When you enjoy listening to a favorite genre artist or band, it is only logical that you also want to see them perform live. What sounds more exciting than seeing your favorite artist perform at a concert? But booking concert tickets can be tedious, and you must keep a few things in mind to avoid getting scammed. Here are five critical mistakes you should avoid while booking tickets online.

Only buying online
Major concerts can be booked months in advance and not just online. This is a common mistake one makes, thinking that’s the only way one can get official tickets. Understand that the event organizers also sell tickets at the venue. Many times, it may so happen that tickets are not available online, but you can get the special consideration tickets sold directly at the venue booking office. This way, you also verify the authenticity of the ticket before paying and avoid getting scammed online.

Buying from unverified sources
If the tickets are sold out on the official ticketing partner website or app, there is no way extra original tickets will magically appear elsewhere. Even if there are a few second-hand tickets being circulated for sale, the seller might overcharge and demand advance payment. You might come across such ads on popular social media platforms. It is better if you steer clear of third-party sale links since it could very well be a scam looking to overcharge for fake tickets.

Refreshing the page
Understand that ticketing partner websites deploy an algorithm that lets you get in the queue as soon as you log in to buy. The page may freeze for several minutes before either timing out or letting you through to the payment page. If it times out, all tickets get sold. If you get through to the payment page, it is merely a formality to complete the purchase. Whatever happens, do not hit refresh.

Not comparing prices
Concert ticket prices fluctuate all the time. Also, the partner website selling these tickets will charge additional internet handling and special considerations fees if you need to reserve a ticket. So, the prices will vary depending on the website you visit. It is always better to buy from the sponsor website. But it doesn’t hurt to compare prices and look up promotions that can be further applied to lower ticket prices.

Not researching the venue
Ticket prices are decided based on the location of the venue. The seats and standing areas closer to the artist will be the most expensive tickets sold online. All this information will be made available ahead of the booking by the sponsors. So, check these details on the official website, compare prices, and figure out what you get for the ticket price. Premium tickets include VIP access, picture sessions with the artist, and even sponsored merchandize. So read the fine print carefully and compare the best viewing options, amenities, and perks for the decided price.

Also, try different payment methods to avail cashback and reward points offers for the ticket. Official ticketing websites partner with brands to encourage the sale of sponsored merchandize.