Buying concert tickets used to be simple: show up at the box office, hand over cash, get your seat. Now, you’ve got a dozen apps, websites, and resellers fighting for your attention-and most of them add fees you didn’t see coming. So which is truly cheaper: buying concert tickets online or in person? The answer isn’t what you think.
Online tickets look cheaper-until you see the fees
At first glance, online ticket sites like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or Eventfinda seem like the easiest option. You can compare seats, pick your row, and pay with a tap. But here’s the catch: those convenience fees add up fast. In New Zealand, most major venues tack on $5 to $12 in service fees per ticket, even for standard sales. Add in a $3.50 delivery charge if you don’t choose e-tickets, and you’re already paying 20% more than face value.
For a $80 concert ticket, that’s $16 extra before taxes. If you’re buying four tickets? That’s $64 in fees. And that’s if you’re lucky-some resellers mark up prices even higher during high-demand events. A Coldplay show in Auckland sold out in 12 minutes last year, and resellers were asking $350 for seats originally priced at $110.
In-person buying skips most digital fees
Walking into the venue box office doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the worst seats. Most major venues in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch release a portion of tickets for in-person sales, often at face value with no added fees. You won’t pay delivery charges, processing fees, or platform surcharges. If you’re buying directly from the venue-like the Michael Fowler Centre or Spark Arena-you’re paying only the ticket price plus a small GST (15%), no more.
Some fans swear by this method. Last month, a group of friends bought four tickets to a Lorde concert at the Spark Arena box office. They paid $95 each. The same tickets online, even on the official site, showed up at $112 each after fees. That’s $68 saved just by showing up in person.
But in-person isn’t always faster-or easier
Here’s the downside: you might wait. For popular shows, lines can start forming hours before the box office opens. At the Vector Arena for a Taylor Swift tour, people camped out overnight. If you’re working a 9-to-5 or have kids to pick up from school, that’s not realistic.
Also, not all venues offer in-person sales. Smaller gigs at local pubs or community halls often sell out online before the box office even opens. And if you’re buying tickets for a show outside your city, driving there just to stand in line isn’t always worth it.
When online is actually the better deal
Online isn’t always the enemy. Sometimes, it’s the only way to get tickets at all. If you’re after a specific seat-say, row H, seat 12-you can’t guarantee that at the box office. Online platforms let you see every available seat in real time. And if you’re buying tickets for a show in another city, like a Queen tribute in Dunedin, you’re not driving there just to queue.
Also, some official sites offer online-only discounts. The Wellington Jazz Festival, for example, gives a 10% discount for early online buyers who sign up for their newsletter. And if you’re buying tickets for a group of 10+ people, some venues offer group rates only through their website.
Resellers are almost always more expensive
StubHub, Viagogo, and other third-party resellers aren’t the same as official online sellers. These platforms are where scalpers and bots dump tickets after the initial sale. Prices here are set by supply and demand, not the artist or venue. A $75 ticket can easily become $250 on a reseller site.
Even if you’re desperate, check the original price first. Most resellers list the face value next to their price. If the difference is more than 50%, walk away. In New Zealand, the Commerce Commission has cracked down on misleading pricing, so you can report suspicious listings-but don’t count on getting your money back.
How to save money no matter how you buy
Here’s what actually works:
- Sign up for venue newsletters-you’ll get presale codes before tickets go public. Many people miss this, and presales often have lower fees.
- Buy on the first day-prices don’t drop after launch. If you wait, you’re just risking higher prices or sold-out shows.
- Check for student or senior discounts-many venues offer them, but only if you ask or show ID at the box office.
- Use cashback apps-apps like ShopBack or TopCashback sometimes offer 5% back on ticket purchases through official sites.
- Go for standing room-if you don’t need a seat, floor tickets are often $20-$30 cheaper and still give you front-row energy.
The bottom line: it depends on your situation
For most people, buying in person at the venue box office is the cheapest option-no hidden fees, no reseller markups, just the ticket price. But if you need specific seats, live far away, or can’t wait in line, online is your best bet-if you stick to the official site.
Never buy from resellers unless you’ve checked the original price and are okay with paying double. And if you’re planning ahead, use presales, newsletters, and discounts to cut costs before you even click ‘buy’.
Concert tickets aren’t getting cheaper. But with a little strategy, you can still get in without getting ripped off.
Are box office tickets really cheaper than online?
Yes, if you buy directly from the venue’s box office. You avoid all service fees, processing charges, and delivery costs that online platforms add. You’ll only pay the ticket price plus 15% GST. Online tickets from official sites often include $5-$12 in fees per ticket, making box office purchases the most cost-effective option when you can do it.
Can I get better seats buying online?
Online gives you a full view of all available seats in real time, so yes-you can pick exact rows and numbers. Box offices often sell remaining seats, which may be less desirable. But if you’re flexible and don’t mind waiting, box offices sometimes release last-minute good seats that weren’t available online.
Should I ever buy from StubHub or Viagogo?
Only if you’ve checked the original face value and are willing to pay a premium. These sites are reseller platforms where prices are set by sellers, not venues. A $100 ticket can easily cost $250 here. You’re not guaranteed authenticity, and refunds are rare. Stick to official sellers unless you’re desperate and have no other options.
Do presale codes actually help save money?
Yes. Presales often have lower fees, and you’re buying before the general public. Many people miss presales entirely, so you’ll have better seat selection and avoid the rush. Sign up for venue newsletters, artist fan clubs, or credit card loyalty programs-they often send presale codes.
Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?
Absolutely. Common hidden fees include: service fees ($5-$12), processing fees ($2-$5), delivery fees ($3.50), and facility fees ($3-$7). Always check the final price before confirming payment. If the total is more than 20% over the listed ticket price, you’re likely being overcharged.
What’s the best time to buy concert tickets?
The moment tickets go on sale. Prices don’t drop over time-they rise if demand is high. Waiting until the last minute means you’ll pay more or miss out entirely. If you’re flexible on dates or seating, consider buying tickets for weekday shows-they’re often cheaper and less crowded.
Lissa Veldhuis
Why do people still fall for this scam? Box office? Please. The real ticket sellers are the bots that buy 10k tickets in 0.2 seconds then flip them for 5x price on StubHub and you think walking in at 8am is gonna save you
selma souza
It is statistically and empirically demonstrable that purchasing tickets directly from the venue’s official box office eliminates all ancillary service fees, which, in jurisdictions such as New Zealand, often amount to between 15% and 25% of the base ticket price. The assertion that online platforms are more expensive is not anecdotal-it is quantifiable.
James Boggs
Good breakdown. Box office wins on price if you can get there. But for folks with tight schedules, official online sales with presale codes are the next best thing.
Addison Smart
Let’s be real-this isn’t just about fees. It’s about power. The ticketing industry has turned live music into a corporate auction where fans are the livestock. Box office isn’t a loophole-it’s a rebellion. People camp out overnight not because they’re fanatics, but because they’re tired of being exploited by algorithms and middlemen who don’t care if you can afford it. And yes, it’s exhausting. But so is watching your favorite artist get priced out of their own show. The real tragedy isn’t the $12 fee-it’s that we’ve accepted this as normal.