1. Direct from Ticket Sellers:
* Primary Market: Some brokers purchase tickets directly from primary ticket sellers like Ticketmaster, AXS, and the venue box office.
* Secondary Market: They also buy tickets from other brokers, who may have access to inventory from various sources.
2. Bulk Purchases:
* Venue Partnerships: Brokers often have agreements with venues or promoters to purchase large quantities of tickets in advance, usually at a discounted price.
* Corporate and Group Sales: They can buy tickets in bulk from companies or organizations that have purchased tickets for events.
3. Scalping:
* Individual Sellers: Brokers purchase tickets from individuals who are willing to sell their tickets at a markup. This is considered scalping, and in some jurisdictions, it is illegal.
* Online Marketplaces: Websites like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats are popular online platforms for ticket brokers to purchase and resell tickets.
4. Other Sources:
* Travel Agencies: Travel agencies sometimes offer tickets as part of a travel package, and brokers can acquire these tickets.
* Credit Card Reward Programs: Brokers may utilize credit card reward programs to purchase tickets using points, sometimes at a discount.
* Inventory from Other Brokers: Brokers often trade or exchange tickets with each other, creating a network of inventory sharing.
It's important to note that ticket brokers often mark up the price of tickets significantly, which can lead to inflated prices for consumers. Be cautious when purchasing tickets from brokers and research their reputation before making a purchase.