Embracing online ticketing technologies can help streamline event registration, expand your marketing reach, and boost ticket sales.
To help you find a ticketing solution that works best for your upcoming event, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions on event ticketing below:
What is an event ticketing platform?
An event ticketing platform is a cloud-based system that takes the labor out of selling tickets and registering people for events and activities. From ticket creation and payment processing to ticket delivery and check-in, a ticketing system should handle the entire sale process with limited technical knowledge required from the event planner or attendee.
For example, Ticketbud is a free, online event registration tool that allows event organizers to create free event websites and sell tickets to events. While the platform is free to organizers, a small fee is passed along to the attendee during payment processing – with discounts available for non-profits.
The online ticketing platform enables organizers to create custom tickets, allowing them to build a multi-tiered ticketing strategy or offer exclusive event discounts to important stakeholders. Ticketbud also helps event managers get paid fast to help cover early event costs. It provides organizers with real–time sales performance data and communication tools to reach their audiences.
The 3 ticketing classifications for event types
Event ticketing can be described in different ways for various event types. Ticket sales define events geared at generating revenue, while bookings or registrations may describe sign-ups for free or sometimes paid events.
The requirements for event types and their respective ticketing can vary. Events requiring registration, such as professional conferences or charity races, may need a comprehensive event registration form to gather important participant information or request donations.
Other multifaceted events may require bookings so attendees can schedule specific sessions or time slots over the course of multiple days, events or locations. Whatever specifications your event entails, all can be managed with a reliable ticketing provider, such as Ticketbud.
How do event ticketing systems work?
Online event ticketing systems will vary, but ideally your event registration platform should enable you to:
- Create an event page with your ticket types
- Promote and sell event tickets
- Check-in attendees on event day by validating tickets
- Report on all your event and attendee data
- Access funds generated from ticket sales whenever needed
What are the benefits of ticketing?
Event planning is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful jobs in America, but utilizing tried and tested ticketing technology, such as Ticketbud, offers peace of mind and efficiency.
A reliable online ticketing system will help you sell tickets around the clock. Attendees are easily able to securely purchase their own tickets online 24/7. And, many event registration platforms allow attendees to opt into event insurance to protect their payment if the event is canceled.
Ticketing systems, such as Ticketbud, also offer organizers a central management and communication center for their event. These platforms can also assist with event marketing support through email and social media tools, such as Ticketbud’s Ad Engine.
Ticketing systems also provide day-of support, to smooth check-in and event registration on site. Encouraging online registration or selling tickets for an event ahead of time eliminates the need to process sales at the door. Instead, attendees come with a scannable ticket for easy and efficient check-in.
Plus, if it’s your first time using an online ticketing system, you can set your mind at ease. Ticketing platforms like Ticketbd come equipped with responsive customer and technical support.
What is the process of ticketing?
Partnering with an online event ticket seller streamlines the registration for the event planner, especially those who are managing large volumes of transactions and revenue. An online registration tool, such as Ticketbud, automatically tracks ticket sales to help organizers manage, market and grow events.
Making sure you have reliable secure transactions as part of the ticketing process is key when selling tickets to an event. Ticketbud’s ticketing platform integrates with well-known and secure payment providers to ensure ticket revenue is managed appropriately and efficiently.
Ticketbud doesn’t hold on to the organizer's money either. Instead, event managers are able to easily track ticket sales and cash in on existing sales ahead of the event. Organizers can also access trackable reporting to see exactly how and when that revenue was generated.
Which software is best for ticket booking and registrations?
The best software for your event will depend on your event requirements. However it generally comes down to three key elements: reliability, features and cost.
To assess reliability you can look at reviews and customer testimonials. You can also request a customized walkthrough to experience how the platform would work for your specific event. When evaluating features, you want to ensure the ticketing software you’re considering can accommodate your needs – whether that's reserved seating, accepting donations, merchandise sales, event promotion, event discounts or others.
While many online ticketing platforms can provide many features not all are included in the base price. Many providers will quote low costs that don't include the features you need. Be careful that your needs don’t require add-on fees.
Here are 11 things to look for when choosing an online ticketing platform.
What are the features of a ticketing system?
Beyond registration and ticketing, your event registration platform should simplify planning around other aspects of your event. When considering platforms, assess features that support event marketing and communications, event check-in, event management, reporting and analytics.
Ticketbud for example offers a wide range of ticketing features that can:
- help you create an event and customize ticket sales to suit your needs (reserved seating, group tickets, donations, merchandise sales, timed access, etc.);
- create a winning event registration strategy with the flexibility of unlimited ticket types;
- assist with event marketing;
- allow the monitoring of ticket sales and promotions in real time;
- manage your event and communication with attendees;
- check-in attendees with a free app with easy to scan or search capabilities;
- provide detailed reporting of sales and attendance.