Ticket Resale Fees Compared — Ticketmaster vs StubHub vs SeatGeek vs Vivid Seats
Seller-side planning estimates range from 10% to 15% on these four marketplaces. Here's how a $200 listing compares — plus a calculator link for each.
The percentages below are transparent comparison defaults. Platform terms can vary by event, venue, market, account, and resale program; verify the live listing breakdown before publishing.
| Platform | Seller estimate | Net on $200 | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticketmaster Resale | 15% default | $170.00 | 5–7 business days after the event. |
| StubHub | 15% default | $170.00 | 5–8 business days after the event. |
| SeatGeek | 10% reference | $180.00 | 5–7 business days after the event. |
| Vivid Seats | 10% reference | $180.00 | 5–7 business days after the event. |
Start with your payout
A lower percentage is useful only if the ticket reaches buyers and the delivery rules work for you. Compare the dollars left after the seller-side estimate first.
Then check the event
Face-value programs, transfer restrictions, venue rules, and event-specific fees can change the number shown during listing.
Keep buyer fees separate
Buyer checkout fees affect conversion and the all-in price, but they do not automatically reduce the seller payout shown in this comparison.
Platform-by-platform breakdown
Ticketmaster Resale — 15% default seller fee
- Seller-side
- 15% planning default; actual event/program fee is shown in the listing flow.
- Buyer-side
- Order processing + facility fees (10–25% on top).
- Best for
- Reaching the original buyer audience for in-demand events.
StubHub — 15% default seller fee
- Seller-side
- 15% planning default; confirm the live seller terms for the event and account.
- Buyer-side
- Buyer premium typically 10–20%.
- Best for
- Largest secondary marketplace by traffic — fast sell-through.
SeatGeek — 10% reference seller fee
- Seller-side
- 10% reference estimate from current seller guidance; confirm the listing breakdown.
- Buyer-side
- Buyer fee varies by event (~10%).
- Best for
- Maximizing payout on tickets that don't need urgent sale.
Vivid Seats — 10% reference seller fee
- Seller-side
- 10% reference estimate for comparison; event and account terms can differ.
- Buyer-side
- Buyer service fee ~20–40%, higher than most competitors.
- Best for
- Sellers who want the lowest fee and don't need the fastest sell-through.
FAQ
Which ticket resale site has the lowest seller fees?
Using the planning estimates shown here, SeatGeek and Vivid Seats model $180 on a $200 listing while Ticketmaster Resale and StubHub model $170. That is a comparison starting point, not a universal promise: verify the event-specific seller fee before listing.
Why are Ticketmaster's resale fees higher than StubHub's?
The two pages use the same 15% planning default for a clean comparison. The final seller fee and buyer-side checkout total can differ by event, venue, resale program, and account.
Where will my ticket sell fastest?
There is no universal fastest marketplace. Ticketmaster can benefit from the original event page, while other platforms may expose the listing to a different buyer audience. Compare expected sell-through, delivery requirements, and payout timing alongside the fee estimate.
Do all platforms charge the same on every event?
No. Artists, venues, events, and resale programs can set different price caps, transfer rules, delivery requirements, and seller-fee disclosures. Check the listing flow for the event you actually own tickets to.
When do ticket resale platforms pay sellers?
Payout timing is usually tied to the event and delivery confirmation, but the exact release window and payment method vary by platform and account. Treat the payout date as a separate decision from the fee percentage.
Do I have to pay taxes on ticket resale income?
Yes, on all four platforms. If your resale payouts exceed $600 in a calendar year, the platform issues you a Form 1099-K and reports it to the IRS. Profit from reselling above what you originally paid is taxable income regardless of whether you hit that threshold.
Are there laws that cap how much I can charge for resale tickets?
It varies by state. Vermont's law capping resale at 110% of face value took effect July 1, 2026, though it only applies to independent venues with 3,000 seats or fewer — not the large venues most Ticketmaster and StubHub listings cover. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Kentucky have older resale-markup statutes, and California and New York both have broader cap bills pending. Check your state before pricing a listing aggressively.