Are e-Tickets from Viagogo Safe? Safety Guide

When it comes to buying tickets for concerts, sports events, theater, and festivals, many people turn to secondary marketplaces like Viagogo. But is it safe to purchase e-tickets from Viagogo? Let’s dive deep into the workings of Viagogo, the safety measures in place, and potential risks involved to help you make an informed decision.

What is Viagogo?

Overview

Viagogo, founded in 2006, is a global ticket resale marketplace that operates in over 70 countries. It allows users to buy and sell tickets for a wide range of events. The platform is popular for offering access to tickets that might be sold out through primary sellers.

How Does Viagogo Work?

Viagogo acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. Users can list tickets they no longer need or buy tickets for events they want to attend. The platform handles the transaction, ensuring that the payment is secure and that the ticket is delivered to the buyer.

Understanding Ticket Safety on Viagogo

Verification and Seller Research

To ensure you are buying a legitimate e-ticket from Viagogo, it’s crucial to verify event details and research the seller. Compare the event information on Viagogo with official sources such as the venue or performer’s website. Check the seller’s transaction history and reviews to gauge their reliability.

Ticket Details

Ask for specific ticket details, including barcodes, seat numbers, and sections. These can sometimes be verified with the venue. Viagogo claims to offer buyer protections, such as refunds or replacement tickets if there are issues with the tickets you purchase.

Customer Support and Guarantees

Viagogo provides a 100% money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer service. However, there have been numerous reports of inadequate customer support and difficulties in obtaining refunds. Many users have complained about the responsiveness and effectiveness of Viagogo’s customer service, casting doubt on the reliability of their guarantee.

Pricing and Hidden Fees

Tickets on Viagogo can be significantly more expensive than their face value due to service and booking fees. These fees can be as high as 30% of the ticket price and are often not disclosed until the final stages of the purchase process. This practice has led to criticism for misleading pricing tactics.

Security Measures

Viagogo employs several security measures to protect users, including encrypted transactions and single-use payment systems. Despite these measures, the platform’s reliability is still questioned due to reports of counterfeit tickets and unresolved customer service issues.

The Pros and Cons of Buying from Viagogo

Pros

• Wide Range of Tickets: Viagogo offers tickets for a variety of events worldwide.
• Access to Sold-Out Events: The platform provides an opportunity to buy tickets for events that might be sold out through primary sellers.
• Secure Transactions: Viagogo uses encryption and other security measures to protect user data.
• Buyer Protection: The platform claims to offer a 100% money-back guarantee.

Cons

• High Fees: Viagogo charges significant service and booking fees, which can make tickets much more expensive than their face value.
• Customer Service Issues: Many users have reported problems with Viagogo’s customer support, particularly regarding refunds and problem resolution.
• Risk of Counterfeit Tickets: Despite security measures, there is still a risk of purchasing counterfeit tickets on Viagogo.
• Misleading Pricing Tactics: Hidden fees are often not disclosed until the final stages of the purchase process.

Tips for Safely Buying e-Tickets from Viagogo

Verify Event Details

Always check the event details on Viagogo against official sources. This includes date, time, venue, and performer information.

Research the Seller

Look into the seller’s history on Viagogo. Check their ratings and read reviews from previous buyers. Sellers with a high number of completed sales and positive feedback are generally more reliable.

Confirm Ticket Details

Ask for specific details about the tickets, such as barcodes and seat numbers. Verify these details with the venue if possible.

Be Aware of Fees

Understand that the ticket price on Viagogo will likely include additional service and booking fees. Be prepared for these costs when making a purchase.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Ensure that your payment method is secure. Viagogo uses encryption and single-use payment systems to protect transactions.

Have a Backup Plan

In case there are issues with your tickets, have a contingency plan. This might include purchasing tickets from a different source or contacting the event organizer for assistance.

Alternatives to Viagogo

Official Ticket Sellers

Whenever possible, purchase tickets directly from official ticket sellers. This reduces the risk of counterfeit tickets and often results in lower fees.

Other Reputable Resale Platforms

Consider other reputable ticket resale platforms that might offer better customer service and clearer pricing structures.

Directly from the Venue

Check if the venue has any tickets available. Some venues release additional tickets closer to the event date.

Common Issues with Viagogo

Hidden Fees

Many users have reported that Viagogo’s fees are not fully disclosed until the final stages of the purchase process. This can result in a much higher total cost than initially expected.

Customer Support Problems

Despite offering 24/7 customer service, Viagogo has been criticized for its poor responsiveness and effectiveness in resolving issues. Users often struggle to get refunds or assistance with ticket problems.

Counterfeit Tickets

There have been instances where buyers received counterfeit tickets. Although Viagogo claims to offer a money-back guarantee, resolving such issues can be challenging and time-consuming.

Conclusion

While Viagogo can provide access to hard-to-find tickets, there are several risks and potential issues associated with purchasing e-tickets from the platform. By taking precautions such as verifying event details, researching sellers, and being aware of additional fees, you can mitigate some of these risks. However, it’s also worth considering alternatives to Viagogo, such as official ticket sellers and other reputable resale platforms, to ensure a safer and more reliable ticket-buying experience.

Purchasing e-tickets requires careful consideration and a proactive approach to avoid potential pitfalls. Always stay informed and cautious to make the best possible decision for your ticket-buying needs.