What’s at Stake? Your Ticket Owner's Rights

NATB and its Protect Ticket Rights initiative defends the rights of ticket buyers and sellers through a stringent Code of Ethics, legislative advocacy and in the public arena. We do so according to the following values, as outlined in NATB’s Ticket Owner Bill of Rights.

As a ticket owner, you have a right to:

1.     You have the right to buy or sell tickets, without restriction, in a free and open market.

Prohibiting or limiting ticket owners from buying or selling event tickets restrict consumer choice and freedom. The vast majority of states and provinces embrace a free and open market for ticket resale, giving consumers greater opportunity to purchase highly desirable seats, even at below face value when the market allows. Equally important is that the free market allows consumers to sell the tickets they own. A ticket purchased is the property of the purchaser. It may be used as the owner wishes – personal use, gift, souvenir, a means to make a profit, and so on. This is an absolute right that should not be obstructed by the original ticket issuer.

2.     You have the right to purchase tickets at above or below their original face value.

Ticket brokers track the value of tickets and provide an experience that is worth the price. Due to competition for these tickets among secondary market brokers, and sometimes due to lack of demand or overpricing by the primary seller, some prices ultimately decrease. It has been reported that roughly 40% of all tickets sold in the secondary market actually sell for below face-value.

3.     You have the right to know the price of all tickets based on location, prior to initial sale date.

Not all seats are created equal. On the free market, premium events and seats (front, center, aisle, etc.) fetch higher prices. Unfortunately, major primary sellers often refrain from advertising these prices in an effort to sell other seat locations for higher prices. Original seat costs should be fully disclosed in advance of public sale so you can determine best value.

4.     You have the right to guaranteed tickets, unless otherwise specified by the ticket broker at transaction.

Your ticket purchase should be guaranteed, unless notified to the contrary during your order. If purchased tickets are not delivered as promised, or in some way are not accepted, you are entitled to a refund. This must be clearly explained on the phone or in writing prior to purchase. NATB Members offer a refund of up to 200% of the contracted price for each guaranteed ticket not delivered as specified.

5.     You have the right to tangible, printed or printable tickets.

Perhaps you prefer to purchase tickets in a system that calls for identification information, such as will-call, box office pick-up, or online. But you should not be required to provide credit card information and photo-ID for entry to the venue. We defend your right to enter a ticketed event at a time of your choosing simply with ticket in hand, without a requirement for the original purchaser to be in attendance. You should not be forced to disclose your private information to third parties. It is a violation of privacy and discriminates against those who are unable or unwilling to use credit cards for their purchase.

6.     You have the right to seats without an obstructed or limited view, or be informed beforehand.

Any ticket for a seat with a limited or obstructed view must be represented as such prior to sale. Those seats may be desirable (sell-out, favorable price) but you must not be misled or misinformed of details related to location.

7.     You have the right to have your ticket delivered directly to you, prior to the event.

You are entitled to receive your purchased tickets from the seller prior to the event, except in causes beyond reasonable control such as a shipping error, natural disaster, Act of God, labor disruption, civil disturbance, or armed conflict. If you do not enjoy receipt as promised, you will receive the standard, guaranteed refund.

8.     You have the right to a full refund if the ticket is refused or invalidated, or if the event is cancelled, based on the refund policy of the primary seller.

If you are denied entry to an event because a purchased ticket is found to have been stolen, counterfeited or reported lost by the original purchaser, you deserve a full refund of the full contracted price. If an event is cancelled, or if the ticket is invalidated without proper notification, the ticket broker shall follow the refund policy of the ticket issuer. Refund options should include monetary refund, a store credit, or a mutually agreed-upon ticket exchange.

JOIN OUR EFFORT, PROTECT YOUR TICKET RIGHTS