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Originally posted by warrrreagl
Okay, the basics are clear. Buy a bunch of tickets and re-sell them at a higher price for a profit. That much I've got.
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Some folks refer to organizations such as Ticketmaster as "legitimate" scalping.
Quote:
Originally posted by warrrreagl
1) Why do they all hold up signs that say "I Need Tickets" to everybody? No one has a sign that says "I'll buy your tickets," or "Sell me your damn tickets" or anything else. It's always exactly the same wording: "I Need Tickets."
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I dunno about any exact wording, though intuition would tell you it's because if the person is harassed by law enforcement, he or she can just say "I just need tickets for the game." Which would not be illegal. Also, the guys with the signs don't actually carry the tickets on them. It must be a legal thing.
One of the more creative methods I've seen is buying "artwork." The person selling the tickets sells a ticket attached to a piece of paper with "artwork" on it.
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Originally posted by warrrreagl
2) Why are the little signs saying "I Need Tickets" always hand-written on torn-off cardboard box flaps. Are they prevented from using paper or poster-board?
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There was a long line at Kinko's? I don't know about this either.
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Originally posted by warrrreagl
3) Is there one main scalper guy who controls all the other little guys out there, or are they all independent business men? Obviously, I'm not talking about the casual fan who needs to unload his wife's extra ticket; I'm talking about the serious scalpers.[/B]
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All independent business men. For example, you have season tickets to all Alabama games provided by the university (you are a student). You know who to sell them to, just like you know who your bookie is. I've dealt with alot of two man teams (see below).
According to some, Ticketmaster is the organized mob of the scalping world.
Quote:
Originally posted by warrrreagl
4) Why do they keep buying tickets from patrons outside the gate after the event has started? Even if they're only giving $5 for the tickets, what in the hell can they possibly do with a giant stack of unused tickets? Does the "Main Man" pay them back for any unsold tickets?
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Scalpers are stuck with what they can't unload. However, they continue to buy tickets well after the game has started for two reasons:
1. They can get them really cheaply then.
2. After the game has started is the best time to buy, so alot of people are looking to buy tickets at a discount. Finally, don't forget, it seems more and more people don't actually show up until after the third inning or into the first half.
Yes, the laws are different from state to state. I know whenever the Superbowl comes to New Orleans, for instance, scalpers cringe. They are hunted down with undercovers there. In Ohio, I think you are left alone as long as you are discreet. I've bought tickets from scalpers to Ohio State football games, Akron Aeros (minor league) baseball, and everything in between.
Usually in Ohio, herre is how the game works: You go up to one of the "I need tickets" guys and tell him you are interested in tickets. He tells you who to go see - usually his buddy not more than twenty yards away. His buddy will have no sign. Haggle first for the tickets you can get. I've found most scalpers have great seats available (from season ticket holders not attending) but they will try to unload the crappier ones earlier. After you've settled on the tickets, haggle on price. Before you walk away, make sure the seats are together and the ticket dates are right. Don't be in a hurry, and use common sense.
Of course, there is a new method for scalping, it's called Ebay. In alot of states, it's illegal to sell above face value, but you'll notice alot of people pledge to give the proceeds to charity. This is, of course, probably bullshit. But you can more easily get ripped of on-line - so make sure you are dealing with a reputable dealer.