How to Buy Concert Tickets on eBay

Trying to find tickets to "The Show," the one that’s been sold out for weeks? With the Internet (and more specifically, eBay), landing those impossible-to-find tickets is easier than ever.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Credit card or PayPal account

1. Visit eBay online (see Resources below).
2. Click the "Sign In" link to access your personal eBay account. If you don’t have one, click on the "Register" link and follow the prompts.
3. Click on the category menu to the left of the "Search" button and select "Tickets" from the drop-down list.
4. Type the name of the performer you want to see in the box to the left and click the "Search" button.
5. Consider the various ticket options available. Check the arena-seating guide so you know exactly where you'd be sitting, confirm the date (especially if the performer is performing multiple shows at the same venue) and note the shipping costs.
6. Submit a bid. Though it's online, eBay works like any other auction house--the highest bidder wins. You can set a maximum bid amount when you make your original offer; if your bid is trumped, the site will re-bid for you until you win or reach your limit.
7. Pay up. If you win the auction, you'll be prompted to pay for your tickets. While many eBay sellers prefer PayPal accounts, every vendor has his or her own requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t bid too high until the last few minutes of the auction. A high bid entered early in the auction can run up the eventual price.
• Check back often to see if your bid is still tops, especially as the time limit for the auction approaches--someone might outbid you in the last few minutes.
• Just because your bid is the highest when you log off doesn’t mean you'll win. The only bid that counts is the last one.
• Don't bid what you don't have. A bid is treated as a contract--if you make the winning bid, you'll be expected to pay, and the site and vendor will hold you liable if you don't.