Viagogo Fees Explained: The True Cost of Ticket Buying

Are you looking to snag tickets for that must-see concert or big game? You’ve probably stumbled upon Viagogo, a popular ticket marketplace. But before you click “buy,” let’s talk about something that might make your wallet wince: Viagogo fees.

Viagogo typically charges buyers 20-25% of the ticket price in fees, while sellers pay around 15% commission. These fees can significantly increase the total cost of your purchase, sometimes by up to 30% or more.

In this post, we’ll break down Viagogo’s fee structure, explain why these fees exist, and offer tips to help you make smart ticket-buying decisions. We’ll cover everything from hidden costs to refund policies, so you can navigate the world of online ticket purchases like a pro.

What is Viagogo and How Does it Work?

The Viagogo Ticket Marketplace

Viagogo is an online platform where people can buy and sell tickets for various events. Think of it as a digital marketplace for tickets to concerts, sports games, theater shows, and more.

Buying and Selling on Viagogo

When you use Viagogo, you’re not buying directly from event organizers. Instead, you’re purchasing from individual sellers or ticket resellers. This setup allows for a wider selection of tickets, but it also introduces additional costs – namely, Viagogo fees.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sellers list their tickets on Viagogo
2. Buyers search for and purchase tickets
3. Viagogo handles the transaction and delivery
4. Viagogo charges fees to both buyers and sellers

Breaking Down Viagogo’s Fee Structure

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Viagogo fees. Understanding these costs can help you make informed decisions when buying tickets.

Buyer Fees on Viagogo

As a buyer, you’ll encounter several types of fees:

1. Service Fee: This is the big one. Viagogo charges a service fee that can range from 20% to 25% of the ticket price.
2. Booking Fee: Some transactions include a separate booking fee.
3. Delivery Fee: Depending on how you receive your tickets, you might pay a delivery fee.
4. VAT or Sales Tax: Depending on your location, you may need to pay additional taxes.

Seller Fees on Viagogo

Sellers don’t escape fees either. Here’s what they face:

1. Commission: Viagogo typically charges sellers around 15% of the total ticket price as commission.
2. Payment Processing Fee: There may be additional fees for processing payments.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Beware of these less obvious expenses:

1. Currency Conversion Fees: If you’re buying tickets in a foreign currency, your bank might charge extra.
2. Price Inflation: Some sellers mark up their tickets significantly, which isn’t a Viagogo fee but still affects your total cost.

Why Are Viagogo Fees So High?

You might be wondering why Viagogo charges such steep fees. Let’s explore the reasons.

Supply and Demand Factors

Viagogo fees often reflect the market demand for tickets. For high-profile events, fees might be higher because people are willing to pay more.

Comparison with Other Ticket Marketplaces

While Viagogo’s fees are substantial, they’re not unique in the industry. Other resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek also charge significant fees. However, Viagogo’s fees tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum.

The Impact of Viagogo Fees on Ticket Prices

How Much Do Fees Increase Ticket Costs?

Viagogo fees can dramatically increase your total ticket cost. Let’s break it down:

• Original ticket price: $100
• Service fee (25%): $25
• Booking fee: $5
• Delivery fee: $10
• Total cost: $140

In this example, fees increased the ticket cost by 40%!

Real-World Examples of Viagogo Fee Effects

Here’s a real scenario from a past event:

• Advertised ticket price: $150
• Final price at checkout: $195
• Total fee impact: $45 (30% increase)

These substantial increases have led to complaints from consumers and scrutiny from regulators in various countries.

Understanding the Viagogo Guarantee

Viagogo offers a guarantee to buyers, which they use to justify their high fees. But what does it really cover?

What Does the Guarantee Cover?

The Viagogo Guarantee promises:

1. Ticket delivery in time for the event
2. Comparable or better tickets if there’s a problem
3. A refund if the event is canceled and not rescheduled

Limitations and Exclusions

However, the guarantee has some limitations:

1. It doesn’t cover event changes or postponements
2. You must report issues within strict timeframes
3. Refunds might be in the form of Viagogo credit rather than cash

Navigating Viagogo’s Booking Process

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Tickets

1. Search for your event
2. Select your tickets
3. Create an account or log in
4. Enter payment details
5. Review your order (including fees)
6. Confirm purchase

Identifying Fees During Checkout

Pay close attention during checkout. Viagogo now displays fees earlier in the process due to regulatory pressure, but they can still be easy to miss. Look for a breakdown of costs before you finalize your purchase.

