How Waitlists Work
When an event sells out, fans can join a waitlist. If tickets become available (through cancellations, refunds, or additional allocation), waitlisted fans are notified automatically in order.
For Organisers
- Waitlists activate automatically when a ticket type sells out
- See how many people are waiting in your dashboard
- Release tickets to the waitlist when ready
- Automatic email notifications to waiting fans
- Waitlist data helps you understand true demand
Demand Intelligence
A long waitlist tells you something valuable — there is more demand than supply. This information helps you plan future events. Should you find a bigger venue? Add another date? Increase prices slightly? Waitlist data informs these decisions.
How Waitlists Work
When an event sells out on Tickts, fans can join a waitlist to be notified if tickets become available. This typically happens when existing ticket holders request refunds, cancel their orders, or when the organiser releases additional capacity.
The waitlist process:
- A fan visits a sold-out event page and clicks "Join Waitlist"
- They enter their email address and select which ticket type they want
- When a ticket becomes available, the next person on the waitlist receives an email notification
- The fan has a limited window to complete their purchase before the ticket is offered to the next person
Benefits for Organisers
- Capture unmet demand: A waitlist shows you how much demand exists beyond your capacity. If 200 people are waitlisted for a 100-capacity event, you know there is appetite for a second date or a larger venue next time.
- Automatic backfill: When refunds or cancellations create available tickets, the waitlist fills them automatically. No manual communication or reposting needed.
- Data collection: Waitlist sign-ups give you email addresses of interested fans. Even if they do not get a ticket this time, you can reach out about future events.
- Revenue protection: Every refunded ticket gets offered to a waitlisted fan, protecting your revenue from last-minute cancellations.
Benefits for Fans
- Fair access: Instead of constantly refreshing the page hoping for a cancellation, the waitlist notifies you as soon as a ticket is available. First come, first served based on when you joined the waitlist.
- No commitment: Joining the waitlist is free and does not obligate you to buy. If the notification arrives and you have already made other plans, simply ignore it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to buy when notified?
The specific window depends on the event, but fans typically have 24 to 48 hours to complete their purchase before the ticket is offered to the next person on the waitlist.
Can I join the waitlist for multiple ticket types?
Yes. You can waitlist for different ticket types on the same event. You will be notified separately when each type becomes available.
What position am I on the waitlist?
For fairness and to prevent anxiety, Tickts does not display exact waitlist positions. You will be notified when you reach the front of the queue and a ticket is available for you.
Waitlist Best Practices
Make the most of your waitlist with these strategies:
Promote the waitlist: When your event sells out, shout about it. "SOLD OUT — join the waitlist for a chance to grab returned tickets." This creates social proof (your event is so popular it sold out) and captures contacts for future events.
Communicate with waitlisted fans: Do not leave waitlisted fans in the dark. If the chances of getting a ticket are low, say so honestly. If you are considering adding more tickets or a second date, let them know. Transparency builds trust even when the answer is not what they want to hear.
Convert waitlisted fans: Even if they do not get a ticket this time, waitlisted fans are hot leads for your next event. Send them a "first access" email for your next event before it goes on general sale. This rewards their patience and drives early ticket sales.
Use waitlist data strategically: A large waitlist is valuable evidence for venue negotiations (you need a bigger space), sponsor pitches (your events exceed capacity), and pricing decisions (demand exceeds supply, so prices can increase).