⚠ Key Concerns

StubHub's FanProtect Guarantee sounds comprehensive but has significant limitations. Sellers face severe penalties for non-delivery (up to 40% charges plus replacement costs), while buyers have narrow windows to report issues. Both sides pay substantial fees.

Score Breakdown by Category

How StubHub's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

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

Why this score: StubHub charges fees to both buyers and sellers. Buyer fees range 15-25%, while sellers pay 10-15%. The "toggle" to show prices with fees helps, but default display hides true costs. International purchases add currency conversion fees.

Industry comparison: SeatGeek: 35/100 (Deal Score helpful) | Ticketmaster: 15/100 (worst transparency) | Eventbrite: 45/100 (clearer breakdown) | Category avg: 30/100

🔒 Refund & Cancellation Policy (25%) 35/100

Why this score: FanProtect guarantees cover invalid tickets and cancelled events, but not "change of plans." Refunds for cancelled events may be credits. Rescheduled events don't automatically qualify. Must report issues within 24-48 hours of event.

Industry comparison: SeatGeek: 40/100 (broader guarantee) | Ticketmaster: 18/100 (minimal refunds) | Eventbrite: 50/100 (organizer flexibility) | Category avg: 36/100

🔁 Seller Protections (20%) 28/100

Why this score: Sellers face severe penalties for non-delivery - up to 40% of sale price plus cost of replacement tickets. Account suspensions for issues beyond seller control. Limited appeal process for disputed transactions.

Industry comparison: SeatGeek: 38/100 (slightly better) | Ticketmaster: 25/100 (resale restrictions) | Eventbrite: 55/100 (organizer-focused) | Category avg: 37/100

👥 Buyer Protections (15%) 42/100

Why this score: FanProtect provides some security - replacement tickets or refund if tickets are invalid. However, narrow reporting windows, credits instead of cash for some issues, and no protection for buyer's remorse limit value.

Industry comparison: SeatGeek: 48/100 (better guarantee terms) | Ticketmaster: 30/100 (minimal protection) | Eventbrite: 45/100 (varies by organizer) | Category avg: 41/100

⚖ Dispute Resolution (10%) 40/100

Why this score: Mandatory arbitration with class action waiver. Customer support can be difficult to reach. Disputes resolved at StubHub's discretion with limited transparency. Better than some competitors but still one-sided.

Industry comparison: SeatGeek: 50/100 (responsive support) | Ticketmaster: 35/100 (limited options) | Eventbrite: 40/100 (organizer-dependent) | Category avg: 41/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in StubHub's terms create the most risk for users.

Seller Non-Delivery Penalties

High Risk

If you can't deliver tickets as a seller, you may be charged up to 40% of the sale price plus the cost of replacement tickets. This can exceed the original sale value.

"If you fail to deliver valid tickets... you will be charged a fee of up to 40% of the ticket cost, plus any difference in price for replacement tickets." StubHub Seller Terms

FanProtect Limitations

High Risk

The guarantee doesn't cover buyer's remorse, personal emergencies, or tickets that work but aren't as described. You must report issues within 24-48 hours of the event.

"FanProtect does not provide refunds for change of plans, inability to attend, or tickets that differ from expectations but provide valid entry." FanProtect Terms

Dual-Sided Fees

High Risk

Both buyers and sellers pay substantial fees. Buyers see 15-25% added at checkout; sellers have 10-15% deducted from proceeds. Combined platform take can exceed 35%.

"Service fees apply to all transactions. Buyer fees and seller fees are separate charges that support our marketplace operations." StubHub Fee Policy

Credits Instead of Refunds

High Risk

For some cancellations and issues, StubHub may offer site credits instead of cash refunds. These credits often have expiration dates and usage limitations.

"Refunds may be provided as StubHub credit at our discretion. Credits are valid for 12 months from date of issue." StubHub Refund Policy

Account Suspension Risk

Medium Risk

Multiple issues as a seller can result in account suspension or termination. StubHub has discretion to suspend accounts with limited appeal options.

"We may suspend or terminate your account at any time if we determine you have violated these Terms or engaged in fraudulent activity." StubHub Terms of Use

Price Changes After Listing

Medium Risk

Once tickets sell, you're committed to deliver at that price. Market price changes, event rescheduling, or other factors don't allow sellers to cancel without penalty.

"All sales are final and binding. Sellers cannot cancel orders due to price changes or other market conditions." StubHub Seller Agreement

Analysis

"StubHub occupies a unique position as a secondary marketplace, which creates risks on both sides of transactions. The FanProtect Guarantee sounds reassuring but has enough exceptions to leave many buyers and sellers disappointed.

Sellers face the most significant risk. The non-delivery penalties can be devastating - imagine being charged 40% of a $500 ticket sale plus replacement costs when tickets become unavailable due to circumstances beyond your control. I've seen sellers owe more than they earned.

My recommendation: if you're selling, only list tickets you're 100% certain you can deliver. If you're buying, document everything, report issues immediately (within hours, not days), and be prepared to dispute through your credit card if FanProtect fails you."

StubHub Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ StubHub Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Seller Non-Delivery Penalties

FanProtect Limitations

Dual-Sided Fees

Credits Instead of Refunds

Account Suspension Risk

Price Changes After Listing

Analysis

Need Help With StubHub?

Schedule a Consultation

StubHub Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ StubHub Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Seller Non-Delivery Penalties

FanProtect Limitations

Dual-Sided Fees

Credits Instead of Refunds

Account Suspension Risk

Price Changes After Listing

Analysis

Need Help With StubHub?

Schedule a Consultation