Event Ticketing Platforms: Choosing the Right Solution
Organising an event, whether it's a small workshop or a large-scale conference, requires careful planning and execution. One of the most critical aspects is selecting the right event ticketing platform. The platform you choose can significantly impact your attendees' experience, your operational efficiency, and ultimately, your event's success. This article compares different event ticketing platforms, focusing on features, fees, and ease of use for both organisers and attendees, helping you make the best choice for your specific needs.
Fee Structures and Pricing Models
Understanding the different fee structures is paramount when evaluating event ticketing platforms. The pricing model can significantly impact your profit margins, especially for events with tight budgets.
Per-Ticket Fees: This is the most common model, where a fixed fee or a percentage of the ticket price is charged for each ticket sold. The fee can be absorbed by the event organiser or passed on to the attendee. Consider the impact on ticket price competitiveness if you choose the latter.
Flat Fee: Some platforms offer a flat monthly or annual fee, regardless of the number of tickets sold. This model can be cost-effective for events with high ticket volumes but may not be suitable for smaller, infrequent events.
Free Platforms: Some platforms offer a basic service for free, often with limited features or branding restrictions. These platforms may charge for add-ons or upgrades, such as premium support or advanced analytics. Always carefully examine the fine print to understand the limitations and potential hidden costs.
Hybrid Models: Some platforms combine elements of the above models, offering a base fee plus per-ticket charges or tiered pricing based on feature usage. These models can offer flexibility and cater to a wider range of event types.
When comparing pricing, consider the following:
Transaction Fees: Are there separate fees for processing payments?
Setup Fees: Is there an initial setup cost to use the platform?
Hidden Fees: Are there any other charges, such as fees for refunds or cancellations?
Volume Discounts: Are discounts available for high ticket sales?
Choosing the right pricing model depends on your event's size, budget, and anticipated ticket sales. Carefully analyse your needs and compare the total cost of each platform before making a decision. It's also worth considering what Invited offers and how it aligns with your needs.
Features for Event Management
Beyond basic ticketing, event ticketing platforms offer a range of features designed to streamline event management. These features can save you time, improve efficiency, and enhance the attendee experience.
Ticket Types and Customisation: The ability to create different ticket types (e.g., VIP, early bird, student) with varying prices and access levels is crucial. Customisation options, such as branding and event-specific information, are also important.
Registration and Attendee Management: Features like online registration forms, attendee profiles, and check-in tools can simplify the registration process and provide valuable insights into your audience.
Seating Management: For events with assigned seating, a platform with robust seating management capabilities is essential. This includes features like interactive seating charts, seat selection, and automated seat assignments.
Communication Tools: Integrated communication tools, such as email marketing and SMS notifications, allow you to keep attendees informed about event updates, reminders, and important announcements.
Mobile Ticketing: Mobile ticketing allows attendees to access their tickets on their smartphones, eliminating the need for paper tickets and streamlining the check-in process.
Waiting Lists: If your event sells out, a waiting list feature can help you manage demand and potentially increase revenue by automatically filling cancelled spots.
Session Scheduling: For conferences and multi-session events, the ability to create and manage a detailed schedule is essential. Attendees should be able to easily browse the schedule and register for specific sessions.
Consider which features are most important for your specific event type and choose a platform that offers the functionality you need. You can learn more about Invited and our approach to event management features.
Payment Processing Options
The payment processing options offered by an event ticketing platform are crucial for ensuring a smooth and secure transaction experience for both organisers and attendees.
Integrated Payment Gateways: Most platforms integrate with popular payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, and Authorize.net. This allows you to accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.
Payment Schedules: Some platforms offer flexible payment schedules, allowing you to set up payment plans for attendees or receive payouts in instalments.
Currency Support: If you're hosting an international event, ensure the platform supports multiple currencies.
Security: Security is paramount when processing payments. Choose a platform that uses encryption and complies with industry security standards like PCI DSS.
Refund Processing: A streamlined refund process is essential for handling cancellations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Consider the payment preferences of your target audience and choose a platform that supports the payment methods they are most likely to use. Also, be sure to understand the platform's payment processing fees and policies.
Customer Support and Security
Reliable customer support and robust security measures are non-negotiable when choosing an event ticketing platform. You need to be confident that you can get help when you need it and that your data and your attendees' data are protected.
Support Channels: Look for platforms that offer multiple support channels, such as email, phone, and live chat. Consider the availability of support, especially during peak event times.
Response Time: Check reviews and testimonials to gauge the platform's response time to support requests.
Knowledge Base: A comprehensive knowledge base with FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides can help you resolve common issues independently.
Security Certifications: Ensure the platform has relevant security certifications, such as PCI DSS compliance and SSL encryption.
Data Privacy: Understand the platform's data privacy policies and how they protect your data and your attendees' data. Ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations, such as GDPR and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Uptime Guarantee: Check the platform's uptime guarantee to ensure it is reliable and available when you need it.
Don't hesitate to test the platform's customer support by contacting them with questions before making a decision. This will give you a sense of their responsiveness and helpfulness. You can also consult the frequently asked questions on our website for more information.
Integration with Marketing Tools
Integrating your event ticketing platform with your marketing tools can streamline your marketing efforts and improve your event's reach.
Email Marketing Integration: Integration with email marketing platforms like Mailchimp and Campaign Monitor allows you to easily import attendee data and send targeted email campaigns.
Social Media Integration: Integration with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter allows you to promote your event and track social media engagement.
CRM Integration: Integration with CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot allows you to manage attendee data and track customer interactions.
Analytics Integration: Integration with analytics platforms like Google Analytics allows you to track website traffic, conversion rates, and other key metrics.
Affiliate Marketing: Some platforms offer affiliate marketing features, allowing you to incentivise others to promote your event.
Choose a platform that integrates with the marketing tools you already use or plan to use. This will save you time and effort and allow you to create more effective marketing campaigns.
Reporting and Analytics
Robust reporting and analytics capabilities are essential for tracking your event's performance and making data-driven decisions.
Ticket Sales Reports: Track ticket sales by type, date, and channel to understand which tickets are selling best and where your marketing efforts are most effective.
Attendee Demographics: Gather data on attendee demographics, such as age, gender, and location, to better understand your audience.
Revenue Reports: Track revenue generated from ticket sales, merchandise, and other sources.
Attendance Reports: Track attendance rates and identify no-shows.
Conversion Tracking: Track conversion rates from website visitors to ticket purchasers.
- Custom Reports: The ability to create custom reports allows you to analyse data in a way that is relevant to your specific needs.
Use the reporting and analytics data to optimise your marketing efforts, improve your event planning, and enhance the attendee experience. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose an event ticketing platform that meets your needs and contributes to the success of your event.