While STEP and the Ticket Transfer Tool ultimately result in tickets being transferred in ownership, they are completely different. We break down the differences here:

STEP (Secure Ticket Exchange Program)

Purpose:
To facilitate the resale of tickets at face value in a secure and automated way between participants. STEP is a secure way to resell your ticket to another participant, or to try to buy a ticket at face value if you missed out.

Key Features:

• For participants who can no longer attend and want to resell their tickets.
• For participants who didn’t get a ticket and want to buy one at face value (plus applicable taxes and fees) if any become available.
• Operates on a waitlist system: first returned, first offered to the next in line.
• Managed entirely through Burning Man Ticketing (no participant coordination needed beyond listing your tickets/registering to purchase available tickets).
• Available for all tickets priced $550 and up, EXCLUDING tickets awarded through the Resilience program.
• Tickets awarded through the Ticket Aid program are not eligible to be sold into STEP.
• Tickets can be listed for sale to a queue of buyers, or via a peer-to-peer resale so you can sell to a specific person.

How it works:

• Sellers: Post your ticket to sell through STEP and if someone buys it, you get a refund, less fees. Submitting your ticket for sale through STEP does not guarantee it will sell.
• Buyers: Join the waitlist and, if matched, you can purchase a ticket at face value plus taxes & fees. Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a ticket will become available.

Cost: Buyer pays face value + taxes and fees; seller receives a refund, less fees.

Use When:
You're unable to go and want to resell your ticket, or you don’t have a ticket and want to get one securely if someone backs out. This process is completely secure and guarantees a safe and verified transaction.

Ticket Transfer Tool

Purpose:
It allows the direct transfer of your ticket or vehicle pass to a specific individual (friend, partner, campmate, etc.). You are responsible for facilitating any monetary transaction or reimbursement with the other party.

Key Features:

• Allows for the transfer of tickets and corresponding vehicle pass (if applicable).
• You choose who to send your ticket to.
• The recipient receives a new order confirmation with their name.
• Must be done before your order is shipped—tickets that have been received in the mail can be handed off in person or transferred at Will Call at the Box Office.
• Only works for tickets that have not yet shipped or that are being held at Will Call for pick up.

How it works: You log into your ticket account and initiate a transfer to another person’s email address. The recipient receives an email with instructions to claim the transferred ticket(s).

Cost: There are no fees associated with using the ticket transfer tool.

Use When:
You already know who should receive your ticket and want to transfer it to them directly.