StubHub's filter hides available tickets from sellers
- The Recommended Tickets filter on StubHub limits ticket visibility for sellers by only showing selected listings.
- Many sellers are unaware of the filter being automatically turned on, leading to frustrations with their listings not appearing in searches.
- The introduction of this filter raises questions about the transparency and fairness of ticket selling practices on StubHub.
In late 2022, Ticket marketplace StubHub introduced a controversial filter known as the "Recommended Tickets" filter, aimed at providing a more curated browsing experience for fans by only displaying the lowest priced and best tickets in each section. However, this feature has led to significant challenges for some sellers, who have reported that their listings are not visible to potential buyers unless the filter is toggled off. Many sellers, like Burke and retired professional ticket broker Dawson McDowell, found that their tickets seemed to vanish from search results regardless of how many times they checked, leading them to question the effectiveness and fairness of the platform. The issue has raised concerns among sellers and industry insiders, who believe that the filter is not well understood by buyers and that many may remain unaware of its existence. Even seasoned users like McDowell were initially oblivious to the default setting, and he has had to assist friends who experienced the same issue. This lack of information creates a barrier for sellers hoping to showcase their tickets while simultaneously compelling them to lower prices in order to gain visibility in the search results. Despite the intention of StubHub to enhance user experience, the filter has resulted in frustration and confusion among both sellers and buyers. Sellers have noted that they feel compelled to monitor their listings more frequently, sometimes leading them to sell tickets at reduced prices just to ensure they are discoverable. The concerns are not unique to StubHub, as the practices of ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster have also faced scrutiny in recent years amidst accusations of complicating the ticket buying and selling process. Industry critics argue that such features contribute to an unfair marketplace that places sellers at a disadvantage, contributing to broader debates regarding transparency and ethics in ticket sales. The scrutiny surrounding these practices indicates a growing demand for changes within ticket marketplaces that prioritize clear communication and equitable opportunities for sellers to engage effectively with potential buyers.