When it comes to buying or selling tickets for concerts, sports, and live events, two of the biggest names in the industry are Ticketmaster and StubHub. Both platforms provide access to millions of tickets, but there’s one aspect that fans and sellers often find frustrating: the fees. Understanding Ticketmaster vs StubHub fees is crucial whether you’re looking to score seats for a hot show or sell tickets you can’t use. This guide explores the details of fees on both platforms, comparing them from a buyer’s and a seller’s perspective, and helping you make the most cost-effective decision.
Why Ticket Fees Matter
Ticket prices for major events are already expensive, and the added service fees can sometimes feel like a hidden cost. Buyers often see a ticket listed at one price, only to find that the final checkout price is much higher due to convenience fees, processing charges, and other add-ons. Sellers, on the other hand, need to account for how much of their listing price will be reduced by platform fees. That makes the debate of Ticketmaster vs StubHub fees more than just a curiosity—it directly impacts your wallet.
Ticketmaster Fees Explained
Ticketmaster is one of the largest and most widely recognized ticketing platforms in the world. As the official primary ticket distributor for many artists, sports leagues, and venues, Ticketmaster has the advantage of direct partnerships. But with that comes significant fees.
Buyer Fees on Ticketmaster
When buying on Ticketmaster, you can expect several different types of fees:
-
Service Fees: These are the most common and often the highest. They are charged per ticket and can range from around 10% to 30% of the ticket price.
-
Order Processing Fees: A flat fee that applies per order rather than per ticket, typically ranging from a few dollars up to $10.
-
Delivery Fees: If you’re not using mobile entry, Ticketmaster may charge for mail or UPS delivery. This can add another $5 to $25 depending on the method.
In many cases, Ticketmaster fees can make the final cost of tickets significantly higher than the face value. It’s not uncommon for a $100 ticket to end up closer to $130 after fees.
Seller Fees on Ticketmaster
If you’re reselling your tickets directly through Ticketmaster’s resale marketplace, the company charges a percentage fee from the final sale price. Generally, Ticketmaster takes about 15% of the sale. For example, if you sell a ticket for $200, you’ll only keep $170 after fees.
StubHub Fees Explained
StubHub, owned by Viagogo, is one of the largest secondary marketplaces for tickets. Unlike Ticketmaster, StubHub doesn’t usually sell tickets directly from the venue or artist—it focuses on resale. This means sellers set the price and buyers pay that price plus StubHub’s fees.
Buyer Fees on StubHub
StubHub also charges fees to buyers, though they’re structured differently from Ticketmaster’s.
-
Service Fees: StubHub adds a service fee on top of the listed price. These fees can range from 10% to 35% depending on demand, location, and event popularity.
-
Delivery Fees: While StubHub primarily uses mobile transfer and electronic delivery (which are free), some tickets may require shipping or special delivery. This can add $5 to $20.
For buyers, this means the ticket price you first see on StubHub often isn’t the final cost. However, StubHub recently experimented with “all-in pricing,” which shows the final price upfront, helping to reduce frustration.
Seller Fees on StubHub
Sellers on StubHub also pay fees. Typically, StubHub charges a 10% commission on the ticket’s final sale price. If you sell a ticket for $200, you’ll walk away with $180.
Ticketmaster vs StubHub Fees: Buyer’s Perspective
When comparing Ticketmaster fees vs StubHub fees from the buyer’s side, the decision often comes down to whether you’re purchasing a ticket at face value or on the resale market.
-
Ticketmaster Buyers: If you’re buying a ticket directly when it first goes on sale, you’ll pay Ticketmaster’s service and order processing fees. While frustrating, you’re paying for guaranteed authenticity and direct-from-source tickets. However, if the event sells out, Ticketmaster’s resale market still applies the same kinds of fees as StubHub, often making them equally expensive.
-
StubHub Buyers: Buyers on StubHub usually pay higher prices overall because the tickets are often resold above face value. Adding service fees on top of that can make StubHub more expensive than Ticketmaster. On the flip side, if Ticketmaster is sold out, StubHub might be the only option, and the fees are the trade-off for access.
