Non-refundable policies, hidden fees at checkout, and scalper-friendly resale terms. I analyze the terms that affect your ticket purchases and resale rights.
Side-by-side comparison of consumer fairness scores across major event ticketing platforms.
| Platform | Score | Grade | Key Gotcha | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
S
SeatGeek
Best in Category
|
65 | B- | Better transparency, still has fees | View Review → |
|
E
Eventbrite
|
58 | C+ | Organizer-friendly, consumer protections vary | View Review → |
|
S
StubHub
|
52 | C | FanProtect limitations, seller penalties | View Review → |
|
T
Ticketmaster
Lowest in Category
|
45 | C- | Notorious fees, no refunds, dynamic pricing | View Review → |
All platforms add significant fees (15-30%+) that are only fully revealed at checkout. "Convenience fees," "service fees," and "facility charges" stack up quickly.
Most platforms refuse refunds even when events are rescheduled. Cancellations often result in credits rather than cash refunds, with expiration dates.
Ticket prices can change based on demand algorithms. What you see one minute may cost significantly more the next, with no price lock until checkout.
Non-transferable tickets, platform-only resale requirements, and hefty seller fees make it difficult to recoup costs if you can't attend an event.
Click through for complete analysis of each platform's terms of service.
If you've been denied a refund, hit with unexpected fees, or had tickets cancelled without recourse, we have resources to help you understand your rights.
Need help understanding your rights or resolving a ticketing dispute?