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Angie's List Offers Tips For Finding Good Tickets(Inside Indiana Business)

9/5/2007

“Even if you are poised and ready the moment tickets go on sale, getting great seats can be a challenge,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “And, if you’re looking for premium seats or have waited until the last minute to buy tickets, a ticket broker can actually be a great resource.”

Hicks warns, though, that as with any industry, there are good and bad brokers. “That’s why it’s important to do your homework and know the demand and your options for getting the ticket you’re seeking.”

With low supply and high demand, here are 9 shortcuts to the best seat:

1) Members only. Check the National Association of Ticket Brokers’ website (natb.org) to make sure your broker is a member. Should you have any problems with the ticket, NATB members guarantee a refund of double your purchase price or your purchase price plus $1,000, whichever is greater.

2) Supply and demand. Find out how many tickets the broker has on hand for the event. Ask if you can afford to wait a few days to see if the price will go down.

3) Getting to know you. Develop a relationship with your broker so he/she knows your tastes and can alert you to upcoming shows or good deals.

4) Spam is good. If the broker sends out e-mail alerts for great deals, ask to be on the list.

5) Negotiate. Ticket brokers often purchase tickets for below face value so their “cost” isn’t necessarily what’s printed on the ticket.

6) Your money’s no good here. Never pay for a ticket with cash or a money order. Always use a credit card so you have recourse in case the ticket is invalid.

7) Be a super fan. Sign up for mailing lists and e-newsletters to stay on top of presale dates.

8) Shop around. Check ticket auction websites like Stubhub, TicketsNow and RazorGator to gauge market value.

9) Seat’s taken. Look at the venue’s seating chart before buying any tickets, and watch out for seats with an obstructed view (OV).

Angie’s List is where consumers turn to get the real scoop on local contractors and companies in more than 250 different categories. Currently, more than 500,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company for the job they need done. Members have unlimited access to the list via Internet or phone; receive the Angie’s List magazine, which includes articles on home improvement and maintenance, consumer trends and scam alerts; and they can utilize the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Get more information and consumer tips at www.angieslist.com.