Preparation beats reflexes in a ticket rush. What to finish beforehand, syncing to the seller's clock, how queues work, later chances, why to avoid resale.
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. If identity verification is by phone, check in advance that the line is in your name and has a good signal.
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. Some ticketing sites explain how to check their server time, so look through the notice first.
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. Cancelled tickets often appear without warning, so for a show you really want, check now and then over several days.
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. If you really must transfer a ticket, first check whether there is an official transfer or resale system.
A checklist for ticketing day
Nerves on the day make it easy to slip up in ways you normally would not. Running through the items below about thirty minutes before the start makes things much calmer. Settle somewhere with a stable internet connection, and close unnecessary programs and tabs to keep your device light. Deciding your first, second and third choice of seating section in advance cuts hesitation on the seat-selection screen. If you are going with someone, divide up in advance who covers which date.
Recheck that you are logged in and your payment method is set
Secure a stable internet connection
Close unnecessary tabs and programs
Decide your top three seating sections in advance
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Refreshing after entering a queue can push you further back or force you to queue again from the start. Even if the screen looks frozen, check first whether you are still waiting. If you exceed the time limit at the payment stage after choosing seats, they are released, so confirm your payment details beforehand. Bookings are also sometimes cancelled later because a per-person ticket limit or identity-verification condition was missed, so be sure to read the detailed conditions in the notice.
Playing fair
Using automated clicking programs or macros is prohibited by the terms of most ticketing sites, and getting caught can mean cancelled bookings or account restrictions. In some countries, buying in bulk by illegitimate means and reselling is regulated by law. Beyond not using such methods yourself, be wary of fraudulent approaches such as offers to book on your behalf or listings selling tickets below face value. Reporting suspicious listings through the official channel helps everyone.
Do not use macros or auto-click programs
Never hand account details to proxy-booking offers
Suspect fraud in listings that look too cheap
Report illicit trading through the official channel