Is Viagogo Legit? The Truth About This Ticket Resale Platform

Viagogo operates as a legitimate ticket resale platform, but it comes with both benefits and risks for buyers. This guide dives into Viagogo’s operations, controversies, and what you need to know before using the site for your next event tickets.

Table of Contents

What is Viagogo?

Viagogo burst onto the ticket resale scene in 2006, forever changing how fans snag seats to their favorite events. But what’s the real story behind this controversial platform?

Brief History and Background

Eric Baker and Brent Hoberman founded Viagogo in London with a bold vision: to create a global marketplace for buying and selling event tickets. Baker, a Harvard Business School grad, had already co-founded StubHub before launching Viagogo. Talk about a ticket industry veteran!

Fast forward to 2020, and Viagogo made waves by acquiring its former rival, StubHub. This move created a ticketing resale powerhouse, operating in over 70 countries worldwide.

How Viagogo Works

Think of Viagogo as the eBay of concert tickets. Here’s the lowdown:

Sellers list their tickets on the platform
Buyers search for events or browse available tickets
Viagogo takes a cut through service fees and commissions on each sale

It’s a simple concept, but one that’s stirred up plenty of controversy in the music and sports worlds.

The Legitimacy of Viagogo

Now for the million-dollar question: Is Viagogo actually legit? Let’s break it down.

Legal Status and Operations

Viagogo is a registered company operating within the bounds of the law in most countries. But here’s the catch: they’ve faced legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny in some regions due to their business practices.

Several countries have cracked down on ticket resale platforms, forcing Viagogo to adapt. In some cases, they’ve had to make their fees more transparent or limit price markups to stay compliant.

Viagogo’s Buyer Guarantee

Viagogo touts a “100% Buyer Guarantee” to ease concerns about ticket authenticity. Sounds great, right? Well, let’s dig a little deeper.

The guarantee promises that you’ll receive valid tickets in time for the event or get your money back. But hold your horses – it’s crucial to read the fine print. The guarantee doesn’t cover all situations, and some users have reported difficulties when seeking refunds.

Pros of Using Viagogo

Despite the controversies, Viagogo does offer some perks for ticket hunters. Let’s check out the bright side.

Wide Selection of Tickets

One of Viagogo’s strongest selling points is its vast inventory. Missed out on tickets during the initial sale? Viagogo might be your ticket to the show (pun intended).

You can often find:

Tickets for sold-out events
Better seats than what was initially available
A range of price points to fit different budgets

Last-Minute Purchase Options

Life’s unpredictable, and sometimes you need tickets at the eleventh hour. Viagogo can be a lifesaver for last-minute planners. Some sellers list their tickets close to the event date, giving procrastinators a shot at attending.

International Availability

Planning to catch a show while traveling abroad? Viagogo’s global reach is a major plus. It’s often easier to snag tickets through Viagogo for international events than navigating unfamiliar local ticketing systems.

Cons and Controversies Surrounding Viagogo

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – Viagogo has faced its fair share of criticism. Here’s what you need to know.

Inflated Ticket Prices

Brace yourself for some sticker shock. Viagogo allows sellers to set their own prices, which can lead to some eye-watering markups.

Case in point: In 2023, Taylor Swift fans were outraged to see Eras Tour tickets listed for up to £6,500 – many times the original price. Ouch!

Ticket Authenticity Concerns

While Viagogo claims to verify tickets, some buyers have faced the ultimate concert-goer nightmare: being turned away at the door.

In January 2023, fans with Viagogo-purchased tickets were denied entry to a Ricky Gervais comedy show in York. Talk about a buzzkill!

Customer Service Issues

When things go wrong, you want responsive customer service. Unfortunately, many users report frustrations when dealing with Viagogo’s support team.

Common complaints include:

Slow response times
Difficulty resolving issues
Unhelpful automated responses

These problems become especially stressful when time-sensitive events are involved.

Viagogo vs Other Ticket Platforms

How does Viagogo stack up against the competition? Let’s compare notes.

Comparison with StubHub

Viagogo and StubHub, now under the same ownership, operate similarly. Both face criticism about pricing and authenticity issues. However, StubHub often has a stronger reputation in the US market.

Key differences:

User interface: Some find StubHub more user-friendly
Market focus: StubHub has a stronger presence in North America
Fees: Both charge hefty fees, but the exact amounts can vary

Viagogo and Official Ticket Sellers

When comparing Viagogo to official sellers like Ticketmaster, there are some crucial distinctions:

Price: Official sellers typically offer face-value tickets
Legitimacy: Official tickets are guaranteed to be accepted at the venue
Artist support: Buying from official channels directly supports the performers

However, Viagogo can offer access to sold-out shows or better seats that might not be available through official channels.

