Eventbrite is a versatile event technology platform equipped to handle a variety of event types, from concerts and conferences to fairs. They offer tools for email invitations, RSVP tracking, ticket selling, and more.
That said, while Eventbrite is popular, their prices are steep, and their customer service is lacking.
If you, like many event organizers, find their fees prohibitive, don’t hold your breath and wait for a price drop as the fees consistently increase.
This post will offer 5 ticketing alternatives to Eventbrite. Before we dive in, let’s review the key factors you should consider when searching for the best ticketing software for you and your event.
Key Factors to Look for in a Ticketing Software
Ticketing Functionality
A positive, user-friendly ticket purchasing experience sets the tone of your event with your attendees. To help narrow in on the best fit for your event, ask the following questions:
- Can you customize the ticket prices?
- Can the platform provide the quantity of tickets you need?
- Are there options for price tiers or demand pricing?
- Is mobile ticketing available?
- What payment processor do they use?
Pricing
As you're comparing alternatives, look into how your customers purchase tickets, as well as how you get paid. Is there a price cap? Do you have to wait a long time for payouts? Make sure to read the fine print, and check for any hidden fees so you don’t get price gouged.
Smooth Check-In
On event day, long lines can sour the start of the event experience. A mobile check-in option is critical to your event running smoothly. Bust bottlenecks by using a ticketing platform that allows your attendees to check in with a mobile-app and get right to the fun.
Customizable Event Page
As one of the first attendee touch points, your landing page is important. Look for a platform that allows you to create an event page that reflects your brand and desired event aesthetic without the hassles. Ideally, your event page is easy for your team to build, and makes it encouraging for your attendees to purchase.
Customer Service/Support
It’s a good idea to check customer service ratings on a few review sites before choosing your platform. Is it easy to get a hold of a real person? Do they solve your problems or create more problems?
From onboarding to event execution, you want your ticketing platform to have your back when you need them!
Now, with these four factors in mind, let’s dive into some Eventbrite alternatives.
# 1 TicketSpice
TicketSpice is the number one event ticketing software for event pros to sell tickets online. It’s easy to use, highly customizable, and unbelievably affordable.
Pricing - Our pricing is simple and public for all to see. TicketSpice is a flat 99¢ fee per ticket plus standard credit card processing of 2.99%.
Smooth check-in - With our ticket scanning app, check-in for individuals and groups happens in milliseconds.
Customizable event page - When you choose TicketSpice, your event gets the spotlight. We’re not in competition with your brand. We have templates, too, but you can also use your own branding, logo, colors, fonts, and more.
Customer service - At TicketSpice, we respect your time. Whether you prefer to live chat, email, or call, we are available to help you! You can also find answers to common questions in our easy-to-navigate help center.
# 2 FareHarbor
FareHarbor is an all-in-one, cloud-based booking software and business management platform best for tours, activities and attractions.
Pricing - Not only is FareHarbor's pricing difficult to find (you need to book a demo to learn it) but their fees are a turnoff for many event organizers and customers. If you choose TicketSpice instead, you’ll save over $10,000 a year.
Complex page building - The complex coding required to embed means you likely need to pay a developer to set up FareHarbor for you or attend a coding boot camp. This inconvenience can also hurt your SEO.
Long contracts - When you commit to FareHarbor, you sign a 2-year contract. Yes, 2 years—it’s in the fine print.
# 3 ShowClix
ShowClix is a full-service event ticketing platform that advertises a smooth purchase process for a variety of ticket types.
Pricing - While it offers a host of features and detailed reporting tools, their prices are a deterrent to many event organizers. Compared to TicketSpice, you’ll lose over $25,000 a year with ShowClix.
Limited branding options - When you host with ShowClix, you’re forced to choose from a selection of their templates. If you have a specific creative vision in mind for your event theme, you might not get the chance to use it.
# 4 Etix
Etix is an event ticketing company for live events ranging from concerts, festivals, sports events, and shows. Etix provides tools for marketing, event management, and logistics, but there are some downsides.
Hidden pricing - Since Etix doesn’t publish its prices, it forces event organizers to either set up a sales demo or search the internet. One source mentions, “Etix pricing can be as high as 27% when adding all fees, including ticketing, service, convenience, shipping, and others.”
Customer service - When using Etix, help is often hard to come by. If you have a simple question, you’ll be directed to a mountain of articles and a bot.
# 5 Ticketleap
Ticketleap is an online ticketing platform that offers event organizers tools to create, promote, and sell tickets for events.
Pricing - Ticketleap charges a flat fee of 25¢ for tickets priced at $5 or less. As your tickets get more expensive, though, so do your fees. Using Ticketleap will cost you 203% more than using TicketSpice!
Key features - When it comes to features, Ticketleap is lacking. For example, you can’t design email invitations or automate drip campaigns. If you check out the reviews on Ticketleap, you’ll see this as a common complaint among its customers.
Final Takeaways
While Eventbrite is a commonly used platform, exploring other options, such as TicketSpice, will save you time, money, and headaches. If you have any questions, reach out to our award-winning support team.
We’re here to help you have the best event ever!
— The TicketSpice team
