Is It Time for Variable Ticket Pricing?

What exactly dictates a variation in ticket prices? Well, there are a few factors:

• Demand
  • When shows are popular, demand increases – this is how blockbuster Broadway shows manage to skyrocket ticket prices after the Tony Awards or New York Times reviews.
• Competition
  • If other theatres in your area maintain lower prices, this may force your hand and limit how high you can mark your tickets. Guests may gravitate towards the cheaper option.
• Season
  • Theatres experience seasonal impacts in sales. Like most retail examples, the holiday season often brings a large spike in popularity while the summers may cool down your box office.

What does variable ticket pricing look like?

• • Surge pricing
    • Ticket prices rise as demand increases and competition grows between buyers for the same show.
  • Discounts
    • Tickets are marked at a lower cost, or guests with certain qualifications may have access to a discount code, in order to boost audience numbers or draw in new guests.
  So, let’s consider the pros and cons of variable ticket pricing. The number one pro is an increase in revenue during the busy seasons, bulking up your annual budget and providing a safe cushion for times of scarcity. Another pro might be marketing if you offer special discounts for exposure and new audience interest (check out ways we suggest using discounts as a strategy here). There are downsides, too, though. A con might be compromising your guests’ trust. If you have had stable prices for multiple years and suddenly implement the practice of surge pricing, guests may feel exploited and your audience could shift. Another risk is raising prices too high, allowing your competitors to poach guests looking for a cheaper night out. No matter what you decide, weigh the choices carefully. Be transparent with your audiences to avoid mistrust and monitor your price extremes. Talk to your guests and ask if they would be willing to pay more in the busy season and make sure to gauge where your competitors are keeping their prices. Variable pricing can be a smart tool for ticket sales, but make sure you implement any new practice from a place of education and integrity.