| Everyone loves to see their favorite sports teams, | | | | buying good seats and be disappointed when you get |
| musical performers, shows, and comedians up close | | | | to the arena only to find out that you've paid $700 |
| and personal, but before you buy keep in mind the | | | | for a pair of seats within striking distance of the |
| following tips. Taking this simple advice will help | | | | nearest Boeing. |
| ensure you have a stress-free and enjoyable | | | | 6. Pay with Credit |
| experience before, during, and after the event. | | | | Make sure to pay with a credit card. Never send cash |
| 1. Phone Number? | | | | to anyone that you buy from online. Checks are |
| If the show truly is sold out, make sure you are | | | | okay, but credit cards are better. That way if you |
| using a broker that has at least a phone number | | | | are defrauded you may have instant recourse. |
| listed on their website, and perhaps even a physical | | | | 7. Wait a Little |
| address. If all they have is an e-mail address it may | | | | Don't buy tickets the day that they come out. Wait |
| be hard to research if something goes wrong. | | | | a few days for all the dust to settle. This is a bit of a |
| 2. Do Your Research | | | | gamble on your part, but for the most part prices on |
| Check out the brokers social networking sites to see | | | | the secondary market drop as it gets closer to the |
| what types of messages are being left and to get a | | | | event. |
| general feel for the type of people that are running | | | | 8. But Not Too Long |
| the site. Some brokers value customer service more | | | | But don't wait too long, because if it is truly a hot |
| than others. The good ones will leave you feeling | | | | event, you may not get your tickets at all. |
| good about your purchase and will offer to help with | | | | 9. Check for Hidden Fees |
| additional information such as venue directions, | | | | Ticket listing prices oftentimes do not include all of |
| parking information, etc. | | | | the charges. Make sure you add up what the service |
| 3. Referral Anyone? | | | | fees, shipping, and any other charges are before |
| Just like you would for a doctor or a financial advisor, | | | | making your final purchase. Some brokers tickets |
| ask a few friends who they have used and who | | | | may look cheaper than others because they charge |
| they recommend. | | | | a higher service fee. |
| 4. What Seat? | | | | 10. Call Instead |
| Always make sure that you are buying a ticket that | | | | Many times if you call a broker they will state that |
| guarantees you a section and row number. This will | | | | their web prices are firm, however on occasion you |
| help ensure that you aren't getting a duplicate or | | | | may be able to negotiate on the price of the tickets. |
| counterfeit ticket. If you must by a general admission | | | | Many third party websites charge brokers a |
| ticket, make sure you get to the arena early in case | | | | commission or fees that the final consumer doesn't |
| they sold more tickets than there is space. | | | | see. These are usually built into the price. So if you |
| 5. Check the Chart | | | | call you may be able to get a better deal, or at least |
| Always make sure to take a look at the seating | | | | sleep better knowing you gave it your best shot. |
| chart of the venue. You don't want to think you're | | | | |