Using waitlists and alerts to catch last-minute deals
Waitlists and alerts automate the search for tickets, notifying you when new inventory, price drops, or resale listings appear. They’re especially useful for sold-out or high-demand events.
How they work:
- Waitlists: You register interest for a particular show; if extra inventory becomes available (returns, released holds), the box office may offer tickets to people on the waitlist.
- Alerts: Price or listing alerts track tickets on resale platforms and send notifications when prices hit your target.
Best practices:
- Sign up with multiple services: venue waitlists, official ticketing platforms, and reputable resale alert tools.
- Be ready to act quickly — good deals disappear fast, so have payment info pre-saved.
- Combine alerts with flexibility on seating or date to increase chances of success.
Waitlists and alerts don’t guarantee a ticket, but they significantly improve odds for last-minute purchases without constant manual checks.