Finding the right service to sell event tickets is key for UK organisers. Many platforms are out there, each with its own standout features and perks. Eventbrite is a notable choice, offering a great mix of affordability and a wide range of tools for organisers. It’s great for both in-person and online events, serving a worldwide audience. Last year, it helped about 800,000 event creators and sold more than 284 million tickets at over 5 million events1.
Choosing an online ticket platform needs careful thought. You must think about what your event specifically needs and what each platform brings to the table. Eventbrite reaches loads of ticket buyers, with 90 million active users. It also boasts a return on investment six times higher than average through its advanced ad re-targeting1. Plus, their email marketing tools beat the industry average by 59%1.
Key Takeaways
- Eventbrite is an all-encompassing event ticket platform suitable for both in-person and virtual events.
- In 2022, Eventbrite supported 800,000 event creators and facilitated ticket sales for 5 million events1.
- Eventbrite provides a substantial ticket buyer reach with 90 million active purchasers1.
- Eventbrite’s email marketing tools outperform the industry average by 59%1.
- It’s important to evaluate your event’s specific needs to select the best online ticket platform.
Introduction to Event Ticket Platforms
Event ticket platforms offer advantages for organisers and attendees. They make selling tickets easy and efficient. Now, festivals, concerts, and theatres are more accessible than ever.
These online systems let you sell tickets all the time. This means you can make money round the clock without handling cash. It’s safer and saves time2. They also give you tools to check how sales are doing2.
Why Choose an Online Platform?
Choosing an online platform is smart, especially in the UK. These sites connect sellers with many buyers. They make buying tickets a better experience. Ticketmaster is known worldwide for its service3.
Platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek list tickets from many places. This makes finding and buying what you want easier3. You can sell different kinds of tickets, adding flexibility2. Eventbrite helps sell tickets and promotes events too3. This is great for non-profits to boost fundraising2.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a platform, look for several features. Good pricing is key. Most charge a flat fee and a percentage of the ticket price2. Having social media and marketing tools helps sell more tickets.
Platforms like Sharetribe are easy to use, even without tech skills3. Real-time insights into sales let you adjust quickly4. Choose a platform with various payout options and solid customer support for better sales management2.
Finally, for big events like concerts, a system that handles everything from seating to engaging attendees is best4.
Eventbrite: Comprehensive and Popular Solution
Eventbrite is a top choice in ticket resale platforms, known for its wide range of features and popularity. It meets the needs of both people making events and those attending. They enjoy an easy-to-use organiser app, flexible ways to get paid, finding attendees easily, and robust marketing tools.
Key Features of Eventbrite
Eventbrite’s success is shown by impressive figures. In 2022, it handled over 284 million tickets for 5 million events in almost 180 countries5. These numbers prove its large scale and efficiency worldwide. Plus, about 800,000 people who create events used Eventbrite in 20225. This highlights its big role in the ticket sale world.
Eventbrite shines in marketing too. Its email marketing gets 59% more opens than average567. It also uses ad retargeting tech that brings a 6x higher return on investment. Interestingly, 78% of those conversions happen within a day of someone clicking on an ad5. These features are key for sellers wanting to increase reach and sales.
Eventbrite offers great flexibility in types of tickets. It supports both in-person and online events6. You can collect ticket payments through multiple channels like websites, blogs, and social media6. This helps sellers simplify their selling process.
Pros and Cons
Eventbrite has many advantages, but it’s important to consider some downsides. Its widespread use and powerful tools come with fees. Event organisers face startup fees, and attendees pay extra for paid events67. Yet, for events with up to 25 tickets, listing is free. This is great for smaller events67.
Although Eventbrite provides useful data, like 30% of paid tickets coming from personalised recommendations5, it can sometimes be hard for new users. Despite these issues, Eventbrite remains a top option for selling tickets online. It offers tools and reach that can greatly help sellers.
WeGotTickets: Reliable and Established
WeGotTickets started in 2000 in Oxford, England8. It’s known for being easy to use, letting customers buy tickets for events like music, comedy, theatre, and festivals8. They’re proud of their customer service, often getting praise for solving problems quickly9 effectively.
