Global ticket resale platform Viagogo

Viagogo Review - Are Their Tickets Legit Or Dodgy?

Ever wondered how to score tickets to your favourite live events, even when they're sold out?

When you're eagerly awaiting your favourite event in Australia, securing the right tickets becomes a top priority.

Viagogo, a ticket marketplace, might have crossed your path in your search for tickets. It is a well-known ticket resale website in Australia, but its reputation has been a topic of debate.

So, if you're considering purchasing tickets through Viagogo, read on to find out if they are a trustworthy choice.

How Does Viagogo Work?

Viagogo is a global ticket resale platform that enables third-party sellers, including individuals, to list and sell tickets on their platform.

The process is user-friendly, and here's how it works:

  1. Sellers initiate the process by selecting the "Sell Tickets" option on the homepage. If an event isn't listed, sellers can request Viagogo add it to their website.
  2. Customers interested in tickets can easily purchase them and receive immediate confirmation, including ticket delivery details.
  3. Viagogo ensures secure ticket delivery through tracked courier services, directly to the customer’s phone or email.

It's important to note that Viagogo operates as a marketplace, meaning they do not own the tickets listed on their site, and ticket prices may exceed the face value.

While they provide guidance, they do not guarantee the existence, quality, or legality of the tickets.

What Makes Them Different?

Vast Event Listings

Viagogo boasts access to over 50 million live event listings, ensuring that users have a wide array of choices when it comes to securing tickets.

Seller And Buyer Protection

Viagogo emphasises secure transactions, ensuring that sellers only receive payment when the buyer successfully attends the event.

This practice safeguards the interests of both buyers and sellers, providing a sense of security to both parties.

Is Viagogo Reliable?

Viagogo is a legitimate platform, but its reliability has been a subject of debate within the ticket-buying community.

While many users have had positive experiences, others have raised concerns about the following:

Scams

Some users have reported incidents of scams on the platform, highlighting the importance of vigilance when making purchases.

There have unfortunately been reports of users buying tickets, only to find that they are fake when they try to enter the venue and get rejected by security.

In saying that, Viagogo always seems to refund users, and offers them a coupon for future use on Viagogo, at 100% of the value of the tickets they purchased earlier. However, this doesn’t account for missing out on an event you were looking forward to for months.

Difficulty In Obtaining Refunds

There have been cases where buyers faced difficulties in obtaining refunds for fake tickets, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Poor Customer Service

Viagogo has been criticised for its customer service, with some users expressing dissatisfaction with their interactions.

Viagogo customer support

Overpricing

Some customers have reported receiving tickets at a higher cost than expected, a point of concern for budget-conscious eventgoers.

While ticket prices must comply with Australian legislation prohibiting sale at more than 110% of face value, the fees charged by Viagogo are unregulated and typically substantial.

Selling on Viagogo is generally considered safe. However, for buyers, it's essential to be cautious, conduct research on sellers, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions of each sale before making a purchase.

While there have been reports of overpriced tickets, users do receive their tickets as advertised.

User Reviews On External Websites

At look at Viagogo reviews on external sites paints a pretty clear picture of what people think of the platform.

ProductReview.com.au

Viagogo rating on ProductReview AU

On ProductReview.com.au, Viagogo has garnered a dismal rating of 1.2 stars out of 5, based on over 3,000 reviews.

Trustpilot

Viagogo rating on Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, Viagogo has received a very poor rating of 1.8/5, with over 30,000 reviews from users who have shared their experiences.

Sitejabber

Viagogo rating on Sitejabber

Sitejabber gives Viagogo a rating of 1.27/5, based on over 1,000 reviews, which reflects the diverse range of opinions about the platform.

These ratings indicate a mixed and often negative sentiment among users, reflecting concerns about various aspects, including ticket authenticity, pricing, and customer service.

It's important to conduct thorough research before purchasing tickets through Viagogo.

Safeguards And Guarantees

Viagogo closely monitors site activity to ensure the community's security. They employ a unique approach where the seller only gets paid once the buyer successfully gains entry to the event.

Viagogo 100% order guarantee

Additionally, Viagogo offers a 100% order guarantee, promising either replacement tickets or a refund in case they can't get you into the event.

Transparency About Fees

Viagogo pledges to be honest and transparent about its marketplace and pricing.

They clearly communicate the asking price, shipping, and delivery fees at checkout before the purchase.

For buyers, Viagogo charges a booking fee on top of the ticket price, covering the cost of maintaining the platform, guaranteeing tickets, and providing customer service.

This booking fee may vary by event and is subject to VAT.

For sellers, Viagogo charges a service fee once their tickets have sold. This fee is displayed during the selling process and covers the cost of marketing tickets to a global audience.

Selling on Viagogo website

Like the booking fee, the service fee may vary by event and is subject to VAT.

Comparing Viagogo To Other Ticket Resale Sites

Feature Viagogo Other Ticket Resale Sites
Authenticity of Tickets Secured ticket delivery through tracked courier services, but no guarantee of ticket quality Offers strong authenticity assurances
Secure Checkout Secure checkout, with payment to sellers only upon successful entry to the event Provides robust security measures with excellent buyer and seller protection
Money-back Guarantee Some users face difficulties in obtaining refunds Reliable refund policies
Fee Transparency Charges booking and service fees, which may vary by event Fair fees with no hidden cost

Viagogo Alternatives

Here are your alternative options when it comes to buying and selling secondary tickets in Australia:

Check out our reviews on each of the ticket marketplaces above to figure out which one is right for you.

Conclusion

Viagogo's ticket legitimacy varies based on user experiences and seller integrity.

While the platform strives to provide secure ticket delivery and guarantees, some users have reported issues with overpriced or fake tickets.

To ensure a positive ticket-buying experience, it's crucial for users to exercise due diligence, research sellers, and carefully read the terms and conditions before making a purchase on Viagogo.