Is StubHub Safe?

Introduction to StubHub

A global online ticket marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of event tickets such as concerts, sports games and theater performances. StubHub is a leading ticket resale platform where people can buy and sell tickets in a safe and reliable environment. StubHub is a user friendly platform that boasts a wide inventory catalogue and is a go to place for both ticket buyers and sellers. StubHub is an excellent platform to buy or sell unwanted tickets, and it can save you a lot of money when you are looking to purchase tickets for a sold out event.

How StubHub works

The way this works is that StubHub connects buyers and sellers of event tickets through its online marketplace. The platform allows sellers to list tickets they are selling and buyers to browse through and buy tickets to many events. All of StubHub’s tickets sold are guaranteed to be valid and authentic, and the company backs that up with a FanProtect Guarantee to safeguard buyers from invalid or faux tickets. Buyers can compare the prices of tickets, check out the details of the tickets and look up reviews from other buyers to make sure the transaction runs smoothly when they buy tickets on StubHub. Buyers can buy tickets with confidence as StubHub also has a secure payment system.

Is StubHub legit?

Definitely, StubHub is a legit company – it is not a scam or fly-by-night operation. Founded in 2000, the platform was a major player in the ticket resale industry from its start. In 2007 it was bought by eBay and in 2020 was acquired by the ticket marketplace Viagogo. StubHub has the weight of two decades and part of multi billion dollar companies on its shoulders, and that’s why it is legitimate. Indeed, in order to establish its credibility in the live events market, StubHub has forged relationships with more than 100 teams, leagues and even tech companies during its rise. The history of industry connections and corporate ownership reveal that StubHub is a legit, genuine business and not fraud website.

The workings of StubHub are transparent from a consumer point of view and they serve as a middleman between ticket sellers and buyers. If you buy ticket through StubHub, you’re buying from another user, or another person or broker who put his ticket for sale. This exchange is facilitated by StubHub by listing tickets, processing payments, and delivering tickets electronically or via mail. Valid tickets and accurate information are to be listed by sellers on their ticket listings, according to StubHub. They also release seller payments only after the event to avoid being flagged as straight up scams. As a platform, all these measures mean that StubHub is legitimate. Now the actual question is, are the people selling tickets on StubHub trustworthy?

Is StubHub reliable?

Generally, StubHub does a good job with reliability, but experience varies. Most of the time, buyers get their valid tickets in time with no problems. Buyers can also filter for faster delivery methods when browsing tickets that are available.

On top of all that, StubHub has a guarantee (they call it FanProtect) that guarantees if there’s a problem with your order, they will make it right by offering you equal or better replacement tickets or a refund of your money. That is, if you find out that a ticket is fake or doesn’t make its way to you, you will get your money back with StubHub or they will attempt to find you another ticket.

It also promises tickets will arrive before the event and in fact will give you a 120 percent credit (or full cash refund) if an event is canceled outright. These policies show that StubHub supports the transactions on its site, which should bring some buyers peace of mind.

However, reliability isn’t perfect. StubHub is a resale marketplace so there is a small risk that a seller doesn’t come through as promised. In rare cases, bogus or invalid tickets make their way through. For instance, on some occasions, the seller has provided tickets that didn’t work at the venue or never sent the tickets at all.

Nevertheless, many users have safely bought 2 tickets of events due to the convenient process of purchasing tickets. Luckily, StubHub’s customer service will most often step in and try to find you an alternative or give you a refund. That said, many fans have gotten problem orders successfully resolved in this manner. Either way, it’s still frustrating to have to deal with a last minute ticket issue and to receive a refund when all you wanted to do was attend the event.

Also worth mentioning is that opinions of customers on StubHub’s reliability are mixed. As of late 2023, StubHub’s rating on review sites such as Trustpilot is rather low (around 1.6 out of 5 stars). Similarly, the Better Business Bureau sentiment is not good — StubHub’s customer reviews on the BBB site average about 1.3/5 stars.