Unique Selling Points
The platform is great for sharing on social media and works well on mobiles. This helps sellers spread the word about their events. WeGotTickets also connects to many partners to help increase an event’s visibility. Plus, setting up events to sell tickets is easy and fast.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly platform for ticket purchases8 | Outdated interface |
| Excellent customer service9 | High fee structure |
| Trusted sellers and authentic tickets8 | No special deals for frequent customers8 |
| Efficient social sharing capabilities | |
| Mobile device optimisation |
Seatlab: Affordable and Feature-Rich
Seatlab is known for being an affordable ticket platform in the UK. Since starting in 2016, it has handled £12 million in ticket sales each year. It tickets over 10,000 events and has sold nearly 3 million tickets on its platform10. Organisers keep more money thanks to low commission rates and no account creation fees.
Affordability
Seatlab has pricing options for every budget, making it suitable for all business sizes11. The Essential Plan offers a free monthly option. It includes important features like detailed reports, ticket management, customisable accounts, and a 5% plus 75p booking fee per ticket11. For more services, the Pro Plan costs £189 per month. It gives extra perks like seat maps, white-label service, and your domain at lower fees11.
Seatlab’s pricing is straightforward, with no hidden costs11. This transparency, along with powerful tools, makes it a top choice for affordable ticketing.
Advanced Features
Seatlab works with well-known payment methods like credit cards and PayPal for safe payments11. It also has tools for marketing. Sellers can reach more people through emails and social media11.
Seatlab stands out with its real-time analytics. This lets organisers see sales trends and attendee details11. Customers such as Aures London saw a boost in revenue. Sydenham Arts Centre had more ticket sales. Teams like Peterborough Panthers and King’s Lynn Stars benefited from custom features10.
Event Ticket Platforms: Comparative Analysis
Sellers have a lot to think about when choosing an event ticket vendor. They should look at commission fees, how much they can change the platform, if it’s available in their area, and if it’s good for both live and online events.
Seatlab is a top pick because it doesn’t charge booking fees and you can change it as much as you like. It’s perfect for bigger places that want their ticketing system to match their brand12. Eventbrite, though, works all over the world and has lots of great tools, but it costs more — 3.5% plus $1.59 per ticket12.
Universe is loved for being easy to use. TicketSource is known for great help and support, but it might take a while to get used to. What matters most depends on what the seller values — like great customisation or strong customer support.
Let’s take a closer online ticket selling comparison view:
| Platform | Key Features | Fees | Customisation Options | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seatlab | No booking fee, white-label solution | None | Fully customisable | Medium to large venues |
| Eventbrite | Global reach, secure barcoded tickets | 3.5% + $1.59 per ticket12 | Limited | Worldwide |
| Universe | Simple, effective | Varied | Basic | Customer support focused |
| TicketSource | Feature-rich, excellent support | Varies | Advanced | Extensive |
In the end, each platform has its pros and cons. Event sellers must think carefully about what they need before making a choice.
TicketSource: Versatile and Supportive
Since 2004, TicketSource has been known for its versatile, user-friendly services and strong support. It is a leading choice for UK event sellers. Its wide range of features includes custom seat mapping and various ticket formats. It also offers merchandise options.
Feature Set
TicketSource stands out with its diverse functions suited for different events, making it a highly versatile ticketing system. It uses a pay-as-you-go system, charging a 7% fee plus VAT for each paid booking. If you use your own Stripe account, the fee is 4.5%, plus a 3.5% admin fee for donations13. For in-house or free events, there are no fees, making it cost-effective for all types of events14. This adaptable fee model is ideal for managing events of any size.
Interface and Usability
The interface of TicketSource is intuitive, placing it among the most supportive ticketing platforms available. It offers a range of options, which may initially confuse newcomers. However, its scalability and detailed analytics offer great value. Event organisers have access to tutorials and support. This helps them use the platform to its full potential. With its analytical tools, you can track sales, monitor attendees, and create reports for future events.
Universe: Simple and Effective
Live Nation Entertainment took over Universe in 2015. It’s easy to set up, taking only a few minutes. The platform is ideal for event organisers with its 6.3 million users and a 4.4 out of 5 rating based on 34 reviews15.
