There’s nothing we love more than live music, though having a bit of extra coin is a second. So naturally we reckon there’s nothing better than getting the best concert tickets at the best price possible, and we’re assuming you guys feel the same way.
Knowing the best way to score the cheapest concert tickets will save time energy, money and a lot of angst. So with Splendour (and the tidal wave of incredible sideshows) quickly approaching, and the Aussie festival season is sitting right on the horizon, there’s no better time than the present to be across the best ways to save money when buying concert tickets.
We hope it’s helpful, and no need to thank us now – just buy us a drink at the next gig with all the money you’ll have saved.
Buy From Physical Outlets
Often when it comes to buying concert tickets, the sneaky wallet busters are the online ‘processing’ and ‘mailing’ fees, the limits of which are often at the discretion of the outlets. To avoid any of these sneaky fees, it’s often best if possible to buy tickets the old-fashioned way (in real life).
As well as box office outlets, you best believe a number of local record stores still sell concert tickets to events, including Polyester in Melbourne, and Noise Pollution in Perth. Contact your local vinyl slinger for more info about exactly what tickets they sell.
Sign Up To Newsletters
Though we’re sure you already have overflowing email inboxes, but it’s really worth considering signing up to all the major ticketing outlets and tour promoter newsletters to get the inside scoop, and loyalty discounts.
Outlets Ticketmaster, Ticketek, Oztix, and Moshtix all send out reminders and newsletters, while major tour promoters such as Live Nation, Chugg, and Frontier run a similar show. If you have a more niche taste it’s worth doing a cheeky Google search to see what promoters usually bring your fave bands down, and adding them to your list.
Oh, and of course you can always sign up to the Tone Deaf newsletter for daily info on everything music *wink*.
Get In Early
Similar to above, once signed up to the outlets – keep your eye out for early bird/ pre-sale opportunities which often give the die hard fans first dibs on whether they want the cheapest/ or the most luxxx ticket options, or potentially both if you’re lucky.
If not on mailing lists, don’t fret as often promoters will give the early birds a chance to buy discounted tickets at the checkout too, so if the option is there don’t snooze, ’cause you know, you’ll lose.
Keep Your Eye On Resale Outlets
Well someone has to benefit off the poor suckers who have double booked themselves/ have to work / have decided they can’t go to a gig and have to pass on their ticket, so it might as well be you.
Ticket resale sites can often be a bit of a minefield so always be as diligent as possible to avoid getting punk’d. If the site/ trade off doesn’t feel legit, don’t do it. If you don’t want to bother sleuthing check out sites like Ticketmaster’s resale site, which ensures everything is legit.
Get e-Tickets
If you can’t be bothered getting those physical tickets (or it’s not possible), don’t bother getting them posted, it’s a waste of money- sorry Aus Post. Most ticket sale outlets now have the ‘e-ticket’ option to print your ticket out at home, use it. You’ll save money on postage, and stress on checking the mail everyday, also there’s less need to buy ‘ticket insurance’ because they can’t really go missing.
Also if you’re being super frugal and want to save money on printing, most venues accept punters displaying the ticket on their phones as it is possible to scan that sucker, easy.
If You Have To Buy Physical – Buy In Bulk
If you’re all about the ‘real thing’ and technology scares you, that’s cool – but may we suggest buying tickets with a mate that way you split the postage costs, and save that extra coupla’ bucks that could be better spent at the venue’s bar.
Shop Around
When searching for cheap tickets by now you should have figured that your most important mantra should be ‘it’s always worth an internet search’. Sites like Seat Geek are fantastic aggregators for ticket sales online, and will give you an oversight of all available tickets for the concert you are wanting to attend.
It’s simple, search your city, or the act you’re wanting to catch and Seat Geek will collate everything that’s available.
Take Advantage Of Business Partnerships
It’s definitely worth doing your homework and finding out what your bank account/ phone plan/ memberships offer you, because some come with pretty sweet (and often overlooked deals.)
For example credit cards and ticketing outlets are commonly business buddies, and often give card holder the chance to sore cheap and advance tickets to many in demand events.
Procrastinate (If You’re Willing To Risk It)
Though not really recommended as highly as the other this is still an option. If you like to live on the edge, you can always cash in on someone else’s misfortune you can always wait until the last minute, and like above, search resale sites.
