Presale vs General Sale: Understanding Ticket Tiers

Presale vs general sales work differently to serve various audiences in your ticketing strategy. Presales offer early access to loyal fans while general sales open tickets to everyone. In this article, we'll explore the key differences between presale and general sale timing, strategies for maximizing both ticket sales periods, and how FreshTix simplifies managing both ticket tiers with intuitive tools and transparent pricing.

What is a Presale?

A presale gives select groups early access to purchase tickets before they become available to the general public. Think of it as a VIP shopping experience for your most dedicated fans, sponsors, or community members.

Presale access typically comes through special codes distributed via fan club memberships, email newsletters, social media campaigns, credit card partnerships, or venue memberships. Some organizers also offer presale access to previous attendees or sponsors as a loyalty reward.

The advantages of presale tickets include:

• First pick of the best seats before general public access

• Early bird discounts for loyal supporters

• Peace of mind securing spots before potential sellouts

• Exclusive access that makes fans feel valued

• Less competition and stress during purchase process

Note: Presale tickets are a proven strategy to increase event attendance by building early momentum and creating buzz. Presales create social proof and word-of-mouth marketing while rewarding loyal fans who become your event ambassadors.

What is a General Sale?

General sale tickets become available to everyone after the presale period ends. This is when tickets go on sale to the broader public, typically announced through major marketing campaigns and social media pushes.

The general sale process usually involves tickets going live at a specific date and time, often leading to high traffic as people rush to purchase. Popular events can sell out within minutes of the general sale opening, creating intense competition among buyers.

General sale challenges include:

• Fighting through website traffic during high-demand periods

• Dealing with potential technical issues from traffic spikes

• Finding that the best seats are already sold during presales

• Facing higher prices if early bird discounts ended with presale

• Competing with thousands of other buyers for remaining tickets

Note: General sales tickets are not to be confused with general admission tickets, which have to do with seating vs. general sale tickets, which have to do with the timing of when tickets go on sale. Read our guide on What is General Admission for more info on that.

Benefits of Presales for Event Organizers

Presales create buzz and anticipation long before your general sale opens. When you announce presale access to select groups, you're building excitement and making people feel special for being included in your inner circle.

This early selling period also provides valuable data about demand. If your presale sells faster than expected, you know you have a hit and can adjust your general sale strategy accordingly.

FreshTix simplifies presale management with:

• Easy code creation and distribution tracking

• Different presale periods for different groups

• Real-time monitoring of marketing channel performance

• Automatic transition to general sales when presale periods end

• Tools to reward loyalty and strengthen fan relationships

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Benefits of General Sales for Event Organizers

A well-executed general sale maximizes your event's reach and ensures you capture demand from the broader public. While presales serve your core audience, general sales bring in new attendees who might become future loyal fans.

General sales require clear communication and robust technical infrastructure. You need to announce the sale date and time clearly, ensure your ticketing platform can handle high traffic, and provide excellent customer support during the rush.

FreshTix's platform handles high-volume general sales with:

• Real-time sales tracking and mobile-optimized purchasing

• Secure payment processing that stays responsive during traffic spikes

• Multiple payment options including credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Venmo

• Transparent pricing ($1.75 per ticket plus 3.0% credit card fee)

• Customer support available seven days a week

Strategies for Maximizing Ticket Sales with Presales and General Sales

Smart organizers use both presale vs general sale periods strategically to build momentum and maximize revenue. The key is balancing exclusive early access with broad public appeal to create urgency without alienating potential buyers.

Timing and communication are crucial for success. You want to give presale buyers enough time to purchase while maintaining excitement for the general sale launch.

Proven strategies include:

• Set presale duration carefully - too short misses sales, too long reduces general sale urgency

• Use tiered presale access for different groups (VIPs first, email subscribers second)

• Consider early bird discounts for presales to reward loyalty

• Distribute codes through email lists, social media, and partnerships

• Create scarcity by limiting presale quantities

• Announce both presale and general sale dates well in advance

• Monitor real-time data to optimize future campaigns

Note: Think presale and general sale tickets are it? There are actually ten different ticket types that can maximize your event's potential and revenue streams. From VIP packages to early bird pricing, explore all your options. Learn about 10 different ticket types. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some quick answers to common questions about presale vs general sale ticketing strategies, timing, and best practices for both event organizers and attendees.

How long should a presale period last? 

Most successful presales run 24-72 hours, giving loyal fans enough time to purchase while maintaining urgency for the general sale.

What happens if presale tickets don't sell out? 

Remaining presale tickets typically roll into the general sale inventory, expanding availability for the broader public without losing potential revenue.

Should I announce my general sale date during the presale?

Absolutely. Clear communication about when general sales begin creates urgency for presale buyers and builds anticipation for public sales.

Do presale buyers get better seat selection? 

Yes, presale buyers typically get first choice of available seating, often securing the most desirable locations before general sales.

Can I extend a presale if sales are slow? 

Yes, but communicate changes clearly to avoid confusing potential buyers. Transparency maintains trust with your audience and prevents last-minute issues.

FreshTix: Simplifying Your Ticketing Process

The presale vs general sale decision doesn't have to be complicated when you have the right tools. FreshTix eliminates the complexity of managing both ticket types with intuitive tools, transparent pricing, and reliable customer support available seven days a week.

Whether you're planning your first event or your hundredth, our platform provides everything you need for successful ticketing campaigns. Try FreshTix free! It’s the best way to distribute event tickets without paying platform fees. Experience how straightforward presale vs general sale management can be with FreshTix.

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