Tickets -- Timing is Everything

You want tickets to the hottest concert in years. The event has been sold out for weeks, so you start checking alternate avenues. There are some decent deals on eBay, but you know that’s a crapshoot that could very well end poorly. The classifieds in your local paper aren’t that helpful. The ticket brokers have seats - some great ones - but the prices are higher than you expected.

What do you do? You have a few choices. You could skip the concert of a lifetime. Not happening. You can wait and hope to find another option or hope that prices go down. You can take a deep breath and buy the tickets right away.

It’s all about timing. If you buy early, you might get a great deal compared to what’s happening at show-time. If you can muster the courage and patience, you may be able to get the seats for a fraction of today’s retail price by waiting until the event’s date gets closer.

So, how do you know which way to go? The honest answer is that you probably don’t. In fact, even the expert ticket brokers who are holding seats don’t know for sure. Buying and selling tickets is more art than science.

I spent several years working for a successful ticket broker. I saw shows that we didn’t expect to be hot go absolutely crazy. I spent thousands of dollars on tickets that rotted away because the show just didn’t catch on with the public. Even the best make the wrong choices.

With that being said, here are a few guidelines to help you get the best possible price for tickets.

If it’s very early and the tickets just became available, you will probably be better off waiting until things cool off. Buyers go nuts after a show goes on sale and tend to settle down later.

Look at the calendar and take an objective look at the scheduling of the event. Is it opposite any other big to-do’s that might decrease interest? Is it on a weekday in the evening? Use the information you gather to guide your decision.

Is the performer red hot right now because of a recent album release, television appearance, etc? If so, you might want to let the hoopla die down before buying. If, on the other hand, the show is likely to come right on the heels of something likely to increase artist popularity, early purchases might be a good idea.

Think about what you really want. Are you only going to be satisfied with the best possible seats, or could you live with a decent alternative? Is it more important for you to save a few bucks or to have the sense of security that you own your tickets to the big show? If you decide to wait it out and guess wrong, will you be able to pay a little more for the tickets? That assessment of your personal situation should influence your decision.

After considering those factors, decide whether to buy now or later.

Sometimes, waiting pays. Other times, it ends up costing your more and losing your shot at the first row! It’s all a matter of timing - and a little luck.

Whenever you decide to purchase the tickets, make sure you buy them from an experienced and respected ticket brokerage. Avoid the fly-by-night outfits and deal with a professional. The few extra dollars it may cost are great insurance against a horrible experience.