What exactly does a Ticket Broker do?

A ticket broker engages in the reselling of event tickets at market value. A Ticket Broker, like a professional who brokers any other product, is in the business of connecting buyers and sellers.

Why do Ticket Brokers often charge so much more than the face value?

Ticket prices in the secondary market reflect consumer demand, and brokers are often paying much more than the face value to obtain their ticket inventory. At the same time, brokers often do sell tickets below their cost, and even below face value! It’s just that when that happens, it doesn’t make the news reel. Also, all TBA members need to have a set place of business, and to a certain extent the premiums charged reflect the cost of carrying on a legitimate retail business, which pays taxes and otherwise acts as a responsible corporate citizen.

How do Ticket Brokers get their tickets in the first place?

Ticket Brokers acquire their inventory from a variety of sources; including purchasing from season ticket holders, through a public sale, and even from their own customers.

If an event is cancelled, do TBA members provide a refund?

Yes. All members of the TBA are required to refund in full, the price a customer has paid for tickets to an event that has been cancelled and not rescheduled.

Do members of the TBA use BOTs to purchase tickets?

No. It is a condition of TBA membership that no member is permitted to use automated software to bypass security measures put in place by primary ticketing companies to purchase tickets. The TBA also supports Legislation around the use of BOTs to purchase tickets.

Do TBA members guarantee the tickets they sell?

Absolutely. All members of the TBA provide a 100% guarantee that the tickets purchased through them will gain you entry into the event or a refund of the full purchase price will be provided. TBA members also guarantee that the tickets will be in the same (or better) category, section and/or row as purchased.

What happens if I lose my tickets, or worse – if they get stolen?

While a TBA member will always attempt to help you rectify this situation, it is often impossible for them to replace lost or stolen tickets. As such, treat your event tickets as though they were cash, and cannot be replaced.

What are e-tickets or TicketFast®?

This is an electronic ticket that can be printed from your home computer. While concerns about people easily making and then reselling copies of the same ticket have been largely unfounded, we always recommend that you deal with a professional Ticket Broker who is a member of the TBA, and is better equipped to assuage these concerns.

What are some Tips when purchasing tickets from the secondary market?

  • Purchase from Australian based websites (preferably TBA Member sites) – easier to contact and better consumer protection available.
  • Understand the terms & conditions of the website including refund policies.
  • Do your research and know the market price – this will guide you in what is a reasonable ticket price to pay.
  • If unsure about what it is you’re buying, read their FAQ page or contact the company prior to purchasing.
  • Do not buy on an unsecure or overseas websites.
  • Do not take the “too-good-to-be-true” deal – as it is probably, just that.
  • Do not buy on the street corner or outside an event.
  • Report counterfeit tickets and dishonest sellers to the police.