Is Reselling Tickets Illegal In Australia?

Ever missed out on tickets to a concert or sporting event, only to find other fans selling their tickets online?

This is known as ticket reselling, and it’s a common practice in Australia. The question is, is it legal or not?

Ticket Reselling Laws in Australia

Reselling tickets is generally not illegal in Australia; however, there are some exceptions to this rule.

The legal landscape varies from state to state, with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia having laws that limit the amount of markup that can be charged on resold tickets.

In these states, it is illegal to resell tickets for more than 10% above their face value.

The Risks Of Reselling Tickets

Even if it’s legal to resell tickets in your state or territory, there are risks involved that you should be aware of:

Overpricing

Reselling tickets for more than the legal maximum price can lead to fines and legal consequences. It’s important to adhere to the price caps set by your state’s regulations.

Counterfeit Tickets

A significant risk associated with ticket resale is the possibility of encountering counterfeit tickets.

Counterfeit tickets are worthless, and you won’t be able to attend the event if you have one. Always be cautious and verify the authenticity of the tickets you buy or sell.

Event Cancellation Or Postponement

There’s always the risk that the event you have tickets for might get cancelled or postponed. In such cases, you may not be able to secure a refund for your tickets.

Buying Tickets From Resellers

If you’re considering purchasing tickets from a reseller, here are some tips to protect yourself:

Reputable Resellers

Only buy tickets from well-known, reputable reselling platforms such as the marketplaces on Ticketek and Ticketmaster.

Price Checks

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Tickets being sold well below or above the original purchase price should raise red flags.

Ticket Authenticity

Verify the authenticity of the tickets. You can do this by contacting the event organiser at the venue directly.

Refund Policies

Inquire about the reseller’s refund policy in case the event is cancelled or postponed.

Conclusion

The legality of ticket reselling in Australia is a complex matter, with differences in various states and territories.

It’s best to familiarise yourself with the specific laws applicable to your location before buying or selling event tickets.

Always exercise caution when buying tickets from sellers to avoid disappointment on the day.