If you’re in the early stages of organizing your event, the sheer number of tasks on your to-do list can feel overwhelming. One crucial item on that list is finding the best platform to sell your tickets and manage sales efficiently. This step is vital to the success of your event, as it ensures a smooth ticketing process for both you and your attendees.
Even if your event is free, having a ticketing system in place allows you to control attendance and maintain an optimal guest experience. To help you get started, we’re sharing the 5 best platforms for selling your event tickets – making it easier for you to focus on creating a memorable event.
What you can do with an online ticketing platform?
- Personalize your event page design to align with your brand identity.
- Simplify the entire sales process, from ticket purchase confirmations to seamless event check-ins.
- Eliminate the need for physical paperwork with a fully digital system.
- Monitor ticket sales and performance using your mobile device.
- Reduce the risk of losing tickets by managing everything digitally.
- Receive payments instantly through the platform.
- Offer pre-registration options to sell tickets ahead of the event date.
- Easily sell tickets online, create promotional offers, apply discounts, and keep track of sales.
- Get real-time insights into how your audience behaves to guide your strategies.
How to choose the right online event ticketing platform
Selecting the ideal ticketing system for your event requires careful consideration of several key factors. Begin by identifying your must-haves.
- Evaluate the costs: Some platforms charge per ticket sold, while others have a flat monthly or yearly subscription fee. Compare these costs to the size of your audience to find the most cost-effective option.
- Examine the features: Look for essential tools like brand customization, electronic tickets, and QR codes for contactless check-ins. Ensure the platform’s features align with your specific event needs.
- Match the platform to your event’s scale: For large events with multiple sessions or tiered pricing, confirm that the ticketing software can handle your event’s complexity.
Skiddle
Skiddle, a trusted UK ticketing platform since 2001, supports diverse events like club nights, festivals, theater, and virtual gatherings. Its tools include the Promotion Centre for creating listings, managing ticket sales, and tracking analytics, and the RapidScan app for smooth check-ins. Skiddle offers dynamic pricing, discount codes, segmented tickets, and secure resale through its “Re” feature. To boost visibility, it employs in-house marketing via SEO, social media, and paid ads. Attendees benefit from secure payments like Apple Pay, PayPal’s “Pay in 3,” and a mobile app with a “What’s On” guide. Combining event tools, fraud prevention, and marketing, Skiddle is ideal for event organizers.
Pros:
- User-friendly tools: Comprehensive features for ticket sales, promotion, and audience insights.
- Secure resale option: The “Re” platform allows users to safely trade tickets.
- Strong consumer outreach: Skiddle’s marketing team actively promotes listed events to increase visibility.
- Local focus: Excellent for UK-based events with deep market penetration.
Cons:
- Fees: The platform charges approximately 10% for ticket sales, plus additional fees for fraud checks and payment processing.
- Limited international appeal: Best suited for UK events, with less global reach.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a widely-used event ticketing and management platform catering to events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large-scale conferences and festivals. It offers a range of features, including easy event creation, customizable event pages, and integrated ticket sales. Event organizers can manage registrations, track attendance, and access analytics to evaluate their events’ performance. Eventbrite also provides promotional tools, such as email marketing and social media integration, to enhance visibility. Its mobile-friendly design and dedicated apps streamline ticket scanning and attendee check-in processes during events.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface: Eventbrite’s platform is intuitive and accessible for both beginners and experienced organizers.
- Wide reach: Its large user base and marketplace give events exposure to potential attendees.
- Flexible pricing: It supports various ticketing options, such as free, paid, and donation-based models.
- Extensive integrations: It connects seamlessly with tools like Mailchimp, Facebook, and Zoom, enabling smooth event marketing and management.
Cons:
- High service fees: Eventbrite charges a percentage of ticket sales and transaction fees, which can be costly for paid events.
- Limited customization: While the platform is customizable, certain advanced features are locked behind premium plans.
- Competition on marketplace: Events can sometimes get overshadowed in Eventbrite’s crowded event marketplace.
