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With Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour frenzy spreading across the globe, fans are finding themselves scrambling for last-minute tickets. If you missed Ticketmaster’s original sale or if—like me—you’ve been waiting for over a year to get off the waitlist, third-party resale sites like Viagogo and StubHub offer a second chance to experience the magic of the tour at an affordable price. However, navigating these platforms safely is essential. As someone who attended one of Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in London with Viagogo. I’ll walk you through my experience, share top insights, and include expert tips I sourced from other swifties on how to avoid scams, navigate price fluctuations, and maximize your ticket-buying experience.
Navigating the resale world
When I found out about the Eras Tour, securing a ticket felt like a wildest dream, but I was on the waitlist for more than a year, praying each night that I would get a code from Ticketmaster. My go-to was Viagogo after learning it provided a 100—percent guarantee on purchases—meaning, if anything went wrong, I’d either get my ticket or my money back. Sellers aren’t paid until after the concert and the buyer confirms they were able to enter the concert with the tickets. This way, scammers have nothing to gain if a ticket is fake, because they won’t be paid if the customer doesn’t confirm. This kind of buyer protection is essential when choosing third-party platforms. StubHub offers similar assurances, so always double check that the platform backs purchases.
Watch for verified sellers and platform security
Not all resale sites are equally reliable, and fraudsters lurk on social media and less-regulated sites. Viagogo suggests avoiding payment methods like cash, direct transfers or payment apps when buying from unknown individuals, as these methods leave little recourse if there’s an issue. Stick with platforms that offer secure transactions and verified sellers, protecting your money and data. If possible, pay with Paypal since you can claim back your money on Paypal if the tickets aren’t real.
Timing your purchase for the best price
A common myth is that prices only go up as the event nears, but this isn’t necessarily true. Viagogo data shows that around 26 percent of tickets are bought just a week before the show, and 12 percent are purchased within 24 hours. Waiting until closer to the event can actually help you find lower prices, especially if sellers need to offload tickets. While I was initially nervous, I did notice for the June concerts that tickets were cheaper one week before the concert and then they doubled in price throughout the week and fluctuated to half price again four hours before the concert. Those two times seem to be the sweet spot. Many people I know personally dressed up for the concert and sat at a restaurant near the venue and bought their tickets just one hour before Taylor was due to take the stage because that’s when prices dropped to the lowest.
Consider single seats or off-peak hours
With demand for Swift’s tickets at a skyrocketing peak, checking prices during non-peak hours (like 4 a.m.) or opting for single seats can save money. Viagogo and StubHub advise that prices tend to be more affordable when you search at off-peak hours rather than immediately after on-sale announcements or during concert week. For large group tickets, splitting seats might score better deals.
Verify your ticket for safe entry
It’s tempting to share your ticket on social media, but I would personally warn against exposing any barcodes, QR code or order numbers online. These can be copied by scammers, causing issues at the gate. For my concert, I only shared my experience online after the event, ensuring the details stayed private.
Alternate city options
For fans outside Vancouver and Toronto, traveling to either city for Taylor Swift’s remaining tour dates can open up more options, even if local availability is not possible. Tickets in Toronto might be more expensive than in Vancouver, or vice versa, depending on demand. If you’re able to travel, using a resale site like StubHub or Viagogo can help you explore both locations and find a ticket that fits your budget and schedule.
Flexible travel
If you’re open to traveling and looking at the whole experience like a vacation, exploring the city your concert is in can increase your chances of finding last-minute tickets at reasonable prices. When planning a trip, sites like StubHub and Viagogo allow you to browse for tickets across tour dates in all cities, which adds flexibility and may help you score better deals.
Consider selling your ticket when you get off the waitlist
So just FYI, I am the biggest Swiftie in this whole world, hence when I got off the waitlist 24 hours before her second night in August, I didn’t sell my Viagogo ticket for the final night, because I would go to the concert 10 times if I could. But if you aren’t as diehard of a fan as I am, many resale sites allow users to resell tickets if plans change, providing a safe option for recouping costs. Listing a ticket is straightforward, allowing you to adjust prices based on demand. This feature lets you secure your ticket worry-free and offers peace of mind if something disrupts your original plans.
