Preparing for a concert ticket sale

On the day, all you should do is click

Most of the time lost in a ticket sale goes before and after seat selection, not during it. Being logged out, needing to verify your identity again, or typing card details at checkout is what costs you. Finish all of that the night before and the only thing left is picking a seat and confirming payment.

• Register and stay logged in
• Complete identity verification in advance
• Save a payment method and check the limit
• Store the delivery address and collection method

Use the seller's clock, not yours

Your computer or phone clock can be several seconds off. Sync to the server time the sales site displays, or to standard time. Queue positions turn on a few seconds, so fixing your clock alone changes outcomes.

Queue-based versus first-come sales

Many sales now place everyone in a queue and admit them in turn. Some assign queue positions randomly, which makes trying from several devices largely pointless. In a straight first-come sale, connection and input speed matter directly. Which one applies is stated in the announcement.

Chances that remain after failing

Missing the first round is not the end. Unpaid reservations get cancelled automatically at a set deadline, releasing tickets back. Some shows also run official resale. It is worth not giving up once the first round closes.

Why to avoid paying above face value

Reselling above the printed price is prohibited for most shows, and tickets found that way are cancelled. The buyer cannot enter and rarely gets the money back. Handing your account details to someone who will queue for you is also a good way to lose the account entirely.