Buying tickets to basketball games or to Broadway performances usually is not the cheapest of things to buy. Event tickets, especially to big name performers or sold out shows can be pretty pricey pretty quick if you go through the ticket offices of the actual events themselves. While most people don't initially think of it, ticket brokers actually offer some of the most affordable prices on the market for the events that you want to see. However, many people think that brokers are out just to make a buck off the tickets they sell you and are typically the most expensive option only to be used in a tight spot. Let's look a little closer as to why a ticket broker can and does offer low ticket prices.

Ticket brokers can get you affordable tickets because they often times get tickets at well below retail value. The myth is that ticket brokers stand in line at the stadium or event places and buy hundreds of tickets at retail value, only to turn around and re-sell them at ten times the retail value. This is not true. In fact, many ticket brokers work with ticket offices to get good deals on tickets or they buy tickets from people who had their plans changed and just need to unload the unusable tickets they have. For instance, if a couple had tickets to go to a theater event in Boston but had to cancel because they couldn't find a babysitter, they may sell the tickets to a broker for 50 percent of the retail value just so they can get something for tickets they won't be able to use. The broker will then turn around and sell the tickets to another couple for maybe 75 or 80 percent of the retail value, making a few dollars but providing a discount for those buying the tickets.

How else can you get affordable tickets through a ticket broker? Brokers, because of the risk of holding onto unusable tickets, often sell prime seats at a low cost if the event is coming up soon. For instance, if a broker has ten floor seats to a sold out Knick/ Celtic basketball game and the game is tomorrow, they may sell them at retail value or below just to get them out of their hands and avoid a big loss. If you develop a good relationship with your broker you will be able to capitalize on these types of deals because they will get to know your different interests and favorite teams.

Affordable tickets through a ticket broker; most people think this is not a reality but the fact is, many people are saving money by simply calling up their broker and asking what they have. Remember to always start looking for tickets early (for the best deals) but don't count out last minute events just because of price?you never know!