Whether you are requesting a refund, disputing a charge, or trying to get into a venue, proof of purchase is your most important asset. This guide explains what counts as evidence that you bought a ticket, how to preserve it, and how to use it in different situations.
This is general guidance. Different platforms and venues may have specific requirements for proof of purchase.
What counts as proof of purchase?
The strongest forms of proof are:
- Order confirmation email -- This is your primary receipt. It contains your order number, the event details, the amount paid, and usually the ticket itself or a link to download it.
- Bank or credit card statement -- Shows the transaction amount, date, and the merchant name (the ticketing platform). This is particularly useful for chargeback and Section 75 claims.
- Platform account records -- Your purchase history in your account on the ticketing platform. Log in and screenshot your order details.
- Payment confirmation from PayPal or similar -- If you paid through a third-party payment service.
- Physical receipt -- If you bought tickets in person at a box office.
Secondary evidence
If you have lost your primary proof, these can also help:
- Screenshots of the ticket -- Including the QR code or barcode.
- Text messages or emails about the purchase -- For example, a message to a friend saying "Just bought our tickets!"
- Social media posts -- If you posted about buying tickets at the time.
- Calendar entries -- If you added the event to your calendar with ticket details.
When you need proof of purchase
Refund claims
When requesting a refund from a platform, you will need your order number at minimum. The order confirmation email is usually sufficient. For chargeback claims through your bank, you will also need your bank statement showing the charge.
Venue entry
If your ticket is not scanning or there is a dispute at the door, showing your order confirmation and bank statement can help the venue verify your purchase. It does not guarantee entry, but it gives the venue staff something to work with.
Chargeback and Section 75 claims
Your bank will want to see the order confirmation, evidence that the event was cancelled or the service was not provided, and your communication with the merchant. The more documentation, the stronger your case.
Small claims court
If you take a dispute to court, you will need to present evidence of the purchase, the breach (what went wrong), and your attempts to resolve the matter. Keep everything organised chronologically.
How to preserve your proof
- Never delete the order confirmation email -- Star it, flag it, or move it to a dedicated folder.
- Screenshot your order in the platform's app -- In case you lose access to your account later.
- Download PDF tickets to cloud storage -- Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox.
- Keep a record of the event listing at the time of purchase -- Screenshot the event page showing the lineup, date, venue, and price. This is crucial if the event later changes.
- Save all communication -- Emails to and from the platform, chat logs, and social media messages.
What if you cannot find any proof?
If you have no email confirmation, no bank statement, and no account records:
- Check your email trash and spam folders -- The confirmation might have been filtered.
- Search your bank statements thoroughly -- The merchant name on your statement may be different from the platform name.
- Contact the platform -- They should be able to look up your order using your name and email address.
- Check your browser history -- You may have accessed the order confirmation page.
Tickts and proof of purchase
On Tickts, every purchase is recorded in your account and accessible at any time. Your order confirmation email contains all the details you need, and your tickets are always available through the platform. If you ever need proof of purchase for a dispute or refund, everything is right there in your account.
Summary
Proof of purchase is your strongest tool in any ticket dispute. Keep your order confirmation, save your bank statements, and screenshot event listings at the time of purchase. A few seconds of organisation now can save hours of frustration later.