Ticket Tailor
Ticket Tailor is an online ticket-selling platform that allows event organizers to easily set up, manage, and sell tickets for a variety of events. With its simple and intuitive interface, users can create customized event pages, offer different ticket types, and set pricing tiers. The platform supports multiple payment gateways and provides real-time reporting, making it easy to track ticket sales and attendee information. Additionally, Ticket Tailor offers features like promo codes, automated email confirmations, and mobile ticketing, which streamline the event experience for both organizers and attendees. Do not forget to use our code to sign up and receive 50 free credits to get started.
Pros:
- No per-ticket fees: A cost-effective option for event organizers.
- Customizable event pages: Tailor event pages and ticket types to your needs.
- Real-time sales reporting: Easily track data and monitor ticket sales.
- Payment gateway integration: Works seamlessly with Stripe, PayPal, and more.
- Mobile ticketing: Supports digital ticket delivery for convenience.
- Promo code functionality: Boost sales with discount codes.
- Sign-up bonus: Get 50 free credits when using our code.
Cons:
- Limited advanced features: Lower-tier plans may lack premium tools.
- Fewer marketing tools: Offers fewer built-in promotional options than larger platforms.
- No built-in box office: Does not support physical ticketing options.
- Less polished interface: Some users may find it less refined than premium services.
Zeffy
Zeffy is a ticket-selling platform that offers event organizers a cost-effective solution for selling tickets and managing events. The platform is designed to provide an easy-to-use interface, with features such as customizable event pages, ticket sales, and event promotion tools. Zeffy stands out by offering no service fees, allowing organizers to keep 100% of ticket sales revenue. Additionally, it includes tools for donation-based ticketing, volunteer management, and event analytics, making it a versatile choice for various types of events.
Pros:
- No service fees: Organizers keep 100% of their ticket revenue.
- Customizable event pages: Quick and easy to set up for a tailored experience.
- Donation-based ticketing: Supports fundraising efforts with flexible options.
- Volunteer management: Tools to streamline event coordination.
- Event analytics: Track ticket sales and attendee data effortlessly.
- User-friendly interface: Accessible for users of all skill levels.
Cons:
- Limited free plan: Advanced features require an upgrade.
- Fewer marketing tools: Offers less exposure compared to larger paid platforms.
- Limited integrations: Works with fewer third-party apps and services.
- Scalability challenges: May not be ideal for very large events.
Ticket Source
TicketSource is an online ticket-selling platform designed to help event organizers manage and sell tickets for various events. The platform allows users to create and customize event pages, sell tickets, and track sales in real-time. It supports a variety of ticket types, including general admission, reserved seating, and VIP passes, and offers options for different pricing tiers. TicketSource also provides features like box office integration, mobile ticketing, and customer management, making it convenient for both event organizers and attendees.
Pros:
- Easy to use: Quick event setup without requiring technical expertise.
- Variety of ticket types: Supports options like general admission and VIP.
- Real-time reporting: Track ticket sales and performance instantly.
- Mobile ticketing: Includes box office integration for convenience.
- Customer management: Tools to enhance attendee engagement.
- Payment integration: Compatible with popular systems like PayPal and Stripe.
Cons:
- Service fees: Can reduce profit margins, particularly for smaller events.
- Limited customization: Event pages offer fewer options compared to competitors.
- Basic interface: May lack visual appeal or intuitive design.
- Advanced features locked: Only accessible on higher-tier plans.
Selecting the ideal ticketing platform comes down to understanding your event’s specific needs and priorities. Different platforms offer a range of features, from advanced marketing tools and detailed analytics to cost-effective pricing and user-friendly interfaces. Some focus on affordability and simplicity, while others provide extensive customization and scalability for larger events. It’s important to weigh factors such as service fees, customization options, marketing capabilities, and attendee management tools to determine what aligns best with your goals. By carefully evaluating these elements, you can choose a solution that streamlines your ticketing process and helps ensure your event’s success.
