What StubHub is and how it operates
StubHub is a marketplace where people buy and sell tickets to live events — concerts, sports games, theater shows, comedy events. You can list tickets you own, or you can search for and purchase tickets from other sellers. StubHub does not create or control the events themselves; it acts as the platform connecting buyers and sellers, and takes a percentage of each sale as its fee.
The company is owned by eBay and operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other countries. When you buy a ticket on StubHub, you are buying from another person or reseller, not from the venue or the event organizer. When you sell, you are selling to another person through StubHub's system.
Tickets on StubHub are typically digital (delivered by email or app) or physical (mailed to you). The delivery method depends on what the seller chose and what the event allows. Some venues and events do not permit resale on StubHub or require tickets to be resold through their own official channels.
Key Takeaways
- StubHub charges a buyer's fee (usually 10–15% of ticket price) and a seller's fee (usually 10% of ticket price), so the final cost to a buyer is higher than the listed price.
- Tickets are sold by other people, not by StubHub or the event organizer, so prices fluctuate based on demand and can be much higher or lower than face value.
- Some events and venues prohibit resale on StubHub or restrict it to official resale platforms, so not all tickets are available on the marketplace.
- StubHub offers a money-back may provide if a ticket does not arrive by a certain date before the event, but disputes over ticket validity or seat location are handled differently.
- Selling tickets on StubHub requires you to deliver them by a important date; late delivery can result in fees or account restrictions.
Buyer fees and the real cost of a ticket
When you see a ticket listed on StubHub for $100, that is not what you will pay. StubHub adds a buyer's fee on top of the listed price. This fee is typically between 10% and 15% of the ticket price, though it varies by event and location. Some events also have a delivery fee if the ticket is being mailed to you.
A ticket listed at $100 might cost you $115 to $120 by the time you complete the purchase. The exact amount appears on the checkout page before you confirm, so you can see the total before you commit. StubHub also charges sales tax in most states, which is added after the fees.
If you are comparing StubHub prices to prices on other resale platforms or to the original ticket price, factor in these fees. A ticket that looks cheaper on StubHub may end up costing more than the same ticket elsewhere once fees are included.
How prices are set and why they change
Prices on StubHub are set by individual sellers, not by StubHub itself. A seller can list a ticket for any price they choose. Prices typically rise as the event date gets closer and demand increases, especially for popular events or sold-out shows. Prices can also drop if demand is low or if many sellers are listing the same tickets.
You can watch a ticket's price history on StubHub — the app and website show you how the price has moved over time. Some tickets are listed weeks or months in advance; others appear days before the event. If you are flexible on price, waiting until closer to the event date sometimes means lower prices, but it also means fewer tickets available and a higher risk that the specific seats you want are gone.
Prices can also vary significantly based on seat location. Front-row or center-stage seats cost much more than upper-level or corner seats for the same event. StubHub's search and filter tools let you narrow by price range, section, or row if you know what you are looking for.
Delivery methods and when you receive your ticket
StubHub offers two main delivery methods: electronic delivery (email or mobile app) and physical mail. The seller chooses which method they use, so the delivery method depends on who is selling the ticket, not on your preference.
Electronic tickets are usually delivered within a few hours of purchase, sometimes when ready. You receive a confirmation email with a link or barcode that you can show on your phone at the venue. Physical tickets are mailed to your address and typically arrive within 7 to 14 days, though this varies by the seller and the postal service.
StubHub's money-back may provide covers tickets that do not arrive by a set important date before the event. If you buy a ticket electronically and it does not arrive within 24 hours, or if you buy a physical ticket and it does not arrive by a certain date before the event, you can request a refund. The exact important date is shown on the ticket listing and in your order confirmation.
Restrictions: which events and venues do not allow StubHub resale
Not all events permit resale on StubHub. Some venues, teams, and promoters restrict ticket resale to their own official resale platforms or do not allow resale at all. Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and some concert promoters have their own resale systems and do not allow tickets to be listed on StubHub.
When you search for an event on StubHub, you will only see tickets that are permitted to be resold there. If an event does not appear in StubHub's search results, it may be restricted. You can check the event organizer's website or the venue's ticketing page to see if they offer an official resale option.
Some tickets are also marked as non-transferable, meaning they are tied to the original buyer's name and cannot be resold at all. These tickets will not appear on StubHub or other resale platforms.
Selling tickets on StubHub: fees, important date, and requirements
If you own tickets and want to sell them on StubHub, you list them on the platform and set your own price. StubHub charges a seller's fee, typically around 10% of the sale price. You keep the rest after StubHub's fee is deducted.
You must deliver the tickets to the buyer by a important date set by StubHub, usually 24 hours before the event for electronic tickets or several days before for physical mail. If you miss this important date, StubHub may charge you a late delivery fee or restrict your account. You are responsible for getting the tickets to the buyer on time, whether you are emailing them or mailing them physically.
To sell on StubHub, you need a verified account with a valid payment method on file. StubHub will deposit your earnings into your bank account or PayPal account after the event takes place and the buyer confirms receipt. Some sellers report waiting 5 to 10 business days for payment after an event ends.
Disputes, refunds, and what happens if something goes wrong
If you buy a ticket and it does not arrive by the important date, StubHub's money-back may provide covers it. You can request a refund through your account, and StubHub will refund your full purchase price, including fees.
If you receive a ticket but it is invalid (the barcode does not work, the ticket was already used), or if the seat location is different from what was listed, the dispute process is more complex. StubHub does not automatically refund in these cases. You must contact StubHub's support team with evidence (a photo of the ticket, a message from the venue saying it is invalid, etc.), and they will investigate. Resolution can take several days to weeks.
If you are selling and a buyer claims the ticket did not arrive or is invalid, StubHub may hold your payment while they investigate. You can respond with proof that you delivered the ticket on time (a screenshot of the email you sent, a tracking number from the post office, etc.). Keep records of all your sales and deliveries in case you need to dispute a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a ticket I bought on StubHub if I change my mind?
StubHub does not have a standard return or cancellation policy for buyer's remorse. Once you purchase a ticket, the sale is final. Your only recourse is if the ticket does not arrive by the important date or if it is invalid. Check the event's cancellation policy — if the event itself is canceled, you may be refunded by the event organizer or offered a credit toward a future event, but this depends on the organizer, not on StubHub.
What happens if the event is canceled after I buy a ticket?
If an event is canceled, the event organizer typically issues refunds or credits to ticket holders. Since you bought from a reseller on StubHub, you will need to contact StubHub support to request a refund. StubHub will usually honor the event organizer's refund policy, but the process can take time. Keep your order confirmation and any communications from the event organizer.
Is it safe to buy tickets on StubHub?
StubHub is a large, established marketplace with buyer protections in place, including the money-back may provide for non-delivery. However, like any resale platform, there is a risk that a ticket could be invalid or that a seller could misrepresent the seat location. Read the ticket description carefully, check the seller's ratings if available, and keep your order confirmation. If something goes wrong, contact StubHub support with evidence.
Can I sell tickets on StubHub if I bought them from the original ticket seller?
Yes, as long as the event and venue permit resale on StubHub and the tickets are not marked as non-transferable. Check the event's resale policy before listing. Some tickets are restricted to specific resale platforms or cannot be resold at all.
How long does it take to get paid after I sell a ticket?
StubHub typically deposits payment 5 to 10 business days after the event takes place, once the buyer has confirmed receipt of the ticket. You can check the status of your payment in your StubHub account under "Earnings" or "Payouts." Payment goes to the bank account or PayPal account you have on file.