You bought tickets to see your favorite artist, but now you can’t go. Or maybe you spotted a deal and want to flip them for profit. Either way, you’re stuck wondering: Can I actually resell these tickets? Will my account get suspended? Is this even legal where I live?
Here’s what makes this confusing: Every platform has different rules, states have conflicting laws, and one wrong move can lock you out of buying tickets forever. Some sellers list hundreds of tickets monthly without issues, while others get banned after their first resale attempt.
The difference comes down to understanding each platform’s specific policies, knowing your state’s price cap laws, and following the verification requirements that most people miss. This guide breaks down exactly what StubHub and Ticketmaster allow, where price restrictions apply, and how to protect your account while reselling.
Key Takeaways
- Verify your state allows ticket reselling—11 states ban price markups above face value or require seller registration
- Use StubHub’s guarantee for flexible resales; use Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan Exchange only for transferable tickets
- Check if tickets are mobile-only or restricted before listing—violating transfer rules triggers instant bans
- Document your purchase receipts and track fees separately to avoid pricing violations in regulated states
- Expect 15-25% total platform fees that cut into profits regardless of which marketplace you choose
How Ticket Reselling Actually Works on Each Platform
StubHub and Ticketmaster operate as middlemen, but they handle resales completely differently.
StubHub’s Open Marketplace Model
StubHub functions like eBay for tickets. Anyone can list tickets they own, set their own prices, and sell to buyers worldwide. You don’t need the original purchase to be from StubHub. Concert tickets, sports events, theater shows—if you have them, you can list them.
The platform charges sellers around 10% commission and buyers pay roughly 15% in service fees. You upload your tickets to their system, and when someone buys them, StubHub manages the transfer. If something goes wrong, their FanProtect guarantee covers the buyer.
Ticketmaster’s Controlled Exchange
Ticketmaster only lets you resell tickets you originally bought through their platform. They run this through their Fan-to-Fan Exchange (formerly called Fan-to-Fan Resale or TM+). You can’t bring outside tickets here.
When you list tickets, Ticketmaster caps your resale price at 20% above what you paid (including all fees). Sellers pay around 15% in fees. The catch? Not all tickets qualify. If an event organizer or artist disabled resale for that show, you’re locked out.
State Laws That Actually Restrict Ticket Reselling
Federal law doesn’t ban ticket reselling, but individual states create their own rules. Some prohibit markups entirely, others cap profits, and a few require seller licenses.
States With Price Cap Restrictions
These states limit how much you can charge above face value:
| State | Maximum Markup Allowed | Registration Required |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Face value only (no markup) | Yes, if selling 2+ tickets |
| Connecticut | No markup allowed | No |
| Massachusetts | $2 or 25% above face value | No |
| Michigan | Face value + $3 maximum | No |
| Minnesota | Face value only | Yes, with city clerk |
| New Jersey | 20% above face value | Yes, with state |
| New York | $5 or 20% (whichever is more) | No |
| North Carolina | $3 above face value | No |
| Rhode Island | $3 above face value | No |
| South Dakota | Face value only | No |
| Virginia | Face value only | No |
If you live in these states, listing a $100 ticket for $300 on StubHub could technically violate state law. Enforcement varies—some states rarely prosecute individuals, while others issue fines or misdemeanor charges.
States With Registration Requirements
Even if markup is allowed, some states force sellers to register:
- Florida: Register with the Division of Consumer Services if reselling more than one ticket
- Illinois: Out-of-state sellers must register; in-state residents exempt
- Minnesota: Register with your local city clerk before any resale
- New Jersey: Requires state registration regardless of volume
Breaking registration rules usually results in fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 per violation.
States With No Restrictions
Most states don’t regulate ticket reselling. You can charge whatever buyers will pay in these locations: California, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Colorado, and roughly 35 others. Always check your specific state’s current laws through Consumer Financial Protection Bureau resources before listing tickets.
Tickets You Cannot Resell (Platform Restrictions)
Both platforms block certain ticket types from resale, and attempting to list them gets your account flagged.
Non-Transferable Tickets
More artists now issue non-transferable tickets that lock to the original buyer’s name and ID. Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and many Broadway shows use this system. The barcode only works when the original purchaser shows their credit card and photo ID at entry.
Ticketmaster marks these as “non-transferable” in your account. You literally cannot list them on Fan-to-Fan Exchange—the platform won’t let you. StubHub’s terms prohibit listing them, but sellers sometimes try anyway. When the buyer can’t get in, StubHub refunds them and bans the seller.
Mobile-Only Tickets
These exist only in an app (Apple Wallet or the venue’s app). Many venues now use rotating barcodes that refresh every 60 seconds. You can’t screenshot them or forward static images.
