The original price of a ticket, as printed on it by the issuer, is what is referenced. It represents the cost of admission set by the event organizer or venue before any additional fees or markups are added. For example, if a concert ticket displays a price of $50, that amount is the initial cost established by the promoters.
Understanding this concept is crucial for consumers in the secondary ticket market, as it provides a benchmark against which to evaluate resale prices. Often, tickets are sold above or below this initial amount depending on demand, scarcity, and the platform facilitating the transaction. Historically, knowing this initial cost allowed consumers to make informed decisions about the fairness and value of ticket purchases, especially from scalpers or unauthorized resellers.