The complaints include canceled tickets at the last minute, or tickets delivered after the time promised, to the stress of buyers. Just know that people are more likely to leave a review after a bad experience so these ratings are weighted toward bad experiences. Each year, StubHub sells millions of tickets and most of the transactions work flawlessly (since those happy customers never write reviews).

All in all, StubHub is reliable for most people, especially if you are one to be careful, and buy tickets that are available to be downloaded right away. Of course, it’s good to be aware of the fact that glitches can occur from time to time, and what protection exists (or doesn’t) if they do.

Is StubHub safe?

Buying tickets through StubHub is generally safe, especially versus other risky ways of buying tickets, like meeting strangers from Craigslist or purchasing from suspicious social media postings. You don’t have to meet sellers in person or send money through unsecured methods on StubHub. You pay through the platform, which processes your payment securely and delivers your ticket electronically.

At its core, StubHub’s safety net is FanProtect Guarantee, which promises that tickets will be valid for entry or your money back. In practice, if the tickets you purchased on StubHub don’t work when you get to an event (e.g., the tickets are fake or have already been used), you can reach out to StubHub for a refund or help locating new tickets for the event at the last minute. Purchasing from StubHub is far safer than buying from an unknown person with no protections in place, which this guarantee provides.

With that said ‘safe’ does not equal 100% risk free. But while StubHub can protect you from the glitch of fraud, it can’t protect you from every scenario. First, StubHub has no policy of giving refunds if you just change your mind or can’t make it to the event – the sale is final unless the event is canceled once you buy. If your event is rescheduled or postponed (not canceled totally), then your ticket generally is still valid and StubHub does not issue refunds. All StubHub tickets are guaranteed through their FanProtect Guarantee which assures tickets are valid or if an event is cancelled, your money back or a replacement ticket. If the new date does not work out for you, this can be frustrating.

You should know how StubHub treats rescheduled events. Furthermore, StubHub can’t shield you from overpaying, so buyer’s remorse is something you can’t count on to help you with if you willingly paid more than you should have and now regret it. The platform also isn’t liable for covering any travel or lodging costs if a ticket is issued or an event is canceled (the only refund is the ticket cost plus fees).

Using StubHub is safe in terms of data as well as payment security. The site encrypts your payment and details. Using Your Credit Card to Make a Purchase on StubHub Is Safe as Any Other E Commerce Site. Accounts have been compromised (as can happen with any online platform) but it is rare. Those risks can be mitigated by following good password practices and purchasing only through StubHub’s official website or app. Overall, StubHub is a safe venue for ticket buyers, as long as you keep in mind that you won’t be protected from paying above face value or changes in an event. Knowing StubHub’s policies on matters of safety will help you make safe decisions in using the service.

Pros and cons of StubHub

StubHub is like any ticket service. Before you use StubHub, here’s the good and the bad that you should consider.

Pros:

👍Security: StubHub is a legal business (operating since 2000) with big company support. It’s not a sketchy website, these are known marketplaces where buyers have confidence.

👍Big choice of events: StubHub reports being one of the biggest ticket resale markets, with tickets for thousands of events all over the word available at virtually any point in time. You can see sold out concerts or playoff games you would miss out on if you didn’t check out the ticket lineup. It’s a good way to get tickets that are sold out through primary outlets.

👍StubHub’s biggest pro is the buyer protection, which comes with the FanProtect guarantee. FanProtect guarantee states that if your tickets aren’t valid in time for your event, StubHub will refund you your money, or give you equivalent tickets to the ones that didn’t make it. It provides a guarantee against fraud and issues from the seller, which is a huge plus from buying something from an individual without any safety net. In addition, StubHub secures tickets that are comparable or better than those ordered with a guarantee.

👍The StubHub website and app are typically convenient and user friendly. Search events, interactive seat maps and filter by price range, event and seat availability. StubHub’s process is safe and easy, with a variety of payment options, including credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, to name a few. StubHub’s interface is also easy enough for a first timer to purchase or sell tickets.