Ticketmaster allows reselling mobile tickets through their official transfer system. StubHub requires you to transfer tickets through the original platform before delivery. If you can’t complete the transfer because the artist blocked it, you can’t fulfill the sale.
Season Tickets With Holder Agreements
Sports teams often prohibit season ticket holders from reselling above face value through third-party sites. Your contract might require using the team’s official exchange only. Violating this doesn’t trigger legal penalties, but teams can revoke your season tickets for future years.
How Account Bans Actually Happen
Neither platform wants to ban customers—they profit from your fees. Bans happen when you violate specific terms or when automated systems flag suspicious patterns.
Reasons StubHub Bans Accounts
StubHub enforces through buyer complaints and automated monitoring:
- Listing tickets you don’t actually own (hoping to buy them later if someone purchases)
- Failing to deliver tickets after a sale (more than 2-3 times triggers review)
- Uploading fake or duplicate barcodes
- Chargebacks or payment disputes
- Creating multiple accounts to circumvent limits
Sellers who can’t deliver face immediate suspension. If you rack up three non-delivery incidents in a year, expect a permanent ban. StubHub also tracks IP addresses and payment methods, so making a new account often fails.
Reasons Ticketmaster Bans Accounts
Ticketmaster monitors resale behavior more aggressively:
- Using bots or multiple accounts to buy tickets
- Exceeding the ticket purchase limit for events
- Reselling tickets marked non-transferable
- Fraudulent payment methods or chargebacks
- Violating the 20% price cap on Fan-to-Fan Exchange
Ticketmaster’s algorithms detect patterns like bulk purchasing from the same IP, shared credit cards across accounts, or rapid ticket flipping. They ban entire households sometimes, blocking all devices and payment methods connected to the flagged activity.
One verified ban trigger: buying tickets during presale, immediately listing them, then canceling the original order. Ticketmaster treats this as inventory manipulation.
Platform Fees That Cut Into Your Profit
Both platforms take significant cuts, and sellers often underestimate total costs.
StubHub’s Fee Structure
Sellers pay 10% commission on the final sale price. If your tickets sell for $200, StubHub keeps $20. However, buyers pay their own 15% fee on top of your listing price. This doesn’t affect your payout, but it does affect whether buyers choose your listing.
You also pay payment processing fees (roughly 3%) when withdrawing funds. Shipping costs apply if you’re mailing physical tickets, though most events use mobile delivery now.
Ticketmaster’s Fee Structure
Sellers pay around 15% on Fan-to-Fan Exchange. This includes the platform fee and payment processing. Ticketmaster doesn’t charge buyers additional fees for resale tickets purchased through their official exchange, which sometimes makes these listings more attractive than StubHub.
However, the 20% price cap limits your profit potential. If you paid $150 for a ticket (including original fees), you can only list it for $180 maximum. After Ticketmaster takes their 15% cut ($27), you net $153—barely breaking even.
Fee Comparison Example
| Original Cost | StubHub Listing | StubHub Payout | Ticketmaster Listing | Ticketmaster Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $250 | $225 (after 10% fee) | $120 (capped) | $102 (after 15% fee) |
| $200 | $400 | $360 (after 10% fee) | $240 (capped) | $204 (after 15% fee) |
StubHub offers better profit margins when demand is high. Ticketmaster caps limit earnings but provide guaranteed listing if the event allows resales.
Tips to Resell Safely Without Losing Your Account
Follow these practices to minimize ban risk and maximize successful sales.
Verify Transfer Capabilities First
Before listing tickets anywhere, confirm you can actually transfer them. Log into your Ticketmaster account and check if the “Transfer” button appears. If it’s grayed out or missing, the artist disabled transfers. Don’t list these tickets on StubHub—you can’t deliver them.
For mobile tickets, test the transfer process before someone buys. Some venues require the recipient to download specific apps or create accounts. Knowing this prevents delivery failures.
Document Everything
Screenshot your original purchase confirmation, including the total price you paid and all fees. If your state has price cap laws, you’ll need proof of your cost basis. Keep records of when you listed tickets and final sale prices.
This documentation protects you if a buyer disputes the transaction or if StubHub/Ticketmaster questions your pricing.
Price Competitively, Not Aggressively
Overpricing tickets makes them sit unsold and wastes listing fees. Check comparable listings before setting your price. Sort by seat section and row to find market rates.
Avoid constantly relisting the same tickets at different prices within hours. Both platforms flag this as suspicious behavior. If your tickets aren’t selling, adjust once per day maximum.
Use Platform-Specific Delivery Methods
StubHub requires you to upload tickets to their system or use their mobile transfer tools. Never promise to email tickets directly to buyers—this violates terms and removes buyer protection.
Ticketmaster handles delivery automatically through Fan-to-Fan Exchange. Once your ticket sells, they transfer it to the buyer’s account. You don’t need to do anything except wait for payment.
