1. Start at the official source
Go to the artist's, team's or venue's own website and follow its "tickets" link. That takes you to the official seller for the event, which is the only place you're sure to get face-value tickets on sale day.
2. Get in early with presales
- Sign up for the artist's, venue's and team's email lists. Presale codes often go out there first.
- Some credit cards and fan clubs offer their own presales.
- On sale day, log in before tickets go live, with your payment details already saved.
3. If you buy resale, protect yourself
- Use a resale marketplace that offers a buyer guarantee, so you get your money back if the tickets don't work.
- Compare the all-in price, with fees and taxes, not just the listed price.
- Prices often drop close to the event for shows that haven't sold out, and often rise for ones that have.
4. Watch for these scams
- Strangers on social media, Kijiji or Marketplace asking for an e-Transfer, crypto or gift cards. Once that money is sent, it's usually gone.
- Screenshots or PDFs of tickets. Many events now use mobile tickets with a moving barcode, so a screenshot won't scan, and the same ticket can be sold to several people.
- Copycat websites that look like the venue or team. Check the web address before you pay.
- "Too good to be true" prices for sold-out shows.
5. Mobile tickets
If your tickets are in an app, keep them there and update the app before you leave home. To give a ticket to a friend, use the app's transfer feature rather than sending a screenshot. Charge your phone, since the venue will need to scan it.
6. Before you head out
- Check the venue's bag policy and door time. Many arenas only allow small bags.
- Plan transit. See the venue guide for the nearest stop.
- Screenshot your seat details as a backup, but keep the real ticket in the app.
This is general advice, not legal or financial advice. Each seller and venue sets its own rules, so read them before you buy.