👍StubHub is available by phone, chat, or email for customer service. But in case if you face any issue, you can contact their support team to resolve it. However, many users have said that StubHub has backed them out if there was a problem, like when they were able to get replacement tickets at the last minute or reimburse them for the invalid tickets purchased. It also brings peace of mind to know that help is available.

Cons:

👎One complaint is that StubHub can be expensive. StubHub is known for being above the original face value of the tickets, especially if it is a high demand event. On top of that, at checkout, StubHub also charges service fees. However, fees can be quite significant, sometimes 20%+ of the ticket price, and they are not shown until the final payment step, which can be an unwelcome surprise. The cost to the sellers of these fees are added into the pricing to help maintain the platform and provide services to ticket buyers.

👎Sellers deliver the tickets, so there is a risk of last minute issues (for instance a seller does not send the ticket in time, or sends a ticket that is not valid). If that occurs, StubHub will refund you, but you could be left in the lurch if it’s just before the concert. Where some users have spoken about waiting till hours before showtime to get tickets, or getting a cancellation notice and a refund randomly close to the event – both of which are stressful and could wreck your plans.

👎StubHub’s guarantees are limited: Refund policy for changes is strict. Most of the time, if an event is postponed / rescheduled rather than canceled, StubHub will not provide a refund. The tickets can only be used on the new date or resold yourself. If you just can’t attend or don’t want the tickets anymore, you’re not due for a refund either. The downside of this lack of flexibility is that if your schedule changes or an event date moves then so does this event.

👎No rewards or loyalty program: StubHub doesn’t offer any sort of rewards or loyalty program for regular users. The buyers do not receive discounts or perks for using the platform over and over. However, every purchase will give you the standard fees, which some might see as a negative, as there are rivals that might have promo codes or fan club pre sales.

👎Since StubHub is a marketplace, it is possible that sellers are getting away with charging more than face value. The last thing you want to do during a heated moment to get tickets is to overpay significantly. If the tickets are still listed far above their original price, StubHub will not prevent a seller from doing so – it’s up to the buyer to determine whether they want to purchase the tickets for double or triple the cost. On this open market side, it makes the tickets easily available, but only at a premium price.

Although these are cons, people use StubHub happily when they need tickets that are hard to find anywhere else. The trade off with StubHub is the high fees and the occasional hiccup, but overall it is the convenience, protection and money that really matter. This is why it makes sense to go into it with eyes open as to how these downsides can be mitigated (for example, by comparing prices and not buying too late).

StubHub customer service

Handling any issues or problems with ticket purchases or sales, StubHub’s customer service is available 24/7. If you have some problems with invalid tickets, ticket delivery issues or refunds, the company’s customer support team is there to help. You can contact with StubHub’s customer service through phone, email, live chat, etc. The company’s aim is for top notch customer service that makes sure all people have a good experience when they are on the platform. A buyer or seller, StubHub’s customer service is on hand and as serious about customer satisfaction as you are about buying or selling.

Refund and transfer policies

StubHub strives to offer buyers protection from the risks of buying or selling tickets, and a smooth experience in doing so. For canceled or rescheduled events, StubHub could give a full refund or issue replacements. In the case that the tickets are invalid or fake, StubHub’s FanProtect Guarantee allows buyers to get a refund or equivalent tickets. The website of the company outlines the company’s refund policy and customers can get in touch with customer service for requests for a refund. Ticket transfers are allowed on StubHub making it easy to transfer a ticket if you no longer want it or if they end up going wasted. Knowing the refund and transfer policies of StubHub is going to give buyers and sellers a boost of confidence in transactions done through the platform and have a worry-free experience.

Alternatives to StubHub

StubHub is a well known ticket resale site, however there are other options when it comes to buying and selling tickets to events. Some of these other options are SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, and more. While all these platforms are on par to StubHub in terms of the services that they offer, a ticket resale marketplace and their customer support, they aren’t the only ones. But, naturally, each platform has characteristic features and fees, so you are to draw the comparison and do the research before you come to a decision about what seems to be the best platform for their ticket needs. Some event organizers will also have their own ticket resale platforms on top of the third party marketplaces like StubHub.

