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What Is a Waitlist and How to Join One

Learn what Tixr’s Waitlist does, how it works, and how to join when tickets are sold out.

Updated over 2 months ago

When an event sells out, Tixr’s Waitlist gives fans a fair and secure chance to get tickets if more become available. It helps event organizers manage additional ticket requests, track demand, and automatically fulfill new orders if tickets are released through cancellations, refunds, or added inventory.

The Waitlist also protects fans from scalping and unsafe third-party resales by providing an official way to purchase tickets directly through Tixr when demand is high.

Not all events offer a Waitlist. If you don’t see the option, it means the organizer has not enabled it for that event.

How the Waitlist Works

When you join a Waitlist, your card is pre-authorized but not charged. You’re placed in a queue for the tickets you selected.

Here’s what happens next:

  • If tickets become available before your chosen expiration date, your card will be charged automatically and you’ll receive your tickets right away.

  • If tickets do not become available, your card will never be charged, and the pre-authorization will expire automatically.

  • Waitlists are first come, first served, and there’s no guarantee that your order will be fulfilled.

Note: Neither fans nor Tixr Support can view a Waitlist position or predict if or when an order will be fulfilled. The process is fully automated.

Steps to Join a Waitlist

Step 1. Go to the event page and scroll through the ticket options.

Step 2. Look for tickets labeled Waitlist.

Step 3. Click the blue + button next to the ticket type.

Step 4. Select Join Waitlist at the bottom of the screen.

Step 5. Review the waitlist terms and choose your expiration date (how close to the event you’re willing to wait).

Step 6. Enter your payment information to pre-authorize your card and place your Waitlist order.

Deciding Between Buying Tickets or Joining a Waitlist

Sometimes, some ticket types are still available even though others are sold out. If you see both available tickets and a Waitlist option, consider the event’s purchase terms before proceeding.

Important: If you buy available tickets and your Waitlist order is later fulfilled, you may not be able to get a refund for the extras. Refund eligibility depends entirely on the event organizer’s policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need to choose an expiration date?

You set how long you’re willing to wait for tickets. After your expiration date, your Waitlist order automatically expires.

2. Why do I see a pending charge?

It’s a temporary pre-authorization. You won’t be charged unless your tickets become available and your order is fulfilled.

3. Will I be charged if only part of my order becomes available?

No. You’ll only be charged if your full order (for example, 2 tickets) can be fulfilled.

4. Can I see my place in line?

No. Waitlist positions aren’t visible and can’t be shared. Fulfillment is automated and processed in order.

5. What if I change my mind after joining?

You can cancel your Waitlist order anytime before it’s fulfilled by visiting your Orders page in your Tixr account.

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