How to Buy Tickets to a Sold Out Concert

Metallica fans at a sold-out show in 2009.

Even with inflated prices, concert tickets have a way of selling out right before you, the fan, commits to a purchase. When the official ticket outlets say no, there are some other options that may say yes for the right price. Everyone knows how to check social sites like eBay or Craig's List for tickets or anything else someone might have for sell. Beyond those sites, there are a few options to consider if you're willing to pay more than the face value.

Instructions

1. Check fan-to-fan sites like Stub Hub. Stub Hub guarantees the tickets are valid and will arrive on time. You may need to register for such sites. There are plenty of other sites that manage to get good tickets in advance and sell them for huge mark-up prices. Type the name, date and location of the show in any search engine. Check the results and ask yourself if you're willing to pay 100 percent or more over the ticket face value. If you are, those brokers are more than willing to take your money.

2. Visit the message boards for any act on the bill. Fans sometimes use these forums as a way to sell extra tickets.

3. Get a ticket outside of the show from the old, reliable ticket scalper. Most scalpers get desperate a few hours before showtime. Show up around that time and ask a few of them where the tickets are and how much they cost.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're prepared to shell out extra money, you'll find tickets no problem.

• Face value tickets (or cheaper!) can be yours if you put enough time and effort into the search. Just keep looking!

References

• Stub Hub