Simplicity and Accessibility
Universe is known for being simple, making it great for all event organisers. It has 24 features, keeping it on par with other ticketing systems15. Its ease of use is rated at 4.4 out of 515. Additionally, prices start at $19.95 with a free version too, making it budget-friendly15.
Fee Structure
The fees at Universe are clear and fair. It’s free for free events which helps organisers save16. There are no hidden charges, making budgeting easier16. Organisers can pass fees to buyers, ensuring they keep all ticket sale revenue16.
Univeres offers different plans to match various needs. The Starter plan has advanced payouts and unlimited sales channels. The Standard plan includes cardholder presales and payment plans. For a custom solution, the Pro plan offers professional services16.
Special Features to Consider in a Ticketing Platform
When picking an event ticket platform, it’s vital to know the unique features each provides. Advanced ticketing tools enhance event management efficiency. This benefits both organisers and attendees17. They automate ticket sales and keep track of records, cutting down mistakes17. These tools also use dynamic pricing, adjusting prices based on audience trends to boost revenue17.
Consider mobile apps for easy check-in and detailed seat maps. Also, look for integration with marketing and analytics tools. These features offer a deeper understanding of your audience17. They make operations smoother and help in making informed decisions18.
Strong reporting tools give organisers insight into ticket sales and attendance. This info is vital for planning future events17. Launching targeted marketing campaigns can increase engagement and sales by focusing on specific audience types17. Also, many platforms offer accessibility features, making events more inclusive17.
The way platforms handle fees for free and paid events is crucial too18. Look at monthly fees and credit card costs to pick the best pricing model18. EventBookings is an example of an affordable option with useful features. It includes mobile ticket scanning, team collaboration, and real-time data analysis19.
Integrating ticketing systems into websites makes buying tickets easier. It also boosts event organisers’ online presence17. Choosing advanced ticketing tools with these special features leads to successful events. They ensure a smooth process from signing up to checking in on the day of the event.
How to Maximise Ticket Sales with Effective Promotion
To boost ticket sales, it’s vital to use a smart promotion strategy. This involves using technology and platforms to their fullest. Effective strategies include planned email marketing and promoting tickets on social media.
Email Marketing
Email marketing can really help increase ticket sales. Personalised emails and targeted campaigns are key. Using email drip campaigns can boost sales by 20%20. By sending tailored offers to segmented email lists, you connect directly with potential attendees. This makes people more likely to open the emails. It also makes them feel connected to your event, seeing it as important.
Social Media Integration
Social media plays a big role in making your event seen and engaging people. With 95% of marketers planning to spend more on social media21, its value is clear. Platforms like Instagram are great for reaching out. They have 1 billion users monthly, and half follow at least one major brand21. Using hashtags helps increase engagement by 50%21.
Using PPC ads on social media gets your event noticed, leading to more ticket sales20. Programs that let friends refer your event are highly trusted, with a 92% trust rate20. Showing that tickets are limited can make sales jump by 226%20. So, including social media in your ticket promotion can really boost your sales.
Choosing the Right Platform for Different Types of Events
Choosing the right event ticketing platform needs a specialised approach. This is important to meet the unique demands of different event types. Knowing what your event requires is key to selling tickets and giving attendees a great experience.
Concerts and Music Festivals
For concerts and music festivals, the focus should be on marketing tools. These tools help draw in music fans. Almost half of music event organisers believe customising event pages is very important for success22. Also, for 93% of them, analytics are critical as they help make smart decisions and shape marketing efforts22. Platforms like Eventbrite are useful. They offer free events for small ticket quantities and include up to 250 marketing emails daily23.
Sports and Theatre Events
Sports and theatre events need features like detailed seating maps and current seat availability. A smooth entry process is key for 76% of sports and theatre goers22. Moreover, 84% of customers look for secure payment options22. It shows how important trust and security are in online sales. Weezevent offers a secure service with a reasonable fee structure. They also manage taxes, setup, banking charges, and pay out every 15 days23.
Understanding the unique requirements of your event helps choose the right ticketing service. It doesn’t matter if it’s for concerts, festivals, sports, or theatre. Tailoring your choice ensures a better experience for everyone involved, leading to successful events.
