Is TicketCity Legit? Unbiased Review of the Ticket Marketplace

TicketCity is a legitimate ticket resale platform that’s been operating since 1990. With over three decades in the business, they’ve built a reputation for reliability and customer service. But like any online ticket marketplace, it’s natural to have questions about their legitimacy and safety.

In this detailed review, we’ll explore every aspect of TicketCity. From their history and how they work, to their security measures and customer experiences. We’ll also compare them to other major players in the ticket resale industry and give you tips on how to get the best deals.

Whether you’re a frequent concertgoer, sports fan, or just looking to buy tickets for a special event, this guide will help you decide if TicketCity is the right choice for you.

What is TicketCity?

TicketCity is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell tickets for various events. They offer tickets for concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more.

TicketCity’s History and Background

Founded in 1990 by Randy Cohen, TicketCity started as a small operation in Austin, Texas. Cohen began selling tickets while he was still a student at the University of Texas. From those humble beginnings, TicketCity has grown into a major player in the ticket resale industry.

Over the years, TicketCity has adapted to changes in technology and consumer behavior. In 1998, they launched their first website, making them one of the pioneers in online ticket sales.

How TicketCity Works

TicketCity acts as a middleman between ticket sellers and buyers. They don’t own the tickets themselves. Instead, they provide a platform where people can list tickets for sale and others can purchase them.

When you buy tickets on TicketCity, you’re not buying directly from the event organizer. You’re buying from other individuals or ticket brokers who have listed their tickets on the platform.

TicketCity’s Legitimacy and Reliability

One of the most common questions people ask is, “Is TicketCity legit?” The short answer is yes, but let’s dive deeper into why.

TicketCity’s Business Accreditations

TicketCity has several accreditations that speak to its legitimacy:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation: TicketCity has an A+ rating from the BBB.
• National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) Membership: This shows they follow industry standards for ticket resale.

These accreditations indicate that TicketCity operates ethically and follows best practices in the ticket resale industry.

Customer Guarantees and Policies

TicketCity offers several guarantees to protect buyers:

1. 100% Buyer Guarantee: They promise that your tickets will be valid and delivered on time.
2. Refund Policy: If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, you’ll get a full refund.
3. Comparable or Better Tickets: If there’s an issue with your order, they’ll provide similar or better tickets, or offer a refund.

These policies help build trust with customers and show that TicketCity stands behind their service.

The TicketCity Buying Experience

Now that we’ve established TicketCity’s legitimacy, let’s look at what it’s like to use their platform.

Navigating the TicketCity Website

TicketCity’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Here’s a quick rundown of how to use it:

1. Search for your event using the search bar or browse by category.
2. Select your desired event from the search results.
3. Choose your seats from the interactive seating chart or list view.
4. Review your order details and proceed to checkout.

The site also offers filters to help you find tickets within your budget or in specific sections of a venue.

Types of Events and Tickets Available

TicketCity offers tickets for a wide range of events:

• Concerts and music festivals
• Sports events (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and more)
• Theater and Broadway shows
• Comedy shows
• Special events like the Super Bowl or Kentucky Derby

They sell various types of tickets, including general admission, seated tickets, and VIP packages.

Ticket Pricing and Fees

TicketCity’s prices can vary widely depending on the event and demand. Here’s what you need to know about their pricing:

• Ticket prices may be above or below face value.
• Service fees are added at checkout, typically around 24% of the ticket price.
• Delivery fees may apply, depending on the shipping method.

While these fees can add significantly to the total cost, they’re comparable to what you’ll find on other ticket resale sites.

Is TicketCity Safe to Use?

Safety is a top concern when buying tickets online. Let’s look at how TicketCity protects its customers.

Security Measures and Fraud Prevention

TicketCity employs several security measures to protect users:

• SSL encryption to secure your personal and financial information
• Fraud detection systems to identify suspicious activity
• Verification processes for sellers to reduce the risk of fake tickets

These measures help ensure that your transactions on TicketCity are safe and secure.

Payment Options and Data Protection

TicketCity accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. They don’t store your full credit card information, adding an extra layer of protection for your financial data.

TicketCity vs. Other Ticket Resale Platforms

To truly understand if TicketCity is the best choice, it’s helpful to compare it to other major players in the industry.

Comparing TicketCity to StubHub and Vivid Seats

Here’s how TicketCity stacks up against two of its biggest competitors:

1. Fees: TicketCity’s fees (around 24%) are slightly lower than StubHub’s (typically 27%).
2. Selection: While all three offer a wide range of tickets, StubHub and Vivid Seats often have a larger inventory.
3. User Interface: TicketCity’s website is straightforward, but some users find StubHub and Vivid Seats more intuitive.

Unique Features of TicketCity

TicketCity has some features that set it apart:

• Long-standing relationships with sellers, which can sometimes lead to better deals
• Strong focus on customer service, with a reputation for going above and beyond
• Expertise in hard-to-get tickets for major events like the Super Bowl or Masters Tournament

Customer Reviews and Experiences

To get a well-rounded view of TicketCity, let’s look at what real customers are saying.

