As festival season approaches, it’s crucial for ticket brokers to stay informed about how hard stock and shipping orders work within Ticket Attendant (TA). Proper management of these orders ensures smooth transactions and minimizes the risk of cancellations. Below, we’ll break down key considerations, best practices, and what you need to know to stay ahead.
What Are Hard Stock and Shipping Orders in Ticket Attendant?
Hard stock tickets refer to physical tickets that need to be shipped to the buyer. Unlike electronic tickets, these require handling, packaging, and shipping through a carrier like UPS or FedEx. Ticket Attendant no longer provides shipping services for clients due to our hybrid work model and the scarcity of hard tickets. This means that all hard stock orders sold must be shipped by the client. If you believe there’s a critical need for TA to handle a shipment, you must contact support@ticketattendant.com at least two weeks before the event for approval. Additionally, do not send tickets to TA without prior approval.
Important Guidelines for Managing Hard Stock Orders
- In-Hand Date Policy
The default in-hand date for hard stock orders is five days prior to the event. This date cannot be adjusted. - Exchanges and Airbills
Exchanges or buyers are responsible for providing airbills for shipping. TA cannot force exchanges to provide these sooner than their availability, which often depends on them confirming buyer details. - Immediate Shipping Upon Airbill Generation
Once an airbill is generated, the exchange expects immediate shipment. Requesting an airbill without shipping right away puts the order at risk of cancellation. Do not request an airbill unless you are prepared to ship the tickets immediately. - Proof of Drop-Off
Always obtain a receipt when dropping off packages at UPS or FedEx. This helps verify that the package was shipped and provides essential proof in case of disputes. - Using the Correct Airbill
The airbill provided by the exchange must be used, as the exchange tracks orders using that specific tracking number. If a different airbill is used, TA must be notified to update the exchange, though this is discouraged and may lead to order cancellations. - Order Completion Tracking
Exchanges consider orders complete once tracking shows movement. However, since TA does not have automated tracking, orders need to be manually marked as complete. If you see tracking movement but your order is still marked as pending, contact TA to ensure it gets updated. - Weekend Shipping Considerations
Overnight airbills do not deliver on Saturdays or Sundays. If shipping late in the week for a weekend event, ensure that a Saturday airbill is used instead of an overnight label. - Stock Type Mislisting Consequences
If a stock type is mislisted and the order requires shipping, TA must request buyer approval from the exchange and obtain a shipping label. This process risks order cancellation if the buyer does not agree, and the seller is liable for any airbill creation fees.
How This Affects Your Inventory Management
Understanding these policies and best practices ensures that your inventory is accurately listed and managed efficiently. To avoid complications:
- Double-check stock types when listing tickets to prevent misclassification.
- Only request airbills when you’re ready to ship immediately.
- Keep track of manual order completion and communicate with TA when necessary.
- Use the correct airbill provided to ensure a seamless transaction.
- Plan ahead, especially when dealing with weekend deliveries or last-minute sales.
By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks, prevent order cancellations, and maintain a smooth selling experience throughout the festival season and beyond. For any concerns or special requests, reach out to support@ticketattendant.com with ample lead time.
