Securing tickets can be competitive and overwhelming. Concerts, festivals, and sports events are increasingly popular, making seats scarce. Getting the best seats or any seat can feel like winning a small lottery. Ticket presales help with this. Presales offer early access to tickets before the general public can buy them. Though they don’t guarantee tickets, they boost your chances of attending must-see events. This blog explains how ticket presales work, covering who qualifies and how to increase your chances of success.
What Are Ticket Presales?
Ticket presales are special opportunities for specific groups of people to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Not all events offer presales, but they are common for high-demand events like concerts, festivals, and sports games. Ticket presales are designed to give early access to fans, allowing them to secure tickets before the masses flood ticketing platforms.
The key feature of a presale is the access it provides. These opportunities typically require a presale code or a membership to a specific group. Presales can be exclusive and limited. Though they don’t guarantee a ticket, they offer a crucial advantage in a competitive market.
Eligibility for Ticket Presales
Not everyone qualifies for presales, but there are several ways to gain access. Eligibility depends on factors like artist fan clubs and credit card partnerships. Here are the most common groups that can access presales:
- Fan Club Members: Fan clubs are a popular method for artists to give their most loyal followers first dibs on tickets. Often, these fan clubs come with a membership fee or require registration on the artist’s official website. In return, members receive exclusive perks, including presale access. This is often the first phase of ticket sales, giving fan club members a higher chance of securing premium seats.
- Credit Card Holders: Some major credit card companies, like American Express or Citi, offer their cardholders early access to tickets. This is considered a perk of owning these cards. During these presales, only those who pay with the specific credit card can access the ticket-buying process. These credit card presales can be valuable for people who want early access but are not members of fan clubs.
- Promotional Presales: The event sponsors, companies affiliated with an event often offer presale access as part of a promotion. To participate, fans typically need to sign up through the promotional party’s website or app. They may then receive a presale code or link. Although these promotions may be open to the public, only those who follow the required steps will receive access.
- Verified Fan Programs: Some platforms, such as Ticketmaster, have developed Verified Fan programs. These programs aim to ensure that real fans, not scalpers or bots, get access to tickets. Fans must register ahead of time and go through a vetting process to prove they are legitimate fans. If selected, they receive a presale code that allows them to participate in a special presale event. This method is increasingly popular for major events, where ticket demand far exceeds supply.
How Do Ticket Presales Work?
Once you are eligible for a presale, the actual process of purchasing tickets can feel a bit like an online race. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how ticket presales generally work.
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Receiving an Access Code
The cornerstone of any ticket presale is the access code. Depending on how you qualified for the presale—whether through a fan club, credit card promotion, or Verified Fan program, you will receive a presale access code. This code is typically sent via email or made available through the website where you signed up.
Presale codes are unique and non-transferable, meaning that only the person who received the code should use it. It’s also important to note that some presale codes are case-sensitive, so be sure to enter them exactly as provided.
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Accessing the Ticketing Platform
To use your access code, you’ll need to visit the ticketing platform, such as Ticketmaster or AXS. These platforms usually have dedicated links for presale events. Once you’re on the site, you’ll be prompted to enter your access code to unlock the available tickets. It’s important to have everything ready, as ticket sales during presales can go quickly.
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Time Windows
Ticket presales usually open a few days before general ticket sales. The timing of presales can vary depending on the group you’re part of. Typically, presales last only a few hours to a day, so it’s essential to be ready when they begin.
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Limited Ticket Availability
You must understand that not all tickets are available during presales. Only a limited number of tickets are set aside for early access buyers. This ensures that there are still plenty of tickets left for the general public when those sales open. As a result, even if you participate in a presale, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to secure a ticket, especially for high-demand events.
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The Buying Process
Once you’ve entered your presale code and accessed the event, you’ll be presented with available seating options. Depending on the event, you may have the option to select specific seats, or you might be offered the best available tickets. After choosing your seats, you will proceed to checkout to finalize your purchase.
You must act quickly during the presale process. Ticketing platforms often have a time limit for holding your seats before they’re released back to the public. Ensure your payment details are ready. Many presales also cap the number of tickets each customer can buy to prevent bulk buying and scalping.
The Bottom Line
Ticket presales offer a great chance for fans to get early access to their favourite events. By understanding how presales work and following the tips, you can boost your chances of securing tickets before they sell out. Whether you are a fan club member, credit card holder, or Verified Fan, being prepared and acting quickly are key. Good luck, and may you catch the perfect seats at your next big event!