Safety Tips for Buying Tickets on Viagogo

If you decide to roll the dice with Viagogo, here are some ways to protect yourself:

Verifying Ticket Authenticity

Check the seller’s rating and reviews
Look for detailed seat information
Compare with the venue’s seating chart
Trust your gut – if something seems off, look elsewhere

Understanding Pricing and Fees

Viagogo’s fees can be substantial, so always click through to the final checkout page to see the total price. This includes:

Base ticket price
Service fees
Delivery charges

Compare the final price with face value and other resale options to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Reading Seller Reviews

Pay close attention to seller feedback. Experienced sellers with positive reviews are generally safer bets. Be wary of:

New sellers with no history
Mixed or negative feedback
Vague or suspicious reviews

Viagogo’s Policies: What You Need to Know

Before hitting that “Buy” button, familiarize yourself with Viagogo’s rules and procedures.

Refund and Cancellation Rules

Viagogo’s refund policy can be strict. Typically, you’re only eligible for a refund if the event is canceled, not postponed. Always read the policy details before purchasing.

Key points:

Canceled events usually qualify for refunds
Postponed events may not be eligible
Personal circumstances (like illness) generally aren’t covered

Ticket Delivery Methods

Ticket delivery varies on Viagogo. Options may include:

Instant download e-tickets
Mobile tickets
Physical tickets mailed to your address

Check the delivery timeline to ensure it works with your plans, especially for last-minute purchases.

The Music Industry’s Stance on Viagogo

Viagogo’s relationship with the music industry is… complicated, to say the least.

Artist and Promoter Perspectives

Many artists and promoters are openly critical of Viagogo and similar resale platforms. Their main beefs:

Enabling scalping
Driving up prices for fans
Lack of transparency

Some artists, like Ed Sheeran, have even taken legal action against Viagogo for alleged unfair practices.

Anti-Resale Measures

To combat scalping and protect fans, some artists and venues have implemented strict anti-resale measures:

Personalized tickets
Staggered ticket releases
Requiring the original buyer’s ID at entry

These measures can potentially cause issues for Viagogo customers, so always check the specific event’s policies before buying.

Alternatives to Viagogo

Don’t put all your eggs in the Viagogo basket. Consider these alternatives:

Official Ticket Sellers

Always check the official venue or artist websites first. Benefits include:

Face value prices
Guaranteed authenticity
Direct support for the artist

Popular official sellers:

Ticketmaster
AXS
See Tickets

Fan-to-Fan Exchange Platforms

Looking for a more ethical resale option? Try fan-to-fan exchanges:

Twickets: Caps resale prices at face value
Cash or Trade: Focuses on “fair trade” ticket exchanges
Ticketswap: Verifies tickets and limits price markups

These platforms aim to connect real fans, reducing the risk of scalping and fraud.

The Future of Ticket Reselling

The ticket resale landscape is evolving rapidly. Where does Viagogo fit in this changing world?

Emerging Technologies in Ticketing

New tech is shaking up the industry:

Blockchain: Creating more secure, verifiable tickets
NFTs: Offering unique digital tickets with potential resale control
Dynamic pricing: Adjusting prices based on demand

These innovations could impact how resale platforms like Viagogo operate, potentially increasing security or changing pricing models.

Potential Regulatory Changes

Governments worldwide are eyeing stricter regulations on ticket reselling. Potential changes include:

Caps on resale prices
Increased transparency requirements
Bans on bot purchases

These regulations could significantly affect Viagogo’s business model and practices in the coming years.

Making an Informed Decision About Viagogo

So, is Viagogo truly legit for your next ticket purchase? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros:

Access to sold-out events
Wide selection of tickets
International availability

Cons:

Potential for inflated prices
Ticket authenticity concerns
Customer service issues

When to Consider Using Viagogo

Viagogo might be worth considering if:

The event is sold out everywhere else
You’re looking for last-minute tickets
You need tickets for an international event

However, always exhaust official channels first and compare prices across multiple platforms before turning to Viagogo.

Conclusion: Is Viagogo Truly Legit?

Viagogo operates as a legitimate business, but its practices have raised eyebrows and sparked debates about fairness in the ticket resale market. While it can provide access to hard-to-find tickets, buyers should approach the platform with caution and do their homework before making a purchase.

Remember:

Always check official sources first
Compare prices across multiple platforms
Read seller reviews carefully
Understand Viagogo’s policies and fees

By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the world of ticket reselling – whether through Viagogo or other platforms – and hopefully land those dream concert tickets without a hitch. Happy ticket hunting!