4 different pricing models for event ticketing software.
The market for event ticketing system providers for theaters and cultural institutions is subject to constant change and has grown significantly in recent years. There are now a large number of different pricing models, each with different advantages and disadvantages. As an organizer who is looking for ticketing software for their theater, cabaret or other events, it is no longer that easy to find the right partner.
Does ticketing software have to be expensive?
Many cultural organizers wonder whether an event ticketing system that fits their requirements is expensive? If you run a theater or another cultural enterprise, then it is important for you to keep your business costs low and at the same time to find the best possible ticketing system. Since there are now hundreds of different ticket solutions on the market for ticketing software, it is ideal to choose one that offers a suitable pricing structure for you. Below you will find four most common pricing models that you will come across when looking for the right ticketing software. We would like to give you an overview of the 4 most common price models below.
Oldie but a goldie?
1. One-time installation fee, low annual fee.
Some small theaters use ticket systems that offer simple solutions for selling their tickets. These are very often offered by companies that were founded in the early phases of the Internet. Most of the time they paid a high installation fee for this in the early 2000s and have used the ticketing software since then. The advantage is, of course, that these costs have long been amortized and that there are now only small fixed fees for operating the software.
A major disadvantage, however, is that most of the time it is an outdated ticketing system. The ticket shop is usually out of date and its design is reminiscent of Windows 95. This inevitably leads to poor usability for the ticket buyer and thus to a high dropout rate in the ticket purchase process. Another significant disadvantage is that there are hardly any software updates for the ticketing software. Functionalities that should have become standard in the meantime, such as integrated theater subscription, membership or cross-selling with merchandise items, are just as non-existent as comprehensive reports, a scanning app or associated tools to promote your tickets.
2. Flat monthly fee.
If fixed, predictable monthly costs are better suited for your budget, a ticket solution with options for monthly flat-rate costs may be the right choice for you. But please note that this can mean that a fixed monthly schedule for your event ticketing software excludes functions.
This may prevent you from using important ticketing functions that will help you sell more tickets. Nevertheless, there are providers where you can use the complete ticketing software for a fixed fee. In any case, it makes sense to check several providers. Also think carefully about which functions are important for you and how you can use the ticketing system to increase your ticket sales.
3. Low fee per ticket, but high presale fees.
With the currently most widespread fee model, you pay a low system fee for every ticket booked, plus a high advance booking fee for online sales. This fee model is used primarily by the large ticketing providers. You usually pay a system fee, between € 0.20 and € 1.00 plus 8-10% for every ticket sold on the Internet. It makes no difference whether the ticket is sold via the ticketing shop on your website or the ticket portal of the provider.
One advantage of this pricing model is that the ticketing provider usually sets up the ticket shop and the first events for you. In return, however, it takes a significant part of your ticket revenue, also for sales via your own website.
Particular caution applies here if the ticketing provider suggests that the use of its ticketing software is completely free for you. In fact, these relatively high fees are only added to the actual ticket price. In the end, the fees will depend on the proceeds that you can achieve. Some of these providers also charge a flat fee of up to € 2.00 per order. This turnover could actually be your proceeds.
4. Low booking fee per ticket.
A good alternative for the price models mentioned above is to use an in-house ticketing system. As a rule, you get a very functional ticketing software as a cloud solution. You can use it to control ticket sales for your events and use a variety of functions to help you sell tickets successfully and independently. With most providers of in-house ticketing solutions, you also get a white label ticketing shop. This is completely integrated into your website without media disruption and you keep the ticket buyer on your page. Above all, this strengthens your brand and does not lose the ticket buyer to a ticket portal by taking them to a different business. For these services, you usually only pay a system fee of a few cents to a maximum of € 1.00. So you are free to integrate advance booking fees for online sales. The big difference is that in this case you are entitled to it.
Another advantage is that these software providers are usually very innovative and are constantly developing their ticketing software. You can therefore always use new functions in your event ticketing software. All of these will help you sell your tickets.
With providers, such as, egocentric Systems, you will get a comprehensive software solution that covers all requirements for a modern ticket solution. This gives you access to all the available functionalities and you do not incur any additional costs if you want to use modules such as memberships, subscriptions, sales of merchandising items, or the many marketing tools.
Conclusion
There are different pricing models for ticket systems and you should check exactly which model suits you best. It is worthwhile for more and more organizers to sell their tickets untied to (?) large portals and thus significantly increasing their revenues.
egocentric Systems offers you a comprehensive ticketing solution so that you are able to sell your event tickets yourself (?). Not only can you increase your earnings, but you will be able to act independently and make your own brand better known.
Let’s get started!
For even more information about great opportunities to advertise your event online, just contact us and get to know us and our software better.