Is Viagogo Safe To Sell Tickets? A Comprehensive Guide

Selling tickets online can be a convenient way to recoup costs or make some profit from events you can no longer attend. Viagogo is one of the major platforms facilitating this process. But is it safe to sell tickets on Viagogo? This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selling on Viagogo, including the pros and cons, the process, and tips for ensuring a smooth transaction.

Table of Contents

Understanding Viagogo as a Ticket Marketplace

What is Viagogo?

Viagogo is a global ticket marketplace founded in 2006. It operates in over 70 countries and allows users to buy and sell tickets for a variety of events, including concerts, sports, theater, and festivals. Based in London, England, Viagogo is part of Viagogo Entertainment Inc. The platform aims to make ticket transactions easy and secure for users worldwide.

How Viagogo Works

Viagogo functions as a resale platform where users can list tickets they no longer need and buyers can find tickets for events that might be sold out elsewhere. Here’s how the process works:

Listing Tickets: Sellers list their tickets on Viagogo by providing event details, seating information, and setting a price.
Payment Processing: When a buyer purchases a ticket, Viagogo handles the payment process, ensuring secure transactions.
Ticket Delivery: Once the sale is complete, sellers must ensure the tickets are delivered to the buyers, either digitally or through shipping.

Viagogo acts as an intermediary to facilitate the transaction and ensure both parties fulfill their obligations.

Safety and Legitimacy of Selling on Viagogo

Seller Verification and Security Measures

Viagogo employs several measures to ensure the safety and legitimacy of transactions on its platform. These include:

Fraud Protection: Viagogo uses advanced security technologies like McAfee Secure to protect against fraudulent activities.
Data Encryption: User data is encrypted, and payments are handled securely using single-use systems to prevent identity theft and hacking.

These security measures help create a safe environment for both buyers and sellers.

Commission and Fees for Sellers

When selling on Viagogo, it’s essential to understand the fee structure. Viagogo charges a commission on each sale, typically ranging from 15% to 25%. Additionally, there may be listing fees and processing charges. These fees can impact your overall profit, so it’s crucial to factor them into your pricing strategy.

Buyer Protection and Guarantees

Viagogo offers a 100% money-back guarantee for buyers. This means if there is an issue with the tickets, such as invalid tickets or non-delivery, the buyer can get a full refund. However, sellers need to be aware of this guarantee and ensure they provide accurate and legitimate tickets to avoid disputes and potential penalties.

Pros and Cons of Selling Tickets on Viagogo

Advantages for Sellers

Selling on Viagogo offers several benefits:

Wide Reach: Viagogo’s global presence means your tickets are visible to a large, international audience.
High Demand Events: You can sell tickets for popular and sold-out events, potentially at a premium price.
Secure Transactions: The platform’s secure payment processing and fraud protection measures ensure your transactions are safe.

Common Issues Faced by Sellers

Despite its advantages, there are some downsides to using Viagogo:

High Fees: The commission and additional fees can significantly reduce your profit margins.
Buyer Disputes: Sellers might face issues with buyers disputing the validity of tickets. Handling these disputes can be time-consuming and may affect your seller rating.
Delayed Payments: In some cases, sellers report delays in receiving payments, particularly if there are issues with ticket delivery or buyer complaints.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Positive Reviews and Testimonials

Many users have had positive experiences selling tickets on Viagogo. Sellers often praise the platform for its wide reach and secure transaction process. Quick payment processing and ease of use are other frequently mentioned benefits.

Negative Reviews and Common Complaints

On the flip side, some users have reported negative experiences, particularly regarding customer service and refunds. Common complaints include:

Slow Customer Service: Sellers often find it challenging to get timely responses from Viagogo’s customer service team.
Refund Issues: Some sellers have faced difficulties getting refunds for disputed transactions.
Fake or Invalid Tickets: There are instances where buyers received invalid tickets, leading to disputes and negative feedback for sellers.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Legal Status of Viagogo

Viagogo operates legally in many countries, but the legal landscape can vary. It is based in Switzerland and adheres to local laws in each market. Sellers should be aware of the legal requirements in their country to avoid any potential issues.

Ethical Concerns

Ticket resale, particularly at inflated prices, often raises ethical concerns. Critics argue that it contributes to ticket scalping and makes it harder for genuine fans to afford tickets. When setting prices, sellers should consider these ethical implications and strive for a fair pricing strategy.

Tips for Selling Tickets Safely on Viagogo

Best Practices for Sellers

To ensure a smooth selling experience on Viagogo, follow these best practices:

Provide Detailed Listings: Include accurate event details, seating information, and any restrictions. The more information you provide, the better.
Set Competitive Prices: Research similar listings to set a competitive price. Avoid overpricing, which can deter potential buyers.

Ensuring Secure Transactions

Verify Buyer Information: Use Viagogo’s tools to confirm buyer legitimacy. This can help prevent fraudulent transactions.
Prompt Delivery: Ensure tickets are delivered promptly and use secure shipping methods if sending physical tickets.

Handling Disputes and Refunds

Document Transactions: Keep records of all transactions and communications with buyers. This can be crucial if a dispute arises.
Respond Quickly: Address any issues promptly to maintain a good seller rating and avoid penalties.

Alternatives to Viagogo

Other Ticket Resale Platforms

If you’re considering alternatives to Viagogo, here are some other popular options:

StubHub: Known for its user-friendly interface and strong buyer protection.
Ticketmaster Resale: Offers a trusted platform with a large audience.
SeatGeek: Provides a wide selection of events and competitive pricing.

Direct Selling Options

You can also consider selling tickets directly through social media or local classifieds. While this can save on fees, it comes with increased risks of fraud and requires more effort to manage transactions.

More Info To Know

Comparing Viagogo with Competitors

Viagogo vs. StubHub

Fees: Compare the fee structures of both platforms.
User Experience: Discuss the ease of use and customer support for each.
Market Reach: Evaluate the audience size and international presence.

Viagogo vs. Ticketmaster Resale

Trustworthiness: Analyze the trust level of buyers and sellers on both platforms.
Protection Policies: Compare buyer and seller protection policies.
Event Variety: Look at the range of events covered.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Successful Sellers on Viagogo

High-Profit Sales: Highlight examples of sellers who made significant profits on Viagogo.
Strategies Used: Discuss the strategies these sellers employed, such as timing of sales and pricing tactics.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Overpricing Tickets: Discuss the dangers of setting prices too high and how to avoid it.
Delayed Delivery: Provide tips on ensuring timely ticket delivery.

Future of Ticket Resale Market

Trends and Predictions

Growth of Online Resale: Analyze the projected growth of the online ticket resale market.
Impact of Legislation: Discuss how changing laws might affect platforms like Viagogo.

Innovations in Ticketing

Blockchain Technology: Explore how blockchain could revolutionize ticket resale by preventing fraud and ensuring authenticity.
Mobile Ticketing: Discuss the rise of mobile ticketing and its implications for sellers.

By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of selling tickets on Viagogo. Whether you’re looking to sell extra tickets for a profit or simply can’t attend an event, understanding the platform’s intricacies will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.