You are here:	About>Travel>California Travel> - Los Angeles> Things to Do in Los Angeles> Theater and Performing Arts> California Ticket Broker - guide to choosing and using a California ticket broker

Newsletters & RSS Email to a friend Submit to Digg

California Ticket Broker

From Betsy Malloy,
Your Guide to California Travel.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Buy Hard-to-Find Seats Through a California Ticket Broker

Were you hoping to see a special event, show or sporting event while on vacation, only to find it sold out? While the box office may not have any seats to sell, that doesn't mean they aren't available. If you're willing to pay a premium, you can often turn to a California ticket broker and find just what you're looking for. If you're busy, you may also want to try a California ticket broker for convenience.

A ticket broker buys their stock from season ticket holders, public sales and other contacts. They hope to make money by selling them at a marked-up price.

Most of the California ticket broker companies offer tickets to theater, concerts and sporting events. A few of the most popular annual events that you may also want to use them for include:

Beach Blanket Babylon
Rose Parade: Try Tickco or Team One
Pageant of the Masters
Hollywood Bowl

What to Look for When Choosing a California Ticket Broker

What are the fees? Prices that look cheaper at first can turn out to be more expensive when you get to checkout, where some California ticket broker companies add significant "service charges."
How long have they been in business? There are plenty of Califonia ticket broker companies who have been around for five to ten years or more. They have better sources and a track record you can check up on.
What's their reputation? The California ticket broker companies listed below are all Better Business Bureau members. You can also check on them at the National Association of Ticket Brokers.

What to Expect When Buying from a California Ticket Broker

Buying from a California ticket broker is different than buying through a box office. Here's what to expect:

You'll buy at market value, which may be higher than the face value. You're paying the California ticket broker for convenience (no standing in line or speed-dialing the box office) or to get seats not available elsewhere.
Sales are final, with no refunds for any reason except a cancelled event. However, some California ticket broker companies offer to help you sell to someone else if you can't attend.
Most California ticket broker purchases are shipped with an adult signature required, and most will charge you for shipping. Some companies guarantee delivery before the event.

You can get seats to most California events from more than one California ticket broker. Once you find a California ticket broker you like, stick with them and sign up for their newsletter to get in on specials. As they get to know you, they can serve you better. Some also offer frequent-buyer programs.

Alternatives to Using a California Ticket Broker

If you're looking for a bargain price for a sold-out event, a California ticket broker is not the way to go. Try these options:

eBay: If you choose to buy through eBay, be sure you check the seller's feedback and avoid new sellers. Be sure to get the seller's physical address and telephone in case of problems. The bigger the event, the higher your chances of getting cheated. You may be better off to pay a little more to a California ticket broker and be sure you're getting the real thing than risking losing all your money to a scam artist.

StubHub: This service claims to broker transactions between individuals, but in fact, many of those selling through them are brokers. By the time you add their fees (15% to the seller, 10% to the buyer) to the price, you'd might as well be buying through a reputable California ticket broker anyway.

Scalpers: California law does not prohibit selling tickets at more than their face value, but scalpers must have permission from the venue to sell on their property. However, it can be risky for you to buy from them. If you're determined to try, these tips may help you keep from getting cheated:

Know what the ticket looks like. Politely ask someone if you can see theirs.
Bring a seating chart. Unscrupulous scalpers may show you an altered one.
Bring cash.
Test the seller by asking if they'll walk to the gate with you. If they're reluctant, it could mean the tickets are fake and they don't want to be nearby when it's discovered.
Be patient. You may get a better deal if you wait until just before the show starts.