Exploring Alternatives to Eventbrite’s New Pricing Model: Why Many Are Making the Switch
Eventbrite has long been an acceptable but expensive choice for event organizers, offering a range of services to sell tickets online. However, recent changes in their pricing structure have left many users searching for alternatives. Read on to find out about Eventbrite’s new pricing model and why many are making the switch.
Eventbrite’s Pricing Challenges
Eventbrite was never known for its affordability when it came to ticketing fees. Their previous pricing structure included a ticketing fee of 3.7% plus $1.79 per ticket sold. To put this in perspective, let’s compare it to TicketPeak, a competitor with a fee of 1.5% plus $0.50 per ticket—a considerable cost difference.
Now, you must pay a monthly fee based on the number of attendees—an additional expense that users didn’t anticipate. For instance, Eventbrite charges $29 per month for only 100 tickets, $79 per month for 250 tickets, and $159 per month for more than 250 tickets. This change in pricing structure has caught the attention of event organizers, especially those putting on events frequently, like performing arts organizations.
Their Small Print
In small print at the bottom of Eventbrite’s pricing page is a note stating, “For all plans, Ticketing Fees may apply. Ticketing Fees are paid by ticket buyers unless you choose to cover them.” Are they trying to hide the fact that ticketing fees comprise about 90% of the fees?
Eventbrite also modified their cancellation policy, no longer providing refunds for canceled tickets. This can be a significant drawback, particularly for event organizers who rely on flexibility when managing their events. Can you imagine not getting your ticketing fees returned if you had to cancel an event? Note also that Eventbrite does not offer live support for most plans.
A History of Fee Increases
Eventbrite’s recent pricing adjustments mark the tenth time since 2007 that they have increased their fees. This pattern of frequent fee hikes raises concerns for event organizers who anticipate ongoing price increases in the future.
Eventbrite is a large publicly-traded company. Looking at their financials, you can understand why they wish to raise prices – they have been unprofitable. Eventbrite has averaged a loss of $68 million per year in the last five years.
Affordable Eventbrite Alternatives
For many event organizers, the increasing costs and limitations of Eventbrite have led them to explore alternatives. Consider the price difference between Eventbrite and TicketPeak: Say you’re a performing arts organization, selling 500 tickets per month with a price of $20 per ticket. You will pay Eventbrite $17,088 per year. You would pay TicketPeak $6,300 – approximately one-third of Eventbrite’s pricing.
Furthermore, TicketPeak provides functions required by performing arts organizations, such as subscriptions, flex passes, classes, and audition management.
Conclusion
Eventbrite’s new pricing model has triggered a wave of concern among event organizers. The combination of high ticketing fees, additional monthly charges, restrictive policies, and a history of fee increases has prompted many to seek alternatives to Eventbrite. If you’re considering a change, exploring alternatives like TicketPeak may be a wise decision for your future event management needs.