Timing your ticket purchase for the best deals
There’s no single perfect time, but patterns emerge that can help you decide when to buy. Early-bird presales often have competitive pricing for the best seats, while last-minute resales can sometimes offer bargains if sellers need to unload tickets quickly.
Common timing strategies:
- Buy at presale for new tours or high-demand shows: Artists, venues, and credit-card partners run presales that can give access to lower face-value tickets before the general public.
- Monitor the mid-sale window: After the initial rush, some buyers return tickets, and platforms may adjust pricing.
- Check last-minute listings: 24–72 hours before the event, resellers sometimes drop prices to guarantee a sale.
- Avoid panic purchases near showtime if you want the cheapest option; the safest low-price chance is either very early or very late depending on demand.
Additional timing tips:
- Use price alerts to track fluctuations rather than guessing.
- Consider weekday or off-peak performance dates for naturally lower prices.
- For popular events, buying early might be better to secure seats; for less popular ones, waiting often pays off.
Remember fees and delivery method can affect the final cost, so compare total price (including taxes and service charges) when deciding. Flexibility on date, seating, and delivery method increases your ability to find the best deal.