buying "already scanned" scalper tickets

[ol'Sparky]

This is a problem !!

since tickets at the game are not ripped or altered in any way buy the usher/ticket taker, nothing keeps scalpers from selling already used tickets.

.... and the buyer has no way of knowing the ticket has already been scanned !!:thumbdown

[bucknutdet]

I haven't had it happen. But the ? is why would they do it? Go in the come out and sell the ticket? What's the point? Why would they walk all the way down to the stadium scan the tickets, then walk back into the downtown area to scalp them.

Maybe, just maybe, if someone was in the stadium and had to leave and sold their ticket to a scalper, this could be a problem. But that probably doesn't happen too terribly often, if at all.

[Team Clark]

I haven't had it happen. But the ? is why would they do it? Go in the come out and sell the ticket? What's the point? Why would they walk all the way down to the stadium scan the tickets, then walk back into the downtown area to scalp them.

Why would they need to come back out? You could slip the tickets back through a gate. Just a guess but it seems likely.

[Newman4]

Anyone have an experience with this or heard about it being done?

[ol'Sparky]

Anyone have an experience with this or heard about it being done?

I had this happen to me, about 3 weeks ago during the Braves series. This is why I brought this up. I just feel the tickets are perforated ..... for a reason.

rip 'em !!:bang:

[macro]

I realize you're referring to regular tickets, so this may be off-topic in a sense, but...

Do they sell those "print them yourself at home" tickets to Reds games? I've had them to concerts. I would be afraid to buy "print at home" tickets from someone I don't know. There would be nothing to prevent them from selling multiple copies of the same tickets to many people.

[JEA]

That's yet another reason I would never buy a ticket from a scalper. It's a gamble, and eventually, you'll get screwed.

Ripping the tickets could help, but I'd rather have the ticket in its original shape, especially if the game ends up having historical significance (a no-hitter, clinching a divison title, etc.). I keep tickets as mementos, and I'd prefer they stay in good shape.

Granted, most fans probably could care less if they're torn or not. But it just doesn't seem fair to start tearing tickets to appease a handful of people who buy scalped tickets while screwing over the 20,000 or 30,000 who bought them through the official ticket outlets.

[Ltlabner]

I don't want to be rude, but what is the facination with buying tickets from scalpers? If you walk another couple hundred feet you can buy tickets right from the Reds ticket windows and get yourself a real, honest-to-goodness ticket, walk right in the stadium and enjoy the game. If there is a problem you can walk right back to the ticket window and get it figured out.

Is the thrill just saving some money? The joy of negotiating a deal?

I'm currious why some like scalpers?

[919191]

The first time I saw the scanners work, I decided I would never again buy scalped tickets after the gates weere unlocked, unless I was getting them so cheap it was worth the risk. I asked a ticket scanner guy about it, and he said it does happen once in a while.

[RedsManRick]

What's in that for the scalper?

[bucknutdet]

I don't want to be rude, but what is the facination with buying tickets from scalpers? If you walk another couple hundred feet you can buy tickets right from the Reds ticket windows and get yourself a real, honest-to-goodness ticket, walk right in the stadium and enjoy the game. If there is a problem you can walk right back to the ticket window and get it figured out.

Is the thrill just saving some money? The joy of negotiating a deal?

I'm currious why some like scalpers?


You can get tickets a substantial discount for the most part. I frequently go to the games by myself & usually arrive right around gametime or a bit after. Scalper tickets can be had at a pretty good price, so you have saved money which can then be spent inside. For instance last year, I paid $18 dollars for a Scout Seat, pretty good deal.

Unless you're being scammed the tickets are legit. The Reds have already received their price for the tickets, so it's not like your ripping off the team.

You can walk across FWWay and then stand in a line and then pay face value. A lot of times you can get a better seat and pay less buying the tickets from a scalper. This year I have purchased from the box office probably 5 times and scalped 3 or 4. In general, and definitely for the Reds, I won't pay above face value for a "scalped" ticket.

[bucknutdet]

I had this happen to me, about 3 weeks ago during the Braves series. This is why I brought this up. I just feel the tickets are perforated ..... for a reason.

rip 'em !!:bang:


Sorry to hear you got burned, that sucks.

[TOBTTReds]

PLEASE READ: I feel this is important for people to look at who buy tix.

I buy from scalpers probably 75% of the games I go to. The tickets are very good seats usually, and you can bargain them to below face value.

They all have licenses and ID numbers. I make sure to ask them to see their licenses and I remember their number in case it is a problem.

I've never had one. I recommend the guys outside of Gameday Sports Cafe. A guy named "Jazz" is pretty good and always fair. Let him know what you want and he won't hassle you or get mad if you say no.

Just check the license!


As far as WHY there are scanners, is so people don't print duplicate tickets at home or "lose" tickets and get them reprinted. I have worked in two different box offices for 4 years now, and scanners ARE A SAVIOR! Trust me. I worked for one that didn't have them, and it was a nightmare. I finally convinced them to use scanners and everything worked out this year.

