Finding the right event ticketing solution can be a daunting task – especially considering the sheer number of options available to you. However, as is the case with most software, there are a number of factors you need to consider before settling on a solution for your event business.
In this article, we’ll help you to identify some of the important features in an event ticketing platform that can help you take your events next level. We’ll also run the rule over five of the best event ticketing platforms, weigh their pros and cons, and highlight which platform is the best fit for specific use case scenarios.
Let’s dig in.
Factors to Consider
First of all, it’s important to understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ and not all event ticketing platforms offer the same features and functionality.
Some are packaged as software that you can install to your existing self hosted WordPress website (like Event Espresso and Events Manager) while others are hosted event ticketing platforms that allow you to sign up on a website and start selling (like Event Smart and Eventbrite).
Depending on the type of event you’re looking to organize and your goals, one ticketing platform may be better suited to you than the next. Here are some quick points worth considering:
- How much will it cost you to sell tickets? In other words, what are the fees for selling tickets to attendees? Some platforms let you sell event tickets for free while others charge a flat rate or percentage based on the ticket price.
- How much control do you have over customization and branding? Does the platform let you customize the ticket design? For example, can you add your own logo to it and use brand colors?
- What features and functionality do you have access to? Are you able to create different ticket types, allow attendees to purchase multiple tickets, offer limited-time discounts, setup unlimited events, add content, and more.
- When and how will you get paid for the tickets you sell? Are ticket payments deposited directly to your account as soon as an attendee pays or do you have to wait for the event ticketing platform’s payout days?
With these points in mind, you should be able to narrow down your options and find the event ticketing platform that’s right for you.
1. Event Espresso
Event Espresso is a robust event registration and ticketing platform that powers over 40,000 event websites. You’re able to create custom registration forms, create as many tickets as you’d like, set multiple price options, offer discount codes, create printable tickets, and much more.
Pros:
- Offers powerful event ticketing functionality including the option to present multiple ticket options, set ticket status and availability, configure ticket sales start and end dates, and set ticket quantities.
- Comes with a ticket scanning and attendance tracking mobile app that makes it easy to check-in attendees on the day of the event.
- Lets you create and send customizable printable tickets to attendees after they complete their registration.
Cons:
- You’re in charge of managing your event website which includes setting everything up, accepting online registrations, integrating payment gateways, and marketing your events.
Event Espresso is the best event ticketing platform for you if…
- You’re looking for a complete event registration and ticketing platform that offers advanced event management capabilities and support for multiple payment gateways then Event Espresso is the right option for you.
- You have a WordPress-powered website that you’d like to sell event tickets through while maintaining complete control over payments, attendee information, and site customization.
Pricing:
Event Espresso offers their product via an annual support license which includes technical support from their developers and customer service team, a generous 30% discount on annual renewals, and they do not take any transaction fees from your event revenue.
- Personal License for $79.95
- Everything License for $299.95 [all add-on products included].
- Developer License for $299.95 [includes licenses for 5 websites].
2. Event Smart
Event Smart bridges the gap between a WordPress plugin and a cloud-hosted event ticketing platform. What this means is that you can sign up with Event Smart, manage your event, and sell tickets from a familiar back-end interface without having to create a WordPress site first.
Pros:
- It’s a hosted, WordPress-based event ticketing platform that is powered by the Event Espresso plugin which means you don’t have to worry about purchasing a domain or web hosting.
- You’re able to create an unlimited number of events and sell both free and paid tickets.
- Lets you accept payments using Stripe, PayPal, Venmo, credit cards, Braintree, Authorize.net, QuickBooks, Sage Pay, and more.
Cons:
- Advanced functionality (including registration forms with custom questions, discount codes, customizable tickets, and ticket scanning) are available as premium add-ons in the Basic and Personal plan and included with the Business plan.
Event Smart is the best event ticketing platform for you if…
- You’re serious about organizing events and selling event tickets but don’t want the hassle of worrying about building a website or purchasing a domain and hosting.
- You’d like to host multiple events year-round, be able to sell unlimited paid tickets, and accept online payments directly.
Pricing:
- Offers a free, basic option.
- Personal plan costs $50 per month and Business plan costs $100 per month.
- There are no transaction fees and you only pay for what you need.
3. Events Manager
Events Manager is a free WordPress plugin that offers event registration and ticketing functionality. You’re able to create a single event page that includes everything including event details, map, gallery, booking form, and checkout form.
Pros:
- Available as a free WordPress plugin that you can simply install to your existing website.
- Lets you create event calendars, event listings, and accept event submissions.
- You’re able to create multiple ticket types per event.
Cons:
- Offers very few customization options.
- There is no product support from the developer, but you can use the WordPress.org plugin support forums for help.
Events Manager is the best event ticketing platform for you if…
- You’re just starting out and want to be able to sell paid tickets for free directly from your WordPress website.
- You don’t have a budget set aside for event ticketing and are willing to take the DIY approach.
Price: Free
4. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is an online event ticketing platform that allows event organizers to reach new audiences who are interested in attending events in a particular area.
This is a hosted platform meaning you will have to create an account and manage all event ticketing processes from the platform’s back-end. To get started, you simply add an event description, title, cover photo, and ticket price.
Pros:
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface.
- Offers device-agnostic event tracking functionality.
- Integrates with Facebook events allowing prospective attendees to buy tickets without going to your Eventbrite page.
Cons:
- High ticket fees (for paid tickets) as compared to other event ticketing platforms (i.e. 2% + $0.79).
- The only way to avoid ticket fees is by passing them on to attendees which could damage your brand.
- Your event page will look the same as everyone else’s. Available customization options include changing the event cover photo.
Eventbrite is the best event ticketing platform for you if…
- You’re organizing a few free events (i.e. you’re not selling tickets) then you won’t be charged a fee for selling event tickets making Eventbrite a viable option for you.
Price:
- Free for events with free tickets.
- 2% + $0.79 per ticket sold (lowest price tier)
5. Ticket Tailor
Ticket Tailor is another hosted event ticketing platform that offers two different pricing plans – a pay as you go option and a monthly plan. The platform itself is incredibly easy to get started with. You simply sign up and create your event, customize your online box office, and sell tickets. The platform also lets you manage attendee check-in on the day of the event using a smartphone or computer.
Pros:
- You’re able to customize your online box office to match your brand.
- Comes with a WordPress plugin and allows you to embed box office directly into your website or Facebook page.
- Lets you offer discount codes.
Cons:
- Removing Ticket Tailor branding will cost you a whopping $49 per month.
- Customer support is provided over email only.
- Only two payment processors available (PayPal and Stripe).
Ticket Tailor is the best event ticketing platform for you if…
- You’re looking for a simple event ticketing platform that doesn’t hold payments then Ticket Tailor is worth a shot. You can accept payments directly through either PayPal or Stripe.
- You want to create an online box office and embed it into your existing site.
Price:
- Pay as you go option will cost you $0.65 per ticket.
- Five monthly plans starting at $25 per month for 50 ticket sales.
Conclusion
We shared five of the best event ticketing platforms – including WordPress plugins, cloud-hosted offerings, and hybrid solutions – and highlighted the pros and cons you can expect to experience with each. Hopefully, you’re in a good position now to take the next steps.
Between WordPress plugin and cloud-hosted event ticketing platforms, which option are you leaning towards and why? Let us know in the comments section below.