Top tips for buying on StubHub safely

To remain safe and secure when using StubHub, if you are going to use it, follow these tips:

Research ticket prices for your event 

If possible, check the primary ticket source (e.g. Ticketmaster or the venue’s official site) and see what the original face value was, then go to the other resale sites (i.e. SeatGeek, etc.) for comparison. This will enable you to judge whether or not StubHub’s prices are really inflated or quite reasonable. Researching actually can help you not pay way above market rate for your tickets. In short, don’t be the first person on the StubHub listing, always check seat location and prices elsewhere to make sure it’s an alright deal.

Pay attention to how the tickets are delivered 

Generally, the safest bet are tickets marked as “Instant Download” or mobile e-tickets passed from the original ticket provider. These tickets normally arrive quickly (often immediately after the purchase) and so you can have confirmation it is in your hand before the event. If you can, avoid listings that will involve physical shipping or not be delivered until the day of the event, which adds uncertainty. Opting for electronic delivery means that there is a reduced chance that a seller will fail to deliver on time.

If you find a ticket on StubHub that is extremely cheap for a high demand event, be wary – this is rare, but mistakes and problem listings do happen. Tickets tend to be extremely expensive more commonly, simply because they are listed doesn’t mean you should buy at that price. Using the price research from tip #1, you will be able to know what’s a reasonable range. While scammers are less of an issue on StubHub (because StubHub has protections in place for tickets sold through its site), it is still wise to use common sense. If it feels off, trust your gut. If you are uncomfortable with any of these things, you can look for a different listing that makes you feel more comfortable.

Keep records

It is worth keeping a copy of all your travel and accommodation bookings and the tickets for the events you attend with you at all times. Make sure these match what you wish it to be. On StubHub, ticket authenticity and the accuracy of what is listed by sellers are ensured by their policies. After buying, save all confirmation emails, receipt and any ticket files. It is helpful to have a paper trail in the event of something going wrong. Providing accurate information is part of what creates trust which leads to a better overall ticket purchasing experience at StubHub. The way that you will receive the tickets themselves will be via PDF or on the StubHub app or the original ticket vendor’s app (for transferred tickets). 

Once you get them, please inspect your tickets immediately – if the transfer is a mobile transfer, accept the transfer and ensure the tickets appear with the correct event on your Ticketmaster or venue account. By doing this, you can detect any problem well in advance. In particular, some of the experts suggest calling the venue or ticket issuer as soon as you have obtained the ticket barcode to confirm its validity. On top of the extra work it’s a bit more peace of mind before heading off to the event.

If anything goes wrong, like your tickets haven’t arrived by the promised delivery date, or you find out after purchase that the tickets will not scan at the venue – contact StubHub’s customer service ASAP. If this is the case, StubHub has a support team dedicated to helping out. The earlier you tell them, the more time they will have to solve the problem (for example, providing you with replacement tickets before the event takes place). 

Keep in mind that if this occurs, StubHub’s FanProtect guarantee is there , but you need to report the issue for it to be valid . Make sure you don’t forget your order number and any proof of the issue (screenshots or emails). In most cases StubHub can get it sorted out for you to your satisfaction, be that offering similar tickets or a refund. Don’t be shy with using their support as it’s what you’re paying for with those service fees.

Use a virtual private network (VPN) app to secure your Internet connection

 A VPN encrypts all your traffic, thereby preventing hackers from stealing your personal information. Likewise, if you happen to click on a phishing link while purchasing tickets, a VPN will block any malware behind this link. However, we recommend using only premium VPN services such as VeePN as they don’t sell your personal information and have enough advanced security features to ensure your online security. But why VeePN? Let’s discuss its advantages in detail!

Why VeePN is the best choice for a safe StubHub use

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Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.

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