Becoming a ticket broker online can be a lucrative venture, but it requires some planning and effort. To get started, you'll need to register with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and obtain a resale certificate, which is also known as a sales tax permit.
This certificate will allow you to purchase tickets from ticket sellers and resell them to customers. You can obtain a resale certificate from your state's tax authority, such as the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).
To succeed as a ticket broker, you'll need to have a good understanding of the ticket industry and its laws. You'll also need to be able to navigate online marketplaces like StubHub or SeatGeek, as well as ticketing websites like Ticketmaster.
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Setting Up Your Business
To become a ticket broker online, you'll first need to set up your business. This involves registering your business and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits. You'll also need to choose a business structure, such as a sole proprietorship or LLC.
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The type of business structure you choose will determine how you're taxed and how much liability you have. For example, a sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure, but it also means you're personally responsible for all business debts.
You can register your business and obtain licenses and permits through your state's business registration website or by visiting your local government office.
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Finding
Finding the right tickets to sell is a crucial step in setting up your business. To start, you need to know where to buy tickets from. Approved sources include various online platforms and ticket sellers that are recognized by most states.
It's essential to follow the laws when buying tickets, as hefty fines can be imposed for purchasing from unauthorized sources. This is why it's crucial to research and understand the regulations in your area.
To minimize risks, start small and test the waters by buying only a few tickets to see how they sell. This will help you gauge your potential profits and losses. As you gain more experience, you can gradually increase your inventory.
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Here are some key things to keep in mind when buying tickets:
Buying season tickets can be a viable option, but be aware that many venues and teams are starting to restrict this activity. Always look into the rules before making a purchase.
Ticket Broker Business
Ticket brokers buy and resell event tickets, often at a markup. This can be a lucrative business, with some brokers earning up to 50% profit on each ticket.
To set up a ticket broker business, you'll need to research the market and identify in-demand events. For example, concerts and sporting events tend to generate high demand for tickets.
You'll also need to obtain necessary licenses and permits, such as a resale certificate. This will allow you to purchase tickets from authorized sellers and resell them to customers.
Ticket brokers often use online marketplaces to buy and sell tickets, but be aware that some platforms may charge high fees. For instance, StubHub charges a commission of up to 15% on ticket sales.
Building a strong online presence is crucial for a ticket broker business, with a professional website and social media accounts essential for attracting customers.
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Secure POS
Setting up a secure point of sale (POS) system is crucial for protecting your business and customers' sensitive information.
A secure POS system should be equipped with end-to-end encryption, which protects data from the moment it's entered until it's stored. This means that even if a hacker gains access to the system, they won't be able to read the data.
Regular software updates are essential for keeping your POS system secure, as they often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
A secure POS system should also have two-factor authentication, which requires users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to their phone, in addition to their password.
Selling Tickets
To sell tickets online, you'll need a website where people can shop and pay for tickets easily. This means creating a secure portal for financial transactions, which can be done with online payment systems that interface with your website.
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You can advertise on the internet using social media platforms, which are numerous and free. You can also buy ad space on websites and search engine sites for relatively cheap.
Now that you have a website and a way to advertise, it's time to sell your tickets online. This means pointing buyers to your website and keeping up with purchases to get tickets to them on time.
If you plan to sell tickets outside of the venue, be aware that this is a popular way to sell certain tickets, but it's usually associated with illegal scalpers. However, if you're a licensed broker, you have nothing to worry about legally.
Here are the key steps to selling tickets online:
- Set up a website with a secure portal for financial transactions.
- Advertise on the internet using social media and paid ad space.
- Sell tickets online by pointing buyers to your website.
- Keep up with purchases and get tickets to buyers on time.
- Consider selling tickets outside of the venue, but be aware of the legal implications.
In the UK, people don't need licenses to become ticket brokers, but there are certain restrictions, such as not being able to resell football match tickets online.
Tips
As you start your online ticket broking business, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.
Make sure you can sell the tickets for as much or more than you paid for them. This is crucial to ensure you make a profit.
Buy only as many tickets as you can easily sell. Don't overbuy and end up with unsold tickets.
To give you a better idea, here are some key considerations to keep in mind when buying tickets:
- Number of tickets to buy
- Price to pay for the tickets
- Market demand for the event
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be a ticket broker?
To be a ticket broker, you must be licensed, which involves meeting specific requirements and obtaining the necessary permits. Licensing is a crucial step in establishing a legitimate ticket brokering business.
Is being a ticket broker profitable?
Yes, being a ticket broker can be a profitable business, driven by the growing demand for live entertainment in America. With the right strategy, ticket sellers can capitalize on this lucrative market.
Sources
- https://ticketbrokeradvice.com/discover-how-to-be-in-the-ticket-broker-business
- https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Ticket-Broker
- https://smallbusiness.chron.com/become-professional-ticket-broker-20226.html
- https://ticketflipping.com/blog/how-to-become-a-ticket-broker-a-business-summary/
- https://www.tickpick.com/blog/ticket-broker-guide/
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