Research shows that it may pay to wait and buy resale tickets rather than paying top dollar the moment they go on sale. So how do you save time and money with resale tickets from sites like TicketSmarter? Let’s look at a couple of the top tips below to see your favorite acts and still keep some cash in your pocket.
Be Patient
If you are used to collecting codes and rushing through early presales, this may be the toughest habit to break. It also may be a huge relief. According to a 2022 report from Finance Buzz, concertgoers saved more than 20 percent on tickets when they waited until the week of the show. They even spent 33 percent less when they bought tickets on the day of a show. Of course, waiting leaves a lot to chance so this might not be a good idea if you are traveling out of town.
At TicketSmarter, we typically see this with larger venues like stadiums and amphitheaters where there are several thousand seats. In markets with more seats and shifting supply, late drops can create real savings. For more timing tips, see our guide on the best time to buy concert tickets.
The Federal Trade Commission has emphasized enforcement of the BOTS Act against automated systems that buy large blocks of tickets — a practice that can distort primary availability and downstream resale pricing — so shoppers should watch official presale disclosures and late-price movements tied to bot-driven supply changes; see the FTC’s recent guidance on BOTS Act compliance for more detail (Federal Trade Commission — “BOTS Act compliance: Time for a refresher?”).
Be Flexible
From rain clouds and snow storms to extreme heat, the weather is one of the biggest factors that affects a crowd on the day of an event. If you are willing to adjust quickly, there may be a whole lot of tickets hitting the resale market in the days before a show.
Even in the best weather, being flexible about your seats will exponentially increase your options for different sections you may not have considered before. If you typically choose general admission, check out the numbered sections where you might find an inexpensive seat for a slightly elevated experience at a discounted price. According to data presented by the Coalition for Ticket Fairness, more than 2.7 million concert tickets and 3.96 million sports tickets were sold below face value between August 2022 and July 2023. Regulators have scrutinized claims about how often resale listings fall below face value — the UK Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that some marketplace “below face value” claims can be misleading depending on how “face value” is defined, so consumers should check whether comparisons include or exclude booking and service fees before assuming a resale is a bargain (UK Advertising Standards Authority ruling on Viagogo pricing claims).
Big picture, demand has been surging. The secondary ticket market grew from about 15 billion dollars in 2021 with estimates projecting roughly 68 billion by 2025. Industry forecasts also project substantial growth in the global secondary ticket market over the coming years (multi‑billion dollar increases), driven by digital resale platforms, mobile purchasing, and dynamic pricing—meaning more listings and deal opportunities for comparison shoppers (Technavio: Secondary Tickets Market to Grow).
Be Ready to Jump When the Time Comes
Another big benefit of purchasing your tickets closer to a show is the ability to pay on a schedule that works better for you. Low on cash when your favorite artist announces a tour? Wait until after payday and check the resale market to see how many tickets are available. We see the biggest fluctuations in price when there are more than 1,000 tickets available, but of course, availability depends on the venue’s capacity.
Many ticket resale platforms like TicketSmarter also offer the ability to pay over time with payment plans at checkout. Review our options for buying tickets with TicketSmarter to see if a pay-over-time method fits your budget. If you are shopping day-of, our tips for last-minute tickets can help you move quickly and confidently.
How to Track Ticket Prices
There are three main factors to consider when you are tracking ticket prices. The first, and probably most important is the lowest listed price or “get-in price.” If this starts to dip below the price of primary tickets, you are in a great position to find a deal. The second is the average ticket price.
This is a good statistic to track over time to see general interest in an individual show or tour. While you may not be looking at the most expensive tickets you see, this will give you a general vibe of how the market is reacting to the tour over time.
Finally, as we mentioned before, you will want to look at the number of tickets available. You can get a broad overview from an interactive map feature or start clicking through the listings to see how many sections are sold out. TicketSmarter lists all three of these numbers, as well as the highest list price, on event pages to help you make an informed decision.
Pro tip: Set a simple threshold for alerts, such as a target get-in price or a minimum drop in the average price. For fast-moving tours, check several times a day. For steadier markets, check less often.
Buying Concert Tickets on Resale Sites
Before buying concert tickets on any website, familiarize yourself with their event ticket protection policies. All purchases through TicketSmarter are backed by our 100% ticket guarantee which allows you to make worry-free plans for your next concert, game or theater show. If you are new to the resale market, learn why TicketSmarter is legit and how we protect your purchase.
Note: Some events use paperless or personalized tickets that may require the original purchaser’s card or ID at entry. Always check the delivery type and transfer rules on the listing before you buy.
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FAQs: Buying and Saving on Resale Tickets
How can waiting to buy resale tickets save money compared to purchasing at initial sale?
Prices in the secondary market move with supply and demand. As the event approaches, additional inventory can appear, and sellers often lower prices to ensure a sale. On TicketSmarter, you can watch the get-in price, average price, and ticket quantity to spot those dips. Our guide to the best time to buy concert tickets explains common timing patterns.
What strategies help me find discounted resale concert tickets the week of the show?
Track the get-in price daily, watch section-by-section availability on the map, and set a personal target price. Check again 24 to 48 hours before showtime and day-of for last-minute drops. TicketSmarter’s listings update quickly, and our last-minute tickets tips can help you be ready to purchase the moment you see a deal.
Why does ticket availability affect resale prices for large stadium events?
Large venues introduce more seats and more listings, which increases competition among sellers. When available quantity is high, sellers tend to reduce prices to attract buyers. You can see this play out on TicketSmarter event pages by comparing available quantity with the get-in price trend.
What are best practices for using price tracking and interactive maps on resale platforms?
Focus on three numbers: get-in price, average price, and total quantity. Use the interactive map to identify weaker sections where listings are more plentiful. On TicketSmarter, these details are visible on the event page so you can time your purchase, then buy with our 100% ticket guarantee for confidence.
How can flexible seating choices and weather impact last-minute resale ticket deals?
If you are open to different sections or rows, you will see more listings and more price variation. Weather can suppress day-of demand, which sometimes pushes prices down. On TicketSmarter, filter by section or price and keep an eye on the get-in price when the forecast looks rough.
How do pay-over-time options work when buying resale concert tickets affordably?
During checkout on TicketSmarter, you may see pay-over-time choices from approved providers. Review terms, installments, and any APR before confirming. Our Buying Tickets with TicketSmarter guide explains payment methods and flexibility.
What should I check in a resale site’s ticket protection policy before purchase?
Confirm the scope of the guarantee, how refunds are issued for cancellations or invalid tickets, and timeline for reimbursement. TicketSmarter’s event ticket protection overview and our 100% ticket guarantee detail what is covered so you can purchase with peace of mind.
Author: TicketSmarter Editorial Team
Updated: December 17, 2025
TicketSmarter team writers cover concerts, sports, and theater with data-informed tips so you can buy smarter. We reference market trends, product insights, and fan feedback to keep guidance accurate and practical. Sign up for our newsletter to get new guides and timely price alerts.