Final Thoughts on Event Ticketing Platforms in the UK
The UK’s event ticketing scene offers a rich mix of services. Each caters to different needs and preferences. Sellers can choose from big names like Eventbrite, which is famous for its wide-ranging features and support for multiple currencies24. Then there’s Merlin, known for its advanced event management tools and customization abilities25.
For those looking after economy, Seatlab emerges as an affordable choice that doesn’t skimp on features25. On the other hand, vFairs and TicketSource are great for those needing strong support and easy integration24. It’s key to understand what you need for your event. Think about costs, how adaptable each platform is, what features they offer, and how easy they are to use before making a choice.
The UK ticketing world is always changing. To make the most of new chances, being flexible and choosing the right platform is essential24. Merlin shows how using smart analytics and secure payments can help make better choices for your events25. Knowing the ins and outs of ticketing can help sellers thrive in the event industry.
Source Links
- Top 10 Event Listing Sites In The UK – https://billetto.co.uk/l/top-10-event-listing-sites-in-uk
- Event Ticketing Systems and Why You Need One – https://www.accelevents.com/blog/event-ticketing-systems
- Unlocking Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Profitable Event Ticket Marketplace – https://www.sharetribe.com/create/how-to-build-marketplace-for-event-tickets/
- The Ultimate Guide to Online Event Registration and Ticketing – https://www.accelevents.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-online-event-registration-and-ticketing
- Sell Tickets Online | Free Event Ticketing Software – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/l/sell-tickets/
- The Best Virtual Events Platform: Host Online Events – https://www.eventbrite.com/l/virtual-events-platform/
- The Best Ticketing Platform for Professional Services Events – https://www.eventbrite.com/l/professional-services/
- WeGotTickets – Mimoji – https://mimoji.com/gb-en/listing/wegottickets/458517
- Leveraging Social Media for Event Promotion and Ticket Sales – https://blog.wegottickets.com/2023/07/20/leveraging-social-media-for-event-promotion-and-ticket-sales/
- Event Ticketing & Seat Reservation Software – Seatlab – https://seatlab.com/demo-multi-purpose/
- Event Ticketing & Seat Reservation Software – Seatlab – https://seatlab.com/online-ticket-sales-with-lowest-fees/
- Event Ticketing & Seat Reservation Software – Seatlab – https://seatlab.com/event-ticketing-system-comparison/
- 10 event ticketing platforms with the lowest fees [2024] – Checkout Page – https://checkoutpage.co/blog/lowest-fees-ticketing-platforms
- Top 12: Best Event Ticketing Plugin for WordPress in 2024 – https://pl.ticketinghub.com/blog/top-10-wordpress-ticketing-plugin-for-tour-operators
- Universe – https://www.getapp.co.uk/software/102711/universe
- Universe: Pricing | Universe – https://www.universe.com/pricing
- The Crucial Role of Event Ticketing Systems | Eyekiller – https://eyekiller.com/blog/why-event-ticketing-systems-are-vital-to-event-success
- Ticketing for Events Guide – Best Event Ticketing Platforms – https://20bedfordway.com/news/ticketing-for-events-guide/
- Intuitive Features of Our Event Ticketing System | EventBookings – https://www.eventbookings.com/features/
- How to Sell Event Tickets: 15 Proven Tactics That Work – https://www.socialtables.com/blog/social-media/drive-event-ticket-sales/
- 55+ Creative Event Marketing Ideas to Drive Ticket Sales | EB – https://www.eventbookings.com/blog/event-marketing-ideas/
- Everything You Need to Know About an Event Ticketing System – https://www.eventbookings.com/blog/guide-to-choose-event-ticketing-system/
- Best Event Ticketing Platforms in 2024 – Eventtia – https://www.eventtia.com/en/blog/best-event-ticketing-solutions-and-platforms
- 10 Best Event Ticketing Platforms in 2024 – vFairs.com – https://www.vfairs.com/blog/best-event-ticketing-platforms/
- Exploring the Best Ticketing Solutions for Your Event – Merlin – https://merlintickets.co.uk/articles/exploring-the-best-ticketing-solutions-for-your-event/