Don’t Oversell or Speculate
Only list tickets you physically own. Some sellers list tickets they plan to buy later, hoping the event sells out and prices spike. This is called speculative selling. If you can’t acquire the tickets before delivery deadline, you face penalties and bans.
Sports scalpers sometimes buy seats in bulk, then list them across multiple platforms. If the same tickets sell on two sites, you’ve committed to delivering tickets you no longer have. This guarantees negative feedback and suspension.
When Reselling Makes Financial Sense
Not every ticket resale earns money. Calculate total costs before committing.
High-Demand Events With Profit Potential
Concerts by artists with massive followings (Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, Drake) typically allow markup. Playoff games, championship matches, and opening nights for hit Broadway shows also command premiums.
Check StubHub’s current listings for similar seats at the same event. If comparable tickets sell for 50% or more above face value, you’ve found a profitable opportunity.
Low-Demand Events That Lose Money
Regular season games for struggling teams rarely resell above cost. Mid-week comedy shows or theater performances outside major cities often sit unsold. When listing fees and platform commissions are factored in, you might net less than face value.
If you’re reselling because you can’t attend, expect to take a loss on low-demand events. Focus on recovering partial costs rather than making profit.
Timing Your Listing
List high-demand tickets immediately after purchasing. Prices peak when events first go on sale and again one week before the event date.
For less popular events, wait until two weeks before the date. Desperate last-minute buyers sometimes pay premiums when primary inventory sells out.
What to Do If Your Account Gets Suspended
Platform bans aren’t always permanent, but appeals require specific steps.
Immediate Actions After Suspension
Contact customer support through official channels—phone or email only. Explain what happened calmly and provide documentation. If you believe the ban was an error, show proof of legitimate ticket ownership and completed deliveries.
Don’t create new accounts. Both platforms detect this through device fingerprinting and payment methods. Getting caught evading a ban makes it permanent across all future accounts.
Appeal Process for StubHub
StubHub reviews appeals within 5-7 business days. They typically require:
- Proof you owned the tickets you listed
- Evidence of successful transfers or deliveries
- Explanation of any disputed transactions
If your ban resulted from non-delivery, you might get reinstated by refunding affected buyers and paying penalties. Repeat offenders rarely win appeals.
Appeal Process for Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster’s appeals department reviews cases individually. Provide your account details, purchase history, and specific reasons why you believe the ban was incorrect.
Bot-related bans are nearly impossible to overturn. If their system detected automated purchasing software, the ban stays permanent. However, if you were flagged incorrectly (family members sharing Wi-Fi, for example), documented proof might restore access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I resell tickets I won in a radio contest or received as gifts?
Yes, if they’re transferable. Promotional tickets sometimes include restrictions against resale in the fine print. Check the terms provided with the tickets. If nothing prohibits resale and you can transfer them through the original platform, you can list them on StubHub. Ticketmaster only allows reselling tickets purchased directly through their system, so contest tickets won’t qualify for Fan-to-Fan Exchange.
What happens if the event gets canceled after I resell tickets?
The buyer gets a refund from the platform, and the platform recoups that money from you. If you already withdrew your payout, StubHub or Ticketmaster will charge back your payment method. Make sure funds remain available until well after the event date. For postponed events, buyers can choose refunds or new event dates—you won’t receive payment until the situation resolves.
Do platforms report resale income to the IRS?
Yes. Both StubHub and Ticketmaster send 1099-K forms if you process more than $5,000 in sales or complete more than 200 transactions in a calendar year. Even below these thresholds, you’re legally required to report resale profits as income. Track your purchase costs and platform fees to calculate actual profit for tax purposes.
Can venues refuse entry even if I bought valid resale tickets?
Rarely, but it happens with non-transferable tickets or when sellers commit fraud. If you buy through StubHub or Ticketmaster’s official exchange, both platforms guarantee entry or provide refunds. Buying from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or unofficial sources carries higher risk—venues sometimes reject tickets that were reported stolen or fraudulently obtained.
Conclusion
Reselling tickets successfully means knowing your state’s laws before listing anything, checking transfer capabilities for each ticket, and understanding platform-specific restrictions. StubHub gives you pricing freedom and accepts outside tickets, but you’ll pay fees and handle delivery yourself. Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan Exchange caps your prices and only works with their tickets, but simplifies transfers.
If you’re in states like Arkansas, Connecticut, or Virginia, selling above face value breaks the law—stick to breaking even or use the official team/venue exchanges. For unrestricted states, compare fees and demand before choosing your platform. Always verify tickets are transferable before committing to a sale.
Which platform have you used for reselling tickets, and did you run into any unexpected issues with transfers or account restrictions?
