Buying and reselling tickets

Buying tickets online

Planning to attend a concert, theatre show, or sporting event? Buying tickets online is convenient, but it has also led to a thriving resale market. Purchasing tickets from resellers can be an option, but it also comes with risks. Here’s how you can protect yourself.

Tips for buying tickets safely

Only buy from the official ticket seller. Always check the event's official website for the names and details of authorised ticket sellers.
Be cautious of search engine results. The first result may not be the official seller.
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Ensure you understand the refund, exchange, and resale policies.
Check the full ticket cost. Avoid paying more than necessary by comparing prices with the official seller.
Keep all documentation and receipts. This can help if you need a refund or to dispute a charge.

Warning signs of risky ticket sales

Be cautious when purchasing tickets for events that:

Haven’t officially gone on sale to the public.
Provide limited contact details or lack customer support.
Have tentative event dates or unclear details.
Use unusual payment methods, such as cash-only payments or direct EFT transfers.
Haven’t confirmed a full lineup of performers or event details.

Popular events often sell out quickly, but it’s always safest to buy directly from the official seller.

Risks of buying from resellers

If you purchase tickets from an unauthorised seller:

You may not have the same protections as buying from an official seller.
Your ticket could be invalid and denied entry at the venue.
The ticket may not arrive at all or be different from what you paid for.

Ticket resale platforms do not regulate ticket prices. These are set by individual sellers so do your research before purchasing.

Report a ticket scam

Please read How do I report ticket scams and fraudulent activity online?

Dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing allows event organisers to adjust ticket prices in real time based on factors like demand and availability. This means ticket prices may go up or down and can vary from one moment to the next.

The application of dynamic pricing is at the discretion of the event organiser. Using dynamic pricing is not in breach of the ticket scalping provisions under the Major Events Act 2009.

However, it remains an offence to resell tickets for declared events for more than 10% above the purchase price paid regardless of whether that price was set using dynamic pricing. Consumers should always check the original price displayed on the ticket to ensure that any resale complies with the law.

Reselling tickets without breaking the law

If you’re unable to attend an event and need to resell your ticket, make sure you do so legally by following these guidelines:

Check platform policies

Review the resale policies of the online platform you are using before listing your ticket. Many social media and selling platforms prohibit ticket resales, and your listing may be removed if it breaches their terms.

Comply with the Major Events Act 2009

In Victoria, tickets for declared major events cannot be resold for more than 10% above their face value. To find out if an event is declared under the Major Events Act 2009, visit the Current Declared Major Events page which lists all declared events. Reselling tickets to these events above the 10% limit may result in significant penalties.

Include mandatory details in your listing

When reselling a ticket for a declared event, your listing must clearly display the following information:

The face value (original price shown on the ticket)
The intended resale price
Seat location details (if applicable).

Failure to include these details may result in fines or court proceedings.

Ticket packages that include other tickets, goods or services

Only sellers authorised by the event organiser can resell ticket packages that include accommodation, food and/or beverages. Advertising these types of tickets without authorisation is a breach of the legislation and may result in fines or court proceedings.

Consumer information

If you experience issues with tickets purchased through a resale website, your first step should be to return to the point of purchase. Additionally, your bank or credit card provider may be able to assist with a chargeback.