Ticketmaster vs StubHub Fees: Seller’s Perspective
For sellers, the difference in fees between Ticketmaster and StubHub can influence where you choose to list your tickets.
-
Ticketmaster Sellers: Ticketmaster charges a 15% fee, which is higher than StubHub’s. However, since Ticketmaster is the official distributor for many events, tickets listed there may sell faster and carry more trust with buyers.
-
StubHub Sellers: StubHub charges only 10% to sellers, making it a bit more seller-friendly. Still, sellers may need to price competitively since StubHub listings often compete with hundreds or even thousands of others.
Transparency of Fees
One of the biggest criticisms of both Ticketmaster and StubHub is the lack of upfront transparency in fees.
-
Ticketmaster: The listed ticket price often looks attractive at first glance, but once you reach the checkout screen, service and processing fees appear, making the final price much higher.
-
StubHub: StubHub has attempted to improve transparency with “all-in pricing,” where you see the final cost upfront. However, depending on where you live or the settings on the site, you may still see only the base price until checkout.
Overall, both platforms could be more transparent, but StubHub has made more progress in this area.
Example Comparisons
Let’s walk through a couple of examples to illustrate how the fees on StubHub vs Ticketmaster compare in real life.
-
Concert Ticket Example: A $150 concert ticket on Ticketmaster may carry a 20% service fee ($30) and a $5 processing fee, making the total $185. On StubHub, that same ticket may be listed at $200 due to resale markup, plus a 15% service fee ($30), totaling $230. In this case, Ticketmaster is cheaper.
-
Sports Game Example: A $75 ticket to an NBA game on Ticketmaster might end up costing $95 after fees. On StubHub, if the same ticket is listed for $80 resale, and StubHub adds a 12% fee ($9.60), the total would be about $89.60, making StubHub cheaper in this case.
These examples show how the cheaper option depends on the event, demand, and timing.
Buyer Strategies to Minimize Fees
If you’re a buyer, here are a few tips to help reduce fees:
-
Buy directly from Ticketmaster during the presale or onsale to avoid resale markups.
-
Check StubHub for last-minute deals—sometimes prices drop before an event as sellers try to unload tickets.
-
Use mobile ticket delivery to avoid delivery fees.
-
Sign up for fan clubs, presales, or credit card offers that might provide fee-free or discounted ticket options.
Seller Strategies to Minimize Fee Impact
For sellers, maximizing profit despite fees is key:
-
Compare both platforms before listing. If Ticketmaster has high buyer demand for your event, it may offset the higher seller fee.
-
On StubHub, consider timing your listing. Prices tend to peak right after an event sells out, but may drop closer to the event date.
-
Factor fees into your price. If you want to pocket $200, you’ll need to list higher to account for the 10–15% deductions.
Which Platform Has Lower Fees Overall?
When it comes to Ticketmaster fees vs StubHub fees, there’s no universal winner—it depends on whether you’re buying or selling.
-
For Buyers: Ticketmaster is usually cheaper if you’re purchasing at face value during the initial sale. StubHub can be more expensive because of resale markups, but occasionally offers better deals for last-minute buyers.
-
For Sellers: StubHub typically charges lower fees (10%) than Ticketmaster (15%), making it more appealing if you want to maximize earnings.
The Future of Ticket Fees
Both Ticketmaster and StubHub face growing scrutiny over their fee structures. Consumers and lawmakers alike have criticized the lack of transparency, leading to calls for legislation requiring upfront all-in pricing. As regulations evolve, fans may see more honest pricing in the near future, which could reshape the Ticketmaster vs StubHub fee debate entirely.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the differences in Ticketmaster vs StubHub fees can save you money and frustration. Ticketmaster tends to be better for buyers seeking face-value tickets, while StubHub often works better for sellers thanks to lower commissions. At the end of the day, it’s wise to compare both platforms before making a decision—because the right choice may vary depending on the event, timing, and demand.
