Buying tickets for popular events can be a frustrating experience, with shows often selling out quickly through official channels. Ticket resale marketplaces like Vivid Seats have emerged as an alternative, connecting buyers and sellers. But how reliable is this platform, and what do users really think? Let’s examine Vivid Seats in detail.
What is Vivid Seats?
Vivid Seats is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell tickets for concerts, sports events, theater shows, and more. Founded in 2001 and based in Chicago, the company acts as an intermediary between ticket holders looking to resell their tickets and fans seeking to purchase them.
Key features of Vivid Seats include:
- A wide selection of events across the US
- Mobile and electronic ticket options
- A rewards program for frequent buyers
- A 100% Buyer Guarantee
This guarantee promises that purchased tickets will be valid for entry and delivered on time, or customers can receive a full refund.
How Vivid Seats Works
When you purchase tickets on Vivid Seats, you’re typically buying from individual resellers or brokers, not directly from the event organizer. Here’s a basic overview of the process:
Step 1: Search for your desired event on the Vivid Seats website or mobile app.
Step 2: Select the tickets you want to purchase, reviewing details like seat location and price.
Step 3: Complete the checkout process, which includes service and delivery fees.
Step 4: Wait for your tickets to be delivered via the method you selected (e.g. mobile transfer, email, or physical shipping).
Vivid Seats makes money by charging fees to both buyers and sellers. These fees can sometimes be substantial, so it’s important to factor them into the total cost when comparing prices.
User Experiences and Reviews
Reviews of Vivid Seats are decidedly mixed, with experiences varying widely between customers. Let’s break down the positive and negative feedback:
Positive Reviews
On Trustpilot, Vivid Seats maintains a respectable 4 out of 5 star rating based on over 15,000 reviews. Satisfied customers often praise:
- Reliable ticket delivery
- Competitive pricing for hard-to-get tickets
- Responsive customer service
- Occasional seat upgrades for loyal customers
Negative Reviews
However, ratings on some other platforms paint a different picture. On Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Vivid Seats receives much lower ratings, with scores hovering around 1 out of 5 stars. Common complaints include:
- Tickets not being delivered on time
- Difficulty obtaining refunds for canceled events
- Unexpected fees increasing the total cost
- Poor communication from customer service
- Issues with ticket validity at venues
It’s worth noting that customers are often more motivated to leave reviews when they have negative experiences, which can skew ratings on some platforms.
Is Vivid Seats Legitimate?
Despite the mixed reviews, Vivid Seats is a legitimate company. It’s been in business for over 20 years and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The company also has partnerships with major brands like ESPN and Rolling Stone.
However, being legitimate doesn’t guarantee a perfect experience for every customer. As with any ticket resale platform, there are inherent risks and potential issues to be aware of.
Tips for Using Vivid Seats Safely
If you decide to use Vivid Seats, here are some tips to help ensure a smoother experience:
- Always factor in service and delivery fees when comparing prices
- Read the fine print regarding refund policies and delivery timelines
- Check reviews for the specific seller if that information is available
- Use a credit card for purchases to have additional protection
- Don’t wait until the last minute to buy tickets for must-attend events
- Contact customer service promptly if you encounter any issues
Alternatives to Consider
Vivid Seats isn’t the only option for buying resale tickets. Other popular platforms include:
- StubHub
- SeatGeek
- Ticketmaster Resale
- Gametime
Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it’s worth comparing prices and policies across multiple sites before making a purchase.
Vivid Seats offers a way to score tickets to sold-out events, but it comes with both benefits and risks. While many customers have positive experiences, others face frustrations. Ultimately, using the platform requires careful consideration and an understanding of the potential pitfalls of the secondary ticket market.