💡 Better Than Average

SeatGeek earns a higher score due to its Deal Score transparency system and Buyer Guarantee. However, fees still add up, the guarantee has exceptions, and resale restrictions apply. It's the best of imperfect options in this category.

Score Breakdown by Category

How SeatGeek's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

💰 Price & Fee Transparency (30%) 50/100

Why this score: SeatGeek's Deal Score system helps identify value by comparing prices across sources. Option to display all-in pricing available. However, fees still add 15-25% and some price comparisons can be misleading when including different seat qualities.

Industry comparison: StubHub: 30/100 (dual fees) | Ticketmaster: 15/100 (hidden until checkout) | Eventbrite: 45/100 (organizer transparency varies) | Category avg: 30/100

🔒 Refund & Cancellation Policy (25%) 45/100

Why this score: Buyer Guarantee covers cancelled events (full refund) and invalid tickets (replacement or refund). Rescheduled events handled better than competitors. However, "change of plans" still not covered, and credits may be offered for some situations.

Industry comparison: StubHub: 35/100 (FanProtect limitations) | Ticketmaster: 18/100 (all sales final) | Eventbrite: 50/100 (organizer sets policy) | Category avg: 36/100

🔁 Resale & Transfer Rights (20%) 45/100

Why this score: SeatGeek supports resale through its marketplace with reasonable seller fees (around 10%). However, some tickets from primary sources have transfer restrictions. Instant download availability varies by seller.

Industry comparison: StubHub: 40/100 (resale-focused but penalties) | Ticketmaster: 30/100 (many restrictions) | Eventbrite: 35/100 (organizer controls transfers) | Category avg: 38/100

👥 Purchase Process Fairness (15%) 40/100

Why this score: Aggregation model means varied sources - some with better availability than others. Price lock during checkout process is reasonable. Deal Score helps but isn't always accurate for true value assessment.

Industry comparison: StubHub: 38/100 (straightforward marketplace) | Ticketmaster: 25/100 (Verified Fan barriers) | Eventbrite: 55/100 (direct from organizers) | Category avg: 40/100

⚖ Dispute Resolution (10%) 45/100

Why this score: Customer support is generally responsive. Buyer Guarantee provides clear escalation path for covered issues. However, standard arbitration clause applies, and disputes involving third-party sellers can be complex.

Industry comparison: StubHub: 40/100 (mixed support quality) | Ticketmaster: 35/100 (limited recourse) | Eventbrite: 40/100 (organizer-dependent) | Category avg: 40/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in SeatGeek's terms require attention before purchasing.

Deal Score Limitations

Medium Risk

The Deal Score compares prices but may not account for seat quality differences, view obstructions, or section specifics. A "great deal" might still be overpriced for the actual experience.

"Deal Score is a comparison tool based on historical pricing data. It does not guarantee value or account for all factors affecting ticket quality." SeatGeek Help Center

Service Fees Still Apply

Medium Risk

Despite better transparency, fees of 15-25% still apply to all purchases. The "show prices with fees" option helps, but many users don't enable it and get surprised at checkout.

"Service fees vary based on event, venue, and ticket type. Fees are displayed during the checkout process and are non-refundable." SeatGeek Fee Policy

Buyer Guarantee Exceptions

Medium Risk

The Buyer Guarantee covers invalid tickets and cancelled events, but personal circumstances, schedule conflicts, and some rescheduled events may not qualify for refunds.

"Our Guarantee does not cover inability to attend due to personal circumstances. Rescheduled events are handled on a case-by-case basis." SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee

Third-Party Seller Risks

Medium Risk

As an aggregator, SeatGeek pulls tickets from various sources. Quality, delivery timing, and specific terms vary by seller. Some issues require dealing with the original seller, not SeatGeek.

"Tickets are sold by third-party sellers. While we facilitate transactions and provide our Guarantee, some issues may need to be resolved with the original ticket source." SeatGeek Marketplace Terms

Resale Fee Structure

Medium Risk

If you sell tickets through SeatGeek, expect around 10% in seller fees. Prices must be set competitively to sell, potentially reducing your recovery on unwanted tickets.

"Sellers pay a service fee on completed sales. Fees are deducted from sale proceeds at the time of transaction completion." SeatGeek Seller Terms

Arbitration Requirement

Medium Risk

Standard mandatory arbitration clause with class action waiver applies. Disputes must be resolved individually through arbitration rather than courts.

"Any dispute arising from your use of SeatGeek shall be resolved through binding arbitration... You waive the right to participate in class actions." SeatGeek Terms of Use

SeatGeek Terms of Service Review

💡 Better Than Average

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ SeatGeek Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Deal Score Limitations

Service Fees Still Apply

Buyer Guarantee Exceptions

Third-Party Seller Risks

Resale Fee Structure

Arbitration Requirement

Analysis

Need Help With SeatGeek?

Schedule a Consultation

SeatGeek Terms of Service Review

💡 Better Than Average

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ SeatGeek Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Deal Score Limitations

Service Fees Still Apply

Buyer Guarantee Exceptions

Third-Party Seller Risks

Resale Fee Structure

Arbitration Requirement

Analysis

Need Help With SeatGeek?

Schedule a Consultation