Music Festival Ticket Exchange Processes and Platforms.

For festival-goers who purchase early bird tickets they assume that they will be available for the event dates. However, plans and circumstances change which mean they can no longer attend and there is a need to recoup their expenditure. What common platforms are available for ticket exchange and how do they work?  

Most music festival organisers do not offer refunds on tickets purchased unless the event is cancelled. They will usually suggest ticket buyers use a recommended ticket exchange service which will probably be an organisation they have officially partnered with. The ticket exchange services available are constantly evolving as advances in technology helps to make them quick and convenient for users.  

Ticket Exchange Regulations. 
Although there is no official regulatory authority responsible for policing ticket exchange schemes their operation is usually governed by local consumer protection and ticketing laws which will vary depending on the geographic location. The key standards ticket exchanges work to should ensure that there is complete transparency in a secure environment that avoids price scalping, scams and counterfeit tickets. Festival organisers will usually partner with a reputable ticket exchange platform and limit tickets sales only to that organisation where transactions can be verified. 

Common Exchange Platforms. 
A festival organisation that has invested in its own ticketing platform may have an exchange option within their platform functionality. This gives organisers complete control over the exchange process and provides a degree of confidence and security for the ticket holder. There are a number of third-party ticket exchange platforms that are commonly used by festival organisers which include StubHub, Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan and Vivid Seats. Depending on the festival some organisers may allow a transfer of a ticket when ticket holders use online fan forums or social media groups although these are harder to police and the risks for all parties involved becomes higher. 

The Ticket Exchange Process. 
Many ticket exchange platforms employ a dynamic pricing algorithm to dictate prices of tickets on the secondary market. However, this practice is increasingly coming under criticism in the media as operators and organisers are being accused of profiteering. The exchange platforms use secure transaction processes to ensure that funds are sent and received and that the details of the buyer are logged against that ticket. Where electronic ticketing is being used by an organiser, they will use QR codes and wristbands for entry, so it is imperative that the buyer receive these after purchase. 

Other considerations. 
There will always be a fee incurred for facilitating a ticket exchange and these can vary greatly for both festival organisers and festival-goers. The fee structure needs to form part of the process in deciding on an exchange partner. Some festivals allow for straightforward ticket transfers not linked to individuals; however, other festivals have strict requirements on the identity verification of ticket holders, so the exchange process needs to allow for a smooth transfer of personal details and ownership to the ticket being exchanged. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics including a dedicated ticketing module. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

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