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Here’s a detailed overview of StubHub — how it works, strengths & weaknesses, trust & risks, and tips if you consider using it:
What Is StubHub
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StubHub is an online ticket marketplace / exchange where people can buy and sell tickets for live events (sports, concerts, theater, etc.). It does not usually own the tickets directly; it acts as a platform connecting buyers and sellers.
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It was founded around the year 2000 and has become one of the largest ticket resellers in the world.
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It operates globally (or via local versions) and via web and mobile apps.
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StubHub offers a “FanProtect Guarantee” which promises that buyers will receive valid tickets or compensation, and sellers will get paid if they fulfill their obligations.
How It Works (Buying & Selling)
Buying
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Search for an event
You search on StubHub for the event you want (concert, sports match, theater). -
Choose tickets
Multiple sellers list tickets; prices vary based on demand, seat location, timing, etc. -
Checkout & fees
StubHub adds service / fulfillment fees, which often raise the “sticker price.” -
Ticket delivery / transfer
Depending on the event and ticket type, tickets are delivered via electronic delivery, mobile transfer, or digital upload to your account. -
Guarantee
If something goes wrong (tickets are invalid, seller fails to deliver), StubHub typically offers replacement tickets or a refund under their FanProtect Guarantee.
Selling
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Sellers list their tickets for sale, set the price, and when someone buys, they must deliver the tickets per StubHub’s instructions (e.g. transfer, upload).
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After the event, StubHub pays the seller (often after some delay, to confirm fulfillment).
Strengths / Advantages
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Wide selection: Because many sellers offer tickets, you may find seats that are sold out elsewhere.
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Guarantee / buyer protection: The FanProtect guarantee offers a safety net in many cases, which is better than some random resale sites.
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Convenience: Easy to search, filter by price, seat location, etc.
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Global reach: Accessible in many countries, with international events and local versions.
Weaknesses, Risks & Complaints
StubHub has garnered quite a number of complaints. Some key issues:
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High fees
Many users report that fees (service, processing, etc.) on top of the ticket price make the final cost much higher than expected. -
Ticket delivery / non-fulfillment issues
Some buyers say they never received tickets, or got them too late (sometimes hours before the event).
Some sellers claim they didn’t get paid even after fulfilling obligations. -
Customer service / response
Many complaints that support is slow or unhelpful when problems arise. -
Transparency / hidden fees
A lawsuit by Washington D.C. alleges StubHub hides fees until checkout and uses “bait-and-switch” tactics. -
Accreditation & trust concerns
StubHub is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). -
Mixed reviews and user sentiment
On review platforms, StubHub has a wide spread of feedback: some users highly praise it, others heavily criticize it. For example, on Reviews.io, they average ~3.16.
Recent Developments & Legal / Regulatory Issues
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In 2024, the D.C. Attorney General filed suit alleging StubHub’s pricing tactics are deceptive — for example, they are accused of advertising low ticket prices and then adding mandatory fees late in the checkout process.
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StubHub recently filed for an IPO (initial public offering) in 2025 under the name STUB.
Is StubHub Legit / Safe?
Yes, overall it is considered a legitimate platform, but “legitimate” doesn’t mean “perfect” or without risk:
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Many users successfully buy tickets and attend events without issue.
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StubHub’s guarantees and buyer protections help mitigate risk.
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But because it is a secondary marketplace, much depends on the seller, the method of delivery, and ticket type.
So, you should use caution, especially in international settings, with high-value tickets, or when timing is tight.
Tips / Best Practices for Using StubHub Wisely
If you decide to use StubHub (as buyer or seller), here are some tips to reduce risk:
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Check total cost including fees before purchase
Don’t rely on the initial ticket price; fees can add a lot. -
Buy well in advance
Avoid last-minute purchases. Late delivery issues are more common closer to event time. -
Use official delivery methods (digital, mobile, transfer)
Prefer sellers who use verified digital delivery or transfers rather than “I’ll email you a PDF” etc. -
Check seller rating / history
If possible, buy tickets from sellers with good track records, and read reviews or comments. -
Take scrutiny for high-value tickets
For expensive shows, double check venue seating maps, ticket types (e.g. mobile only), and not just the image. -
Document everything
Keep screenshots of listing, payment confirmation, emails, and messages. If something goes wrong, you’ll need proof. -
Know the guarantee / refund policy
Understand what constitutes valid failure (non-delivery, invalid ticket) and what remedies StubHub promises (replacement or refund). -
Be careful with resale as seller
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Deliver tickets promptly in the correct format.
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Be sure to follow StubHub’s instructions so you get paid.
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Understand that your payment may be withheld until after event to verify fulfillment.
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Consider alternative or complementary sources
For big artists or sports events, check official ticket sources first. Use StubHub as fallback, not primary.