[adampad]

With games rarely selling out, I don't know why people go through the scalpers either. I think the only way it works out in your favor is when you show up late or something.

[vaticanplum]

I get tickets cheaper through scalpers all the time. If you wait until the game has started the price goes down even further; wait til the third inning or so and if you're lucky and turn on the charm you can occasionally pull one off for free. Tickets are hard to come by at Wrigley (the closest ballpark to where I live) and it's much easier and cheaper to hop off the train on my way home from work, talk to a scalper, and have a $10 ticket in under 60 seconds than it is to go stand in line only to be sold a $22 ticket in a terrible place in the ballpark.

I personally have never been scammed. You have to be a little savvy about it, but generally the scalpers right by the ballpark are pretty reputable.

[Rotater Cuff]

Is the thrill just saving some money? The joy of negotiating a deal?

I'm currious why some like scalpers?

It's price and ticket selection. You can't get access to tickets the scalper's have through the windows. They're just selling excess. The best tickets are from season ticket holders who can't go. And, depending on the importance of the game, the prices are usually lower than the list price.

Personally, I've bought dozens of scalper's tickets, and IMO they perform a valuable brokering service. I have never been ripped off. Many of these guys have been out there for years, you start to recognize them.

[Ltlabner]

I get tickets cheaper through scalpers all the time. If you wait until the game has started the price goes down even further; wait til the third inning or so and if you're lucky and turn on the charm you can occasionally pull one off for free. Tickets are hard to come by at Wrigley (the closest ballpark to where I live) and it's much easier and cheaper to hop off the train on my way home from work, talk to a scalper, and have a $10 ticket in under 60 seconds than it is to go stand in line only to be sold a $22 ticket in a terrible place in the ballpark.

I personally have never been scammed. You have to be a little savvy about it, but generally the scalpers right by the ballpark are pretty reputable.

Oh...ok. Not my cup of tea but this makes sense.

Thanks for the explination.

[Reds4Life]

I get tickets cheaper through scalpers all the time. If you wait until the game has started the price goes down even further; wait til the third inning or so and if you're lucky and turn on the charm you can occasionally pull one off for free. Tickets are hard to come by at Wrigley (the closest ballpark to where I live) and it's much easier and cheaper to hop off the train on my way home from work, talk to a scalper, and have a $10 ticket in under 60 seconds than it is to go stand in line only to be sold a $22 ticket in a terrible place in the ballpark.

I personally have never been scammed. You have to be a little savvy about it, but generally the scalpers right by the ballpark are pretty reputable.

But you are a chick, that gives you an automatic advantage when dealing with a male scalper. Turn on the charm...........right. Men don't have charm around other men, it's in the handbook. ;)

[WMR]

I get tickets cheaper through scalpers all the time. If you wait until the game has started the price goes down even further; wait til the third inning or so and if you're lucky and turn on the charm you can occasionally pull one off for free. Tickets are hard to come by at Wrigley (the closest ballpark to where I live) and it's much easier and cheaper to hop off the train on my way home from work, talk to a scalper, and have a $10 ticket in under 60 seconds than it is to go stand in line only to be sold a $22 ticket in a terrible place in the ballpark.

I personally have never been scammed. You have to be a little savvy about it, but generally the scalpers right by the ballpark are pretty reputable.

So that's how you get good seats at Wrigley!

[redlegs7089]

i got ripped off at yankee stadium 2 months ago by a scalper. it was 25 bucks i was really pissed since it was my first time to yankee stadium but ivisited a friend last week, and i got to finally go

[Caseyfan21]

Usually for the Reds games I just buy the $5 tickets and sit down low anyways since the crowds are usually smaller and I like to get to the games early when scalpers are still looking for above face. Out here in Arizona, though, I always buy from scalpers. It’s really a good deal for them and me. Usually I will just buy bleachers for $10 each about an hour before the game (face is $15 or $16). I’ve never had a problem and never gotten ripped off. The scalpers will just buy 30 tickets together for half off (group rate) and then sell them for below face. They make a profit and I get a ticket for below face. It’s a win-win situation. I would be a little nervous about dropping big money for tickets though. You do need to have a little savvy and experience to negotiate and not get ripped off with fake tix or other situations.

[DJF33]

I had this happen to me, about 3 weeks ago during the Braves series. This is why I brought this up. I just feel the tickets are perforated ..... for a reason.

rip 'em !!:bang:

Just out of curiousity, did it say they were already scanned or did it just come up invalid? I was just wondering. I know there has been a problem with people reporting their tickets lost, getting new ones sent, and then selling the ones they reported lost or stolen. That just seems to make more sense than someone using the ticket to enter and then somehow getting the same ticket back outside of the park to sell it.

Either way, sorry to hear about your bad experience.

