Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about rallies, pledges, shows, tickets, and refunds.
How ShowUp Works
How does ShowUp work?
ShowUp lets fans collectively show demand for artists in their city. You can join a Rally for free to show interest, then optionally strengthen that signal with a ticket pledge. When enough verified demand exists, artists and promoters can use that information to help book a show.
What is a Rally?
A Rally is the demand pool for a specific artist in a specific metro area. It shows how many fans want the artist to come nearby and, when fans choose to pledge, the ticket budgets they are comfortable with. This helps artists and promoters understand where real local demand exists.
What triggers a show?
There is no single universal threshold. ShowUp shares Rally data with the artist’s team, including fan demand and pledge strength. The artist, promoter, venue availability, routing plans, and local demand all play a role. When a show is confirmed, the venue, date, and final ticket price are revealed and the 7-day review window opens.
Does joining a Rally cost anything?
No. Joining a Rally is free and does not require a payment method. A pledge is optional. You are only asked for a card if you choose to make a ticket pledge.
Signals & Pledges
What is the difference between joining a Rally and making a pledge?
Joining a Rally is lightweight interest: it says you want the show in your city. A pledge is stronger intent: you choose whether you're attending alone or with one companion, up to 2 tickets total, and set the maximum price you would be comfortable paying per ticket if the show is confirmed. We save your payment method securely through Stripe, but no money is charged unless the show is confirmed and you explicitly opt in during the review window.
Who can use ShowUp and make a pledge?
Users who meet the minimum age requirements in our Terms can browse ShowUp, create an account, follow Artists, join Rallies, and receive updates. Pledges, payment methods, ticket purchases, and ticket transfers or resales are financial features available only to users who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction.
How many tickets can I pledge for?
For now, each fan can reserve up to 2 tickets: one for themselves and one companion.
Keeping pledges small helps ShowUp measure genuine fan demand, gives more fans a fair chance to attend, and reduces ticket hoarding.
When will I be charged?
You are only charged after the show is confirmed, the venue, date, and final ticket price are revealed, and you explicitly opt in during the 7-day review window. Applicable sales taxes are calculated and added when payment is processed. If you take no action before the window closes, your pledge expires without charge.
What is my pledge amount?
Your pledge amount is the maximum ticket price you are willing to pay before applicable sales taxes. If the final ticket price (before taxes) is at or below your pledge amount, you remain eligible during the review window and can still opt out before it closes. If the final ticket price exceeds your pledge amount, we'll ask you to explicitly approve the higher amount before any charge occurs.
During the review window, you'll see the ticket price, applicable taxes, and the final amount that would be charged before making your decision.
Why do you need my card before anything is confirmed?
Because a pledge without a payment method on file is just a wish. Artists and promoters need to know that pledged fans are genuinely prepared to buy tickets — not just click a button. Saving your card securely through Stripe turns your interest into verified demand. No money is charged before a show is confirmed, and you can cancel before the review window closes.
How is the final ticket price set?
The artist and promoter set the final ticket price when they confirm the show, based on the venue, production costs, and local demand. Your pledge amount protects you: if the final price is higher than your pledge, you must explicitly approve the difference before any charge occurs.
Flexibility & Refunds
Can I change my mind after I join or pledge?
Yes. You can leave a Rally or cancel your pledge at any time before your card is charged. Before a show is confirmed, cancelling is instant and free. Once a show is confirmed, the 7-day review window gives you time to review the date, venue, and price before deciding whether to stay in.
What if my city's Rally never leads to a show?
Your card is never charged unless a show is confirmed in your city and you explicitly opt in during the review window. You can also leave a Rally or cancel your pledge at any time before a show is confirmed.
Can I join multiple cities for the same artist?
Yes. You can join rallies for the same artist in multiple cities when each city has its own rally. You can only have one active pledge per artist at a time, so if you want to pledge in a different city, cancel your current pledge first.
What if I move or want to support a different city?
You can join another rally for the same artist if that city is available. If you already pledged for that artist and want to pledge in the new city instead, cancel your current pledge first.
What is the refund policy once tickets are issued?
Once tickets are issued, purchases are generally considered final. If you can no longer attend, the preferred option is to transfer or resell your ticket to another fan through ShowUp, with resale capped at face value where supported. Exceptions may apply where required by law or under the event's terms.
What if the show is cancelled?
If a confirmed show is cancelled, we will notify you and coordinate the refund process according to the event's cancellation policy. Our goal is that fans receive back the full amount paid to ShowUp whenever the cancellation terms allow it.
Tickets & Attendance
Can I bring a friend?
Yes. When you make your pledge, you can reserve tickets for yourself or for yourself plus one companion, up to 2 tickets total.
If the rally becomes a confirmed show and your pledge is selected, you'll receive the number of tickets you reserved. Your companion doesn't need to join the rally or make a separate pledge.
You'll be charged for both tickets at the final confirmed ticket price, as long as it doesn't exceed the maximum amount you pledged per ticket during the review period.
Will my companion need a ShowUp account?
No. Your companion doesn't need a ShowUp account to be included in your pledge. The tickets are associated with your pledge, and you'll receive both tickets if your pledge is confirmed.
Can my companion enter without me?
Not in the initial release. If you reserve 2 tickets, the original ShowUp account holder must be present to enter with their companion. This keeps ticketing simple and helps prevent unauthorized resale and fraud.
We may introduce controlled ticket transfers in the future, but they won't be available at launch.
How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are delivered digitally after your payment is completed. Depending on the event, tickets may be delivered through ShowUp or through the venue’s existing ticketing provider. Clear instructions will be provided once your purchase is confirmed.
Can I transfer my ticket to a friend?
Where supported, yes. You can transfer or resell your ticket to another fan through ShowUp. To keep shows fair and reduce scalping, ShowUp resales are capped at face value.
What is the waitlist?
If a Rally has more eligible fans than available ticket allocation, additional fans may enter the waitlist. When a spot opens because someone opts out or a payment fails, the next waitlisted fan can be promoted. Promoted fans inherit the remaining review time, with a minimum of 24 hours guaranteed.
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out to our community support team anytime.