Positive Feedback from TicketCity Users

Many customers praise TicketCity for:

• Reliable delivery of tickets
• Excellent customer service
• Ability to find tickets for sold-out events

Common Complaints and Criticisms

Some common issues reported by users include:

• High fees added at checkout
• Difficulty getting refunds for canceled events
• Occasional problems with ticket delivery

It’s worth noting that many of these complaints are common across all ticket resale platforms, not just TicketCity.

TicketCity’s Refund and Cancellation Policies

Understanding TicketCity’s policies can help you make an informed decision about using their service.

Understanding the No-Refund Policy

TicketCity has a strict no-refund policy for completed orders. This means once you buy tickets, you can’t change your mind and get your money back.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

There are a few exceptions to the no-refund policy:

• If an event is canceled and not rescheduled, you’ll get a full refund.
• If there’s a problem with your tickets (like invalid barcodes), TicketCity will work to resolve the issue or provide a refund.

Saving Money on TicketCity

While TicketCity isn’t always the cheapest option, there are ways to save money when using their platform.

Promo Codes and Discounts

TicketCity often offers promo codes that can save you money on your purchase. Some current examples include:

• TCITYSAVE15: $15 off orders over $400
• 45OFFTCITY: $45 off orders over $1,400
• TCSAVE100: $100 off orders over $2,500

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Here are some strategies to get better prices on TicketCity:

1. Buy early: Prices often increase as the event date gets closer.
2. Be flexible: Consider different seating options or nearby dates.
3. Check often: Ticket prices can fluctuate based on demand.
4. Compare prices: Look at other ticket sites to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

The Pros and Cons of Using TicketCity

Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using TicketCity.

Advantages of Choosing TicketCity

• Long-standing reputation in the industry
• Strong customer service
• 100% buyer guarantee
• Access to tickets for sold-out and high-demand events

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

• Fees can be high
• No-refund policy for changed plans
• Smaller inventory compared to some competitors

Is TicketCity Legit for Selling Tickets?

While we’ve focused mainly on buying tickets, TicketCity also allows individuals to sell tickets on their platform.

How to Sell Tickets on TicketCity

To sell tickets on TicketCity:

1. Contact their sales team
2. Provide details about your tickets
3. Set your asking price
4. Wait for TicketCity to find a buyer

Seller Fees and Payout Process

TicketCity doesn’t publicly disclose their seller fees, as they can vary. Once your tickets sell, you’ll receive payment after the event has taken place and the tickets have been used successfully.

TicketCity’s Customer Support

Good customer support can make a big difference when issues arise with your tickets.

Contacting TicketCity

TicketCity offers several ways to get in touch:

• Phone support
• Email
• Live chat on their website

Their customer service team is available during extended business hours.

Resolving Issues and Disputes

If you have a problem with your order, TicketCity’s customer service team will work to resolve it. This might involve:

• Finding replacement tickets
• Offering a refund if the event is canceled
• Helping with delivery issues

Many customers report positive experiences with TicketCity’s problem-resolution process.

TicketCity Mobile App Review

In today’s mobile-first world, a good app can make ticket buying much more convenient.

Features and User Experience

TicketCity’s mobile app offers:

• Easy searching and filtering of events
• Mobile ticket delivery
• Account management features

While functional, some users find the app less polished than those of larger competitors.

App Security and Reliability

The TicketCity app uses the same security measures as their website, ensuring your data and transactions are protected.

Expert Tips for Using TicketCity

To get the most out of TicketCity, keep these tips in mind:

Best Practices for Buying Tickets

1. Create an account for faster checkout
2. Sign up for email alerts for events you’re interested in
3. Read the full ticket details before purchasing
4. Use secure payment methods like credit cards for added protection

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Don’t wait until the last minute to buy tickets for popular events
2. Be aware of all fees before completing your purchase
3. Understand the refund policy before buying
4. Double-check event details (date, time, venue) before completing your order

The Future of TicketCity

As the ticket resale industry evolves, TicketCity continues to adapt.

Recent Developments and Innovations

TicketCity has been working on:

• Improving their mobile app
• Expanding their inventory through new partnerships
• Enhancing their customer service capabilities

TicketCity’s Role in the Evolving Ticket Industry

As one of the older players in online ticket resale, TicketCity brings valuable experience to the table. They’re well-positioned to continue serving customers as the industry faces challenges like ticket bots and evolving consumer preferences.

Final Verdict: Is TicketCity Legit?

After thorough research and analysis, we can confidently say that TicketCity is a legitimate ticket resale platform. They have a long history in the industry, strong accreditations, and generally positive customer reviews.

Weighing the Evidence

Pros:

• Established company with over 30 years of experience
• A+ BBB rating and NATB membership
• Strong customer service reputation
• 100% buyer guarantee

Cons:

• High service fees
• Strict no-refund policy
• Smaller inventory than some competitors

Who Should Use TicketCity?

TicketCity is a good choice for:

• People looking for tickets to sold-out or high-demand events
• Those who value customer service and are willing to pay a bit more for it
• Fans of niche or specialty events that might be hard to find elsewhere

However, if you’re extremely price-sensitive or need the largest possible selection of tickets, you might want to compare TicketCity with other options before making your decision.

In the end, TicketCity offers a legitimate and reliable service for buying event tickets. While it may not always be the cheapest option, its long-standing reputation and customer guarantees make it a solid choice for many ticket buyers.