Buying a concert ticket on Craigslist

Zeromus

I've not done this before, but Them Crooked Vultures are sold out on Tuesday and I want in.

I've read some things from the Google about how to spot counterfeit tickets, but I'd appreciate some more involved advice if you guys have it. What's the best way for me to set up a deal with someone and make sure I don't get screwed / murdered?

Improvolone

Do it at the concert. Otherwise I wouldn't risk it.

Zeromus

I have someone who's willing to sell me one already (though obviously if you guys convince me otherwise this isn't something I am LOCKED INTO). I figured I would meet him at a Starbucks or other well-populated area and ask if he could possibly provide a printed receipt or something from Ticketmaster to prove its legitimacy. I also have an old ticket from Ticketmaster on hand that I could compare it to...

Esh

Zeromus wrote: »

I have someone who's willing to sell me one already (though obviously if you guys convince me otherwise this isn't something I am LOCKED INTO). I figured I would meet him at a Starbucks or other well-populated area and ask if he could possibly provide a printed receipt or something from Ticketmaster to prove its legitimacy. I also have an old ticket from Ticketmaster on hand that I could compare it to...

They can also be electronically cancelled. So when the ticket gets scanned at the venue...prrrrfffffftttttt.

Zeromus

I mean, I realize I'm taking a risk here. I don't see what incentive someone would have to electronically cancel a ticket, though, other than to completely dick someone over?

Esh

Zeromus wrote: »

I mean, I realize I'm taking a risk here. I don't see what incentive someone would have to electronically cancel a ticket, though, other than to completely dick someone over?

Get the refund then sell the cancelled ticket.

Zeromus

Ah

Well yes, that makes sense

Mmmm... Cocks...

Esh wrote: »

Zeromus wrote: »

I mean, I realize I'm taking a risk here. I don't see what incentive someone would have to electronically cancel a ticket, though, other than to completely dick someone over?

Get the refund then sell the cancelled ticket.

I assumed it was for if you lost or damaged your ticket. They make that one useless and hook you up with a replacement. But of course.. yea.. the who scalping thing.

Esh

Mmmm... Cocks... wrote: »

Esh wrote: »

Zeromus wrote: »

I mean, I realize I'm taking a risk here. I don't see what incentive someone would have to electronically cancel a ticket, though, other than to completely dick someone over?

Get the refund then sell the cancelled ticket.

I assumed it was for if you lost or damaged your ticket. They make that one useless and hook you up with a replacement. But of course.. yea.. the who scalping thing.

From working in a couple venues, I've seen quite a few people turn up with "invalid" tickets.

Mmmm... Cocks...

Esh wrote: »

Mmmm... Cocks... wrote: »

Esh wrote: »

Zeromus wrote: »

I mean, I realize I'm taking a risk here. I don't see what incentive someone would have to electronically cancel a ticket, though, other than to completely dick someone over?

Get the refund then sell the cancelled ticket.

I assumed it was for if you lost or damaged your ticket. They make that one useless and hook you up with a replacement. But of course.. yea.. the who scalping thing.

From working in a couple venues, I've seen quite a few people turn up with "invalid" tickets.

Oh yes, I'm not saying it doesn't happen. I know it happens, hell just from threads here before.
But he asked why that exists in the first place. And it's certainly not something to help scalpers make an extra buck. :P

Zeromus

Assuming I don't wind up buying from someone who's invalidated the ticket, do any of you have tips for what I should look for on the ticket when I meet up with the person to try to ensure it isn't a counterfeit?

kaliyama

This is a bad idea if you're not doing at the venue so you can scan it.

Zeromus

I suppose I could wait and do it at the venue, I'm just concerned that there won't be tickets, or they'll be more expensive... If I do go that route, how do I approach convincing the scalper to scan the ticket? Seems like some might view it as a hassle.

Gilbert0

Contrary to Esh, you can get good deals / people who don't want to go.

Over the last 2 years bought 5-10 pairs of tickets for the Edmonton Oilers. Never had a problem. Easier for a sport event cuz of Season seat holders.

Like you said, meet-up in a public place, only deal with cash and try to get as much as you can from them (receipts, etc).

Esh

Gilbert0 wrote: »

Contrary to Esh, you can get good deals / people who don't want to go.

Over the last 2 years bought 5-10 pairs of tickets for the Edmonton Oilers. Never had a problem. Easier for a sport event cuz of Season seat holders.

Like you said, meet-up in a public place, only deal with cash and try to get as much as you can from them (receipts, etc).

I'm not telling him to not do it, I'm just warning him of the scams run.

Darkewolfe

If you're determined to do it, talk to the person and attempt to establish a rapport. Get a cell phone number. Offer to meet them at their home if you're comfortable with it. There's no way to actually protect yourself if you're not using a third-party, so it'll come down to whether you trust them in the end.

I personally wouldn't do it, because there is high frequency scamming with ticket scalping.

Avicus

Darkewolfe wrote: »

If you're determined to do it, talk to the person and attempt to establish a rapport. Get a cell phone number. Offer to meet them at their home if you're comfortable with it. There's no way to actually protect yourself if you're not using a third-party, so it'll come down to whether you trust them in the end.

I personally wouldn't do it, because there is high frequency scamming with ticket scalping.

Don't go to anyone's home. Thats the first thing you are taught in Craigslist 101.