Green Bay Entertainment Venues Issue Warning about Ticket Purchases

Consumers should also be wary of potential scams.

While the venues acknowledge that most secondary ticket sellers are legitimate businesses, the venues say that buying directly from them will provide the best price and the most protection.

John Schmidt with Schmitty’s Tickets, Inc. in Combined Locks also agrees most secondary sellers are legitimate.

“They’re still reputable sites, they’re just charging a lot of fees. They’re going to get their tickets 999 times out of 1000 and if they don’t, they use their credit card and they get their money back. Those sites are all good, they’re just trying to make a living,” said Schmidt.

The Better Business Bureau encourages everyone to buy from directly the venue when possible, but adds there are reputable secondary sellers.

“But like anything, you have to do a little checking,” said Lisa Schiller with the BBB. “You can’t make an irrational, quick decision, and that’s generally what, you know, people tend to do.”

Terry Charles of PMI, the group that owns TicketStar, warns that patrons should go to the venue’s official website rather than following the top link that is returned on a web search.

The Better Business Bureau has the following tips for those searching for tickets through secondary sellers:

• Check the BBB: Look up the seller on BBB.org to see what other customers have experienced.
• Check for accreditation: BBB Accredited businesses have been screened and are held to higher standards for customer service, transparency, and ethical business practices.
• Check for membership in the National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB): NATB members offer a 200% purchase guarantee on tickets.
• Review the reseller’s policies: Make sure the reseller provides clear details about the transaction terms and how you will be refunded if the tickets are fake.
• Use a credit card: Using a credit card helps protect you if the tickets are not as promised.
• Verify the seller’s authenticity: Check their reviews and ratings on reputable websites.
• Ask for proof of purchase: If you are buying from an individual, ask for proof that they bought the tickets.
• Meet the seller in person: Have the seller meet you in person in a public place for the ticket exchange.
• Make sure the seat numbers exist: Make sure the section and seat numbers on the tickets actually exist at the venue.