I have had season tickets since 1998. Aside from the first year, I have generally sold anywhere from 20-30 games per year. I have only eaten 5 tickets. 1 was the first year. My friend got sick at work and by the time I found out, it was too late to find anyone. Another was in 2003, a Sunday evening game against Colorado. I got sick during the day, and it was before you could email tickets to people, and I couldn't get the tickets to my friend. The final 2 were just after Xmas in 2010 when we had the snowstorm. Express busses weren't running and I had no way to get into the city. Wasn't going to risk driving as I was afraid of what the parking/driving situation would be.
I was in the 400s and now I am in the higher rows of 213.
My advice concerning the lower bowl is the same thing I would tell people thinking of buying a Mets or Yankees package. Get them under 2 conditions. 1) You plan to go to most game, I would say at least 35. 2) You have a few people you can split them with AND they will put up money up front.
In year's past, I generally had 3 different guys to whom I would sell ticket packages, anywhere from 5-8 games. This year, I took on a 4th because my wife and I had a baby in October and I wasn't sure how practical it would be to go to games. I sell them to these people for face value and mix up the games. Generally if you take 5, you'll get one premium (isles, pens, flyers, etc.) 2-3 mediums and then 1 or 2 games that nobody wants (calgary, edmonton, phoenix, etc.) I will usually wind up with 3-4 games after I take what I want to attend, which I will sell to co-workers or the people who sit around me. Of the 4 people to whom I sold this year, only 1 did I know previously. 2 I got in touch with on here, one on another rangers site (think I originally met him in an old Yahoo group/club). The day the schedule is announced, I email the people to whom I sell. Ask for any days/dates that are no good and their preferences. Pick the games I want, and then put together a few packages. Email each person and within a few days get an email saying that the package is fine.
Despite getting 2 buyers on here, most of the time I have found posting tic for sale on here is an exercise in futility. Most on here, imo, are looking for a discount or want only the popular games. Even had 1 clown email me bothering me to sell him the opener, flyers, penguins, and isles. Told him they weren't available and he just could not comprehend. First offered me double for the home opener, then asked for the whole season. Three-four years ago, I posted I had 5 games and wanted to sell them all to one person. Someone pm'd me asking, "could you give me a discount on the price if I take all 5 games." When I explained I am selling for face value, as in I was not making any money and if I give him a discount I would be losing money, he didn't understand why that was an issue.
If you are one of the people who thinks, "well, I really can't afford these tickets. So, I will sell some for double and then lower my cost.." All I can say is you are a sucker. it doesnt work. If you are buying tickets more expensive that you can afford just to get your foot in the door, then you are a sucker. Chances of you moving to cheaper seats are slim.
For me, I just find it is easier to deal with a few people then try to sell on stubhub or the ticketexchange and try to make money. The first year of the ticket exchange, I made some money selling a few games, but I certainly did not break the bank. I know another guy with seasons in the same price point as mine ($53). He keeps about 15 games, sells 5 to one guy, 5 to another and then tries to make money on the rest. Drives himself (and me) crazy because he will post games on the exchange, then constantly lower/raise prices a few dollars here and there. Not sure how he thinks the aggravation is worth the few bucks he makes.