I have bought tickets from scalpers more times than I can remember for all kinds of events, and knock on wood, I have had nothing but good experiences. I have had friends that have had problems, but I think if you are careful you can get great deals. My favorite scalping story was when my dad and I went to a UNLV basketball game. We hopped out of the cab and were intercepted by a guy on our way to the ticket window. He asked if we needed to tickets, and he said to follow him. We began to follow him around the stadium, and we were suddenly away from the crowds and both of us became a little concerned. He then, gave us the two tickets, escorted us into a door and onto a private elevator, and told us to enjoy the game. The elevator took us to the tunnels below the stadium, and a lady on the elevator told us where to go. We walked passed the cheerleaders and dancers warming up (of course we had to stop and observe for a while), then we arrived at the tunnel the players come out of. An usher greeted us and took us to our seats three rows off the court! :beerme: We were defintely glad that we scapled tickets that night.

[REDREAD]

But you are a chick, that gives you an automatic advantage when dealing with a male scalper. Turn on the charm...........right. Men don't have charm around other men, it's in the handbook. ;)

Yeah, can you see us middle aged guys trying to "turn on the charm"? :laugh: I doubt it would be very effective.

[vaticanplum]

But you are a chick, that gives you an automatic advantage when dealing with a male scalper. Turn on the charm...........right. Men don't have charm around other men, it's in the handbook. ;)

I resent that. Y'all need to start thinking outside the box :p:

[Brutus]

This is a problem that I've heard about quite often. In fact, it happened to me a few years ago.

I was in Pittsburgh on business with a friend of mine, and we decided to go over to PNC Park to catch the Pirates vs. Cardinals.

We talked to a scalper on the street who offered us decent tickets down near the front row of the right field stands. We finally came to an equitable agreement as to price. Well, when my friend and I went to enter from the back of the stadium, they scanned the ticket and told us the tickets had already been 'used'.

I went back to the scalper who was trying to walk up the street and get away, and confronted him wanting my money back. He was trying to offer different tickets. I accepted the tickets but was still trying to get my money back.

I saw an officer and informed him of what happened. They went up to the guy and forced him to return my money. The best part - the cops let me keep the replacement tickets so I got into the game for free.

The guy was drunk and ended up getting unruly with the cops about the whole ordeal (since he gave me my money back but never got the other set of tickets) and was hauled off to jail. It was bittersweet.

So my friend and I enjoyed a free trip to PNC Park for the Pirates-Cardinals.

In any event, the 'scanned' ticket issue is one that I've heard of screwing a few people over in the past.

[mth123]

I don't want to be rude, but what is the facination with buying tickets from scalpers? If you walk another couple hundred feet you can buy tickets right from the Reds ticket windows and get yourself a real, honest-to-goodness ticket, walk right in the stadium and enjoy the game. If there is a problem you can walk right back to the ticket window and get it figured out.

Is the thrill just saving some money? The joy of negotiating a deal?

I'm currious why some like scalpers?

I learned my lesson years ago. Some buddies and I went to Detroit to see a game at old Tiger Stadium. We went the scalper route to try and save time by getting the ticket while walking from the car to the stadium and avoid standing in line when we got there. The seats we got were about half way back in the lower deck on the 1B side. Sounds pretty good huh? Well these were legit seats and all, but just far enough back that the upper deck was hanging down in front of us all we could actually see of the field was the hitter, 1B and the second basemen. We could see the pitcher from the waste down. Couldn't see SS, 3B, the OF or any ball hit higher than waist high. I learned two lessons on that day:

1. Never buy from a scalper. (Never again!!!!!)
2. As much as we romaticize about the old ball parks, the new ones are way better for watching a game.

[Newman4]

As mentioned, the Reds scalpers have a license and most have been around for years. I remember some of them since I was a little kid wondering why the guy with sign that says "Need Tickets" didn't talk to the other guys 10 feet away selling tickets. I have never got ripped off by them and always get a good deal.

I also would buy tickets from the Reds if I didn't have to pay all the fees with tickets.com running the show. Why pay $36 for a lower level infield with $5-7 in fees on top of that when I can get a better seat for about half the price off the scalpers?

[Unassisted]

I've always gotten much better seats from scalpers than I have by purchasing through any other method. I can't plan my visits far enough ahead of time to order tickets in February.

In the lean years, I've paid below face value for tickets from scalpers. A better ticket and a better deal makes for an easy choice.

[butlerbulldogs]

i got fake tickets one time, when it was a bobblehead night, was there about 5 minutes before first pitch. someone must have walked out and gave the scalper his tickets, i had the guy id # and brought the cop w/ me, it worked out, i got better tickets and my money back from the scalper

[TOBTTReds]

i got fake tickets one time, when it was a bobblehead night, was there about 5 minutes before first pitch. someone must have walked out and gave the scalper his tickets, i had the guy id # and brought the cop w/ me, it worked out, i got better tickets and my money back from the scalper

Yeah I've never really thought about this. Sometimes regular customers are the problem. How could the scalper know that someone selling their tix to the scalper has already used them? Maybe if they are walking away with a bobblehead in their hand. But other wise, I could def. see people selling their tix that were already used.