Tips for Minimizing Viagogo Fees

Want to save some cash? Try these strategies:

Timing Your Ticket Purchase

1. Buy early: Prices (and fees) often increase as the event date approaches
2. Or wait until the last minute: Sometimes sellers drop prices to offload unsold tickets

Exploring Alternative Ticket Sources

1. Check the official ticket seller first
2. Look at other resale sites to compare fees
3. Join fan clubs for presale opportunities

Viagogo Fees for Different Types of Events

Fees can vary depending on the type of event. Let’s look at some examples:

Concert and Music Festival Fees

Music events often have higher fees due to high demand. For a $100 concert ticket, you might pay $25-$30 in fees.

Sports Event Fees

Sports tickets can also come with hefty fees, especially for playoff games or rivalries. Expect to pay 20-25% in fees for most sports events.

Theater and Arts Performance Fees

Theater tickets might have slightly lower fees, but they can still add 15-20% to your total cost.

Legal and Regulatory Issues Surrounding Viagogo Fees

Viagogo’s fee structure has faced legal challenges in several countries.

Government Investigations and Actions

1. UK: The Competition and Markets Authority took action against Viagogo for misleading pricing
2. Australia: The ACCC sued Viagogo for deceptive conduct
3. New Zealand: The Commerce Commission filed court proceedings over Viagogo’s fee disclosures

Consumer Protection Measures

Many countries now require ticket resale sites to:

1. Display all fees upfront
2. Provide clear information about seat locations
3. Inform buyers if they’re purchasing from a professional reseller

Viagogo Fee Refund Policies

When Are Fees Refundable?

Generally, Viagogo fees are only refundable if:

1. The event is canceled and not rescheduled
2. Viagogo fails to provide valid tickets as promised

How to Request a Refund

1. Contact Viagogo customer service immediately
2. Provide all relevant order details
3. Be prepared to submit supporting documentation

Remember, if you simply change your mind about attending an event, fees are typically non-refundable.

Comparing Viagogo Fees Across Different Countries

Fee Variations by Region

Viagogo operates globally, but fees can vary by country:

1. UK: Fees are typically around 25% for buyers
2. Australia: Similar to the UK, with fees around 20-25%
3. US: Fees can be slightly higher, sometimes reaching 30%

Currency Exchange Considerations

When buying tickets for events in other countries, watch out for:

1. Exchange rate fees from your bank
2. Viagogo’s own currency conversion rates, which may not be the most favorable

The Future of Viagogo Fees

Potential Changes in Fee Structures

As regulatory pressure increases, Viagogo may need to:

1. Increase transparency in fee disclosures
2. Potentially lower fees to stay competitive
3. Offer more buyer protections to justify high fees

Industry Trends and Predictions

The ticket resale industry is evolving:

1. More artists and venues are using dynamic pricing
2. Mobile ticketing is becoming the norm, potentially affecting delivery fees
3. Blockchain technology might disrupt the ticketing industry, possibly leading to lower fees

Alternatives to Viagogo: Comparing Fees and Services

Primary Ticket Sellers vs. Resale Marketplaces

Always check the official ticket seller first. Their fees are usually lower, but tickets might sell out quickly.

Fee Structures of Competing Platforms

1. StubHub: Typically charges 10-15% to buyers, plus seller fees
2. SeatGeek: Often has lower fees, around 20% total
3. Ticketmaster Resale: Fees vary but are often lower than Viagogo

Making an Informed Decision: Is Viagogo Right for You?

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros of using Viagogo:

1. Wide selection of tickets
2. Buyer guarantee
3. Access to sold-out events

Cons of using Viagogo:

1. High fees
2. Risk of overpriced tickets
3. Potential for last-minute cancellations

When to Use Viagogo Despite the Fees

Consider using Viagogo when:

1. The event is sold out everywhere else
2. You find a great deal even with the fees
3. You value the buyer guarantee for a high-stakes purchase

Navigating the World of Viagogo Fees

Understanding Viagogo fees is crucial for smart ticket buying. While the platform offers a valuable service, its fees can significantly increase your costs. Always compare prices across different sites, read the fine print, and factor in all fees before making a purchase.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider the reliability of the platform, the guarantees offered, and the total cost including fees. With this knowledge, you’re now equipped to make informed decisions when buying tickets on Viagogo or any other platform.

Happy ticket hunting, and enjoy your events!