HTB for BTS: Singapore Fans Turn to Help-To-Buy Services for Concert Tickets
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Fans are increasingly using "Help-To-Buy" (HTB) services to secure concert tickets, especially for high-demand events like BTS concerts.
- These services act as personal shoppers, handling the stressful process of online ticketing, virtual queues, and seat selection for a fee.
- HTB services have seen a surge in popularity due to the difficulties and anxieties associated with obtaining tickets through official channels.
The frustrating experience of trying to buy concert tickets online, endless virtual queues, rapidly disappearing VIP seats, and website crashes, is driving a growing number of fans to use "Help-To-Buy" (HTB) services. These services have become a popular solution, particularly for highly anticipated events like the upcoming BTS concert in Singapore.
It’ll be my turn soon.
HTB providers essentially act as personal shoppers for concert tickets. Once a concert is announced, they advertise their services and fees, which vary based on the artist's popularity and desired seat category. For instance, one fan reported being quoted over S$900 for a VIP ticket for the BTS concert through an HTB service.
The primary appeal of HTB services lies in their convenience. Customers pay the fee and then wait for updates, avoiding the stress of navigating virtual queues, refreshing pages, and scrambling for seats. If the HTB provider fails to secure the tickets, customers are typically refunded in full.
It’s better than not attending.
While HTB services are not new, their demand has exploded in recent years, especially for major concerts. This trend reflects the increasing difficulty fans face in obtaining tickets through official sales channels, leading many to seek alternative, albeit more expensive, methods to ensure they can attend their favorite artists' performances.
One fan told CNA Lifestyle that she was quoted more than S$900 for a VIP ticket through an HTB service for K-pop superstars BTS’ upcoming Arirang concert in Singapore.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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