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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about finding the best ticket prices on SmarterStub.

About SmarterStub

What is SmarterStub?

SmarterStub is a ticket price comparison tool. We search live event inventory across major ticket platforms — including SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, and StubHub — and display results in one place so you can find the best price without visiting each site separately.

Is SmarterStub free?

Yes, completely free. We earn a small referral commission from ticket providers when you click through and purchase — this never changes the price you pay.

Do you sell tickets directly?

No. Every "Get Tickets" button takes you directly to the official provider's site. SmarterStub never handles payments, personal data, or ticket fulfillment.

Pricing and availability

Why do some events show "Price TBA"?

Providers sometimes list events before pricing is finalized — especially right after an announcement. Check back closer to the on-sale date. You can also follow the artist or team on social media for on-sale announcements.

Are the prices accurate?

Prices are fetched directly from provider APIs in real time. The lowest available price at the time you search is what we display. Prices fluctuate constantly based on demand, so what you see is a point-in-time snapshot.

When is the best time to buy tickets?

It depends on the event. For high-demand shows (major artists, playoffs), buying during the initial on-sale is usually cheapest. For mid-tier events, prices often drop in the week before the show as sellers lower prices to move inventory. We recommend checking prices a few times rather than buying impulsively.

Do prices include fees?

The prices shown are the listed face values or resale starting prices from each provider. Fees (service charges, facility fees) are added at checkout by the provider and vary. Always check the final price before completing your purchase.

Presales and codes

How do presales work?

Presales give certain groups early access before tickets go on general sale. Common types include artist fan club presales, credit card presales (Citi, Amex, etc.), Spotify presales, and venue member presales. Each has its own code and time window.

Where do I find presale codes?

Artist newsletters and fan clubs, the venue's email list, your credit card's benefits portal, and Spotify (if you follow the artist) are the most reliable sources. Check our blog — we post presale codes and times for upcoming high-demand events.

What is a Verified Fan presale (Ticketmaster)?

Ticketmaster's Verified Fan program requires you to register in advance. Ticketmaster reviews registrations and sends unique access codes to selected fans. Registration doesn't guarantee a code — it's demand-dependent.

Search and coverage

What cities do you cover?

The browse page focuses on Kansas City. The search bar pulls results nationwide — search any artist, team, or venue to find events anywhere in the US.

Why didn't my search return results?

The event may not be listed yet, may have already passed, or may not be available through our current providers. Try searching a broader term (artist name only, without city) or check back after an official announcement.

Can I get alerts when prices change?

Price alerts are in development. Sign up on the home page to be notified when they launch.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help.

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