Green Bay Entertainment Venues Issue Ticket Purchase Warning | WTAQ News Talk | 97.5FM · 1360AM

Consumers should also be wary of possible scams.

While venues acknowledge that most secondary ticket sellers are reputable companies, venues say purchasing directly from them offers the best price and greatest protection.

John Schmidt of Schmitty’s Tickets, Inc. in Combined Locks also agrees that most secondary sellers are legitimate.

“They are still legitimate websites that only charge high fees. 999 times out of 1000 they get their tickets, and if not, they use their credit card and get their money back. These sites are all good, they’re just trying to make a living,” Schmidt said.

The Better Business Bureau recommends everyone buy directly from the venue if possible, but adds that there are reputable secondary sellers.

“But as with everything, you have to do a little checking,” said Lisa Schiller of the BBB. “You can’t make an irrational, quick decision, and that’s generally what people usually do.”

Terry Charles of PMI, the group that owns TicketStar, warns that customers should visit the venue’s official website rather than following the top link returned by a web search.

The Better Business Bureau has the following tips for those seeking tickets through secondary sellers:

• Check the BBB: Search for the seller on BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced.
• Check accreditation: BBB accredited companies have been vetted and are held to higher standards of customer service, transparency and ethical business practices.
• Check National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) membership: NATB members offer a 200 percent purchase guarantee on tickets.
• View the reseller’s policies: Make sure the reseller provides clear information about the transaction terms and refund if the tickets are counterfeit.
• Use a credit card: Using a credit card protects you if the tickets are not as promised.
• Check the authenticity of the seller: Check their reviews and ratings on reputable websites.
• Request proof of purchase: If you are purchasing from a private individual, ask for proof that they purchased the tickets.
• Meet the seller in person: Ask the seller to meet you in person in a public place to exchange tickets.
• Make sure the seat numbers are present: Make sure the section and seat numbers on the tickets are actually present at the venue.