges. Some platforms require you to select a delivery method before the total is shown, so choose the same delivery option (e.g., e-ticket) on each platform.
Step 4: Factor in delivery costs
If you choose e-ticket or mobile delivery, this is usually free. But if you want physical tickets posted to you, the delivery charge varies between platforms. For a fair comparison, keep the delivery method consistent.
Step 5: Check for member or loyalty discounts
Some platforms offer reduced fees for members, subscribers, or customers using a specific payment method. If you already have a membership or loyalty account with one platform, the effective price may be lower than the standard rate.
The venue box office advantage
One option that many fans overlook is buying directly from the venue's box office. Many venues waive booking fees for in-person purchases, and some also reduce fees for phone orders. If the venue is local to you, a trip to the box office can save several pounds per ticket. For a group booking, the savings can add up quickly.
Theatre box offices are particularly known for this. The face value is the same as online, but without the platform's service fee on top.
Price comparison tools
There are not many dedicated ticket price comparison tools in the UK, but a few resources can help:
- Google Events -- when you search for an event on Google, it sometimes shows ticket listings from multiple platforms with prices. This gives a quick visual comparison, though the prices shown may not include fees
- Ents24 -- lists events with links to multiple ticket sellers, making it easy to click through and compare
- Skiddle -- while primarily a ticketing platform, it lists events from other sources and can help you spot where tickets are available
No comparison tool is comprehensive, and prices shown in aggregated listings often exclude fees. Always verify the total at the actual checkout page.
Secondary market pricing
If an event is sold out on primary platforms, you may see tickets available on secondary marketplaces like Viagogo, StubHub, or Vivid Seats. These prices are set by individual resellers and can be significantly above face value. When comparing, remember that these are not equivalent to primary platform prices. You are paying a premium for a ticket that is no longer available through official channels.
If you are considering secondary market tickets, weigh the price against the risk. Some events void tickets that have been resold through unauthorised channels. Our guide to buying from official resale platforms explains the safer alternatives.
Common pricing tricks to watch for
A few pricing practices can make comparisons misleading:
- Drip pricing -- fees added incrementally through the checkout process, making the initial price look lower than the final cost
- "From" pricing -- advertising "tickets from £25" when only a handful of tickets are at that price and most are significantly more
- Currency conversion -- some international platforms display prices in dollars or euros by default, which looks cheaper than the actual GBP equivalent
- Compulsory add-ons -- some platforms add ticket protection insurance or other optional extras to your basket by default, inflating the total unless you actively remove them
The bottom line
The total price at checkout is the only number that matters. Do not be swayed by a lower face value on one platform if their fees bring the total above what another platform charges. Take five minutes to check two or three options before you buy, and you will often find a meaningful difference.
For more on understanding what fees are for, read our guide to booking fees and surcharges. If you want to cut costs further, our piece on avoiding hidden fees has practical strategies. And if you are buying for a group and want to stretch your budget, see our guide to buying group tickets.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs Skiddle: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
