Buy direct and save instead of using third-party sellers

There are so many options to buy tickets to events, attractions and lodging when you go on vacation that it can be absolutely overwhelming.

An internet search for Salem will give you a first page list of sponsored things to do. But don’t pick that first listing just like a batter in baseball shouldn’t swing at the first pitch.

Many things to do on that sponsored list are third parties that promise the world and claim they are the best deal. The truth is that is not necessarily true.

Third parties take fees which is how they stay in business. Many third parties take a nominal fee which is fair to the consumer and the company that has listed their tickets with the third-party sellers.

In some cases, that fee could be anywhere from 30% to 50% of the ticket. In order to compensate for the fee, many local attractions, lodging or events increase their prices. This results in higher costs to the consumer.

For example, a family buys four tickets to an attraction. The tickets are $36 each for a total of $144. There might be a credit card processing fee as well as hidden charges and, before you realize it, you might be pushing close to $160.

It is far better to seek out the attraction or event directly and buy from them. The cost is likely much less. In the example above, you might get those four tickets for $50 less which could be worth a breakfast or lunch.

Watch out for those hidden charges too. Massachusetts, as well as many states, have “junk fees” laws that prohibit businesses from using "hidden fees,” that are undisclosed charges added late in a transaction. Businesses must display the total price (including mandatory fees) upfront and clearly label optional charges

Another tip is to look at processing fees. Third party sellers may overcharge for processing fees and call it “shipping and handling.” That industry phrase “handling” is a clever way of charging more.

The credit card processing fees might be just “pass-thru” If you buy directly from the attraction, hotel or event. Pass thru means they charge you the fee and nothing more than that. If it costs $2.74 for the processing fee, the attraction, hotel or event charges you $2.74.

Some attractions, lodging or events might absorb some or all of those fees. They may have increased the price to compensate for the fees, but it is still probably less than third-party sellers.

Some attractions, lodging or events may indicate up front that they absorb those fees. If it isn’t explained on the website, click through the purchase process and see what those fees are before you click that button because there is no going back since many places do not offer refunds once you purchase.

And that leads to another tip. You should purchase insurance for your tickets in case you are unable to go for some reason. Insurance allows you to get a refund of your tickets and all you lose is the insurance that you paid.

For example, you pay $100 for a pair of tickets and then add insurance of $8. Suddenly there is a family emergency and you can’t go. You put in a claim and get your $100 back and only lose $8.

Just read the fine print before you purchase to make sure you understand what reasons qualify for a refund.

Doing your research ahead of time not only applies to vacationing in Salem, but any place you vacation. Remember, just because a ticket costs more doesn’t mean that attraction, lodging or event is better. It just means you’re paying more when you could have paid less.

Buy direct and save!