Ticket Owners
After buying a ticket, it’s yours to use, give away, or sell, without restrictions from the issuer. However, some issuers limit this by requiring the buyer’s credit card and ID for entry, affecting your freedom to use the ticket
The National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) champions your rights as a ticket owner in the secondary market, advocating for open buying and selling, transparent pricing, guaranteed tickets, clear seating, prompt delivery, and full refunds for invalid tickets or canceled events. With NATB, your ticket ownership rights are safeguarded.
YOUR RIGHTS EXPLAINED
You have the right to buy or sell tickets, without restriction, in a free and open market
As a ticket owner, you have the right to buy or sell tickets in a free and open market. This means that you should not be prohibited or limited in any way from buying or selling event tickets. The majority of states and provinces embrace a free and open market for ticket resale, which gives consumers greater opportunity to purchase highly desirable seats, even at prices below face value. It also allows consumers to sell the tickets they own. This freedom of choice and competition benefits both buyers and sellers in the ticket market.
You have the right to purchase tickets at above or below their original face value
When purchasing tickets, you have the right to buy them at prices that represent their real value, whether it is above or below their original face value. Ticket brokers track the value of tickets and provide an experience that is worth the price. Due to competition among secondary market brokers and various market factors, some ticket prices may decrease, allowing you to purchase tickets below their original face value. In fact, it has been reported that approximately 40% of all tickets sold in the secondary market sell for below face value. This flexibility in pricing gives consumers the opportunity to attend events at a reasonable cost.
You have the right to know the price of all tickets based on location, prior to the initial sale date
It is important for consumers to know the price of tickets based on their location before the initial sale date. Not all seats are created equal, and different seat locations may have different prices. However, major primary sellers often refrain from advertising these prices in an effort to sell other seat locations for higher prices. As a ticket owner, you have the right to be fully informed about the original seat costs in advance of the public sale. This allows you to make informed decisions and choose the best value for your desired seat location.
You have the right to guaranteed tickets unless otherwise specified by the ticket broker at a transaction
When purchasing tickets, you have the right to be guaranteed tickets unless otherwise specified by the ticket broker at the time of transaction. This means that your ticket purchase should be guaranteed unless otherwise clearly indicated. If for any reason the purchased tickets are not delivered as promised or are not accepted, you are entitled to a refund. The National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) ensures that its members offer a refund of up to 200% of the contracted price for each guaranteed ticket that is not delivered as specified. This level of guarantee provides consumers with peace of mind when purchasing tickets.
Use the tickets as you wish without hindrance from the original ticket issuer
After buying a ticket, it’s yours to use, give away, or sell, without restrictions from the issuer. However, some issuers limit this by requiring the buyer’s credit card and ID for entry, affecting your freedom to use the ticket
When purchasing tickets, you have the right to expect seats without an obstructed or limited view. If a ticket offers a limited or obstructed view, this must be clearly stated and represented prior to the sale. While these seats may be desirable due to factors such as sell-outs or favorable prices, it is important that you are not misled or misinformed about the details related to the seat location. As a ticket owner, you should have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about the seats you are purchasing.
You have the right to have your ticket delivered directly to you, prior to the event
You have the right to receive your purchased tickets directly from the seller prior to the event. This means that unless there are exceptional circumstances beyond reasonable control, such as a shipping error, natural disaster, labor disruption, civil disturbance, or armed conflict, you should receive your tickets as promised by the seller. If, for any reason, you do not receive your tickets as specified, you are entitled to a standard, guaranteed refund. This ensures that you have enough time to prepare for the event and have your tickets in hand before attending.
You have the right to a full refund if the ticket is refused or invalidated, or if the event is canceled
Finally, as a ticket owner, you have the right to a full refund under specific circumstances. If your purchased ticket is refused or invalidated for reasons such as being stolen, counterfeited, or reported lost by the original purchaser, you deserve a full refund of the full contracted price. Similarly, if an event is canceled or if the ticket is invalidated without proper notification, the ticket broker should follow the refund policy of the ticket issuer. Refund options should include a monetary refund, a store credit, or a mutually agreed-upon ticket exchange. This ensures that as a ticket owner, you are protected in situations where the ticket becomes unusable or the event is no longer taking place.
Ticket owners have rights that protect their interests and ensure a fair ticket buying experience. These rights include buying or selling tickets in a free market, purchasing tickets above or below face value, knowing ticket prices based on location beforehand, guaranteed tickets unless specified otherwise, unrestricted use of tickets, unobstructed views, direct ticket delivery, and full refunds for ticket refusal, invalidation, or event cancellation. The National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) advocates for these rights to ensure a fair and trustworthy ticket buying and selling experience.