You find the perfect seats, add them to your cart and head to checkout - only to discover that the total is a lot higher than the price you saw at the start. For years, that was one of the biggest frustrations for ticket buyers. The good news is that the rules have changed, and buyers have more protection than ever. Here's what you need to know about ticket fees, all-in pricing and the questions to ask before you buy.
What ticket fees are
Most tickets come with fees on top of the face value or listing price. Depending on where you buy, you might see a service fee, a processing fee, a facility fee charged by the venue, a delivery fee or sales tax. Some of these fees go to the venue, some to the ticketing company and some to the platform or seller. None of them are unusual on their own - the problem was always that buyers often didn't see them until the very last step.
The all-in pricing rule
In May 2025, a Federal Trade Commission rule took effect that requires sellers of live-event tickets to show the total price, including mandatory fees, up front. That means the price you see when you start shopping should be the price you pay for the ticket itself, with the exception of government taxes and optional add-ons like shipping that can be shown separately. The goal is simple: no more surprise fees at the end of checkout.
The rule has made comparing prices much easier, because you can look at two listings side by side and see the real cost of each. Still, it's worth paying attention to what's included and what isn't, especially when it comes to taxes and delivery.
Know the total before you say yes.
Why prices still vary so much
Even with all-in pricing, the same event can have very different prices depending on the section, the row, the seller and the timing. Resale prices move with demand. A sold-out show, a playoff game or a big rivalry matchup will cost more than a regular weeknight event. Prices can also change from day to day as sellers adjust their listings. That's normal, and it's why it pays to compare carefully and ask questions.
Questions to ask before you buy
Whether you buy from ABC Tickets or anywhere else, a few questions will help you avoid surprises. What is the total price for all of my tickets, including every fee? Are taxes included or added at checkout? How will the tickets be delivered, and is there a delivery charge? Are the seats together? What happens if the event is canceled or postponed? Is there a real business, with a real address and phone number, behind the sale? If a seller can't answer those questions clearly, keep looking.
Watch out for "too good to be true"
Low prices are great, but a price that's far below every other listing for the same seats is a red flag. Scammers sometimes advertise cheap tickets on social media or classified sites to lure buyers into paying with methods that can't be reversed, like wire transfers or gift cards. A real deal will still come from a real seller who accepts protected payment methods and stands behind the tickets.
Why talking to a person helps
One of the reasons customers have come to ABC Tickets since 1989 is that they want to know the exact price of their seats - not see charges tacked on at the end. When you call us, a live agent tells you the exact section, row and total before you commit. You can ask questions, compare a few options and decide with confidence. For big purchases like playoff games, premium concert seats or a trip to the Super Bowl, that conversation can save you money and stress.
Look at the whole night
The ticket price is only part of the cost of a night out. Parking, transportation, food and drinks can add up quickly, especially at stadiums and arenas. When you're setting a budget, think about the whole experience. Sometimes a slightly less expensive seat leaves room in the budget for dinner before the show or a better parking spot. Buying a little earlier, choosing a weeknight date or sitting one level higher are all easy ways to stretch your budget without giving up a great experience.
Our guarantee
Every ticket ABC Tickets sells is 100% authentic and valid for entry. Your tickets will arrive in time for your event. All seats are side by side unless otherwise noted. And if an event is canceled and not rescheduled, you receive a full refund.
Get a real price from a real person
Ready to find out what great seats really cost? Call a live agent at 1-800-355-5555, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, or browse our events online. We'll tell you the exact seats and the exact price - no guesswork.
