Life happens. A work commitment comes up, someone falls ill, or your plans simply change. If you have event tickets you cannot use, selling them on is often the best option. But how you sell them matters -- both for your own protection and for the buyer's. Here is how to do it safely and fairly.
This guide covers general options for selling unwanted tickets in the UK. Always check the specific event's terms regarding resale before listing your tickets.
Check the refund and transfer options first
Before you try to sell your tickets, check whether simpler options are available:
- Refund -- Some platforms offer refunds up to a certain point before the event. Check your order and the platform's terms.
- Official transfer -- Many platforms let you transfer your ticket to someone else for free. This is often the easiest and safest option.
- Resale through the original platform -- Some platforms have built-in resale features. Ticketmaster has Fan-to-Fan, for example.
Official resale platforms
The safest way to resell tickets is through an official or authorised resale channel:
- The platform's own resale feature -- If the platform you bought from offers resale, use it. The ticket is verified automatically and the buyer gets a legitimate ticket.
- Twickets -- A UK-based face-value resale platform. They only allow tickets to be sold at or below face value, which protects buyers from inflated prices.
- The venue's box office -- Some venues operate a returns or waiting list system. Contact them to ask.
Secondary marketplaces
Platforms like StubHub and Viagogo allow you to list tickets for resale, but be aware:
- They charge significant seller fees (often 10-15% of the sale price).
- Prices on these platforms are often well above face value, which some buyers object to.
- Some events and venues explicitly prohibit resale through unauthorised platforms. Tickets resold this way may be voided by the organiser.
Selling on social media and forums
Many people turn to Facebook, Twitter/X, or Reddit to sell unwanted tickets. This can work, but carries risks:
- For sellers: The buyer may claim they never received the ticket and initiate a PayPal or bank dispute.
- For buyers: There is no guarantee the ticket is genuine or has not already been used.
If you do sell via social media, use a payment method with buyer and seller protection, transfer the ticket officially through the platform (rather than just sending a screenshot), and be transparent about what you are selling.
Legal considerations
In the UK, reselling tickets is generally legal, but there are restrictions:
- The Breaching of Limits on Ticket Sales Act 2018 makes it illegal to use automated software (bots) to buy tickets for the purpose of resale.
- Some venues and events have terms that prohibit resale above face value. Tickets resold in breach of these terms may be cancelled.
- For football matches, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 makes it a criminal offence to resell tickets without authorisation.
Tips for a smooth sale
- Price fairly -- Selling at face value means a quicker sale and no ethical questions.
- Transfer officially -- Use the platform's transfer feature rather than forwarding an email or screenshot.
- Be responsive -- The buyer will have questions. Answer them promptly.
- Keep records -- Save proof of the transfer in case of any dispute.
How Tickts handles this
On Tickts, our transfer feature makes it simple to pass tickets to someone else. If you cannot attend an event, you can transfer your ticket directly to another person through our platform. The new ticket holder receives their own verified QR code, eliminating any risk of duplicate or invalid tickets. It is the safest way to make sure someone else can enjoy the event you cannot.
Summary
If you cannot use your tickets, check for refunds and transfers first. If you need to sell, use official resale channels where possible. Sell at face value, transfer tickets properly, and keep records. It is better for you, better for the buyer, and better for the live events ecosystem.
