Selling event tickets online has never been easier — or more expensive. Many major open source event ticketing platforms charge steep service fees, taking a big bite out of your profits. Whether you’re an event organizer, venue owner, or independent artist, you deserve to keep more of what you earn.
The good news? You don’t need to sacrifice technology or reach to save money. In this blog, we’ll explore smart strategies and platforms that help you sell tickets online without getting buried in fees.
1. Avoid Big-Brand Platforms with High Commissions
Platforms like Eventbrite, Ticketmaster, and others may offer visibility — but they often charge 5% to 15% in fees per ticket, including service, payment processing, and platform charges.
Alternative? Look for low-cost or fee-free platforms such as:
- TicketTailor – zero per-ticket fees, just a flat monthly rate.
- Eventix – lower commissions and customizable branding.
- Oveit – offers low fees and crypto payments.
2. Use Open Source Event Ticketing Tools
Want total control and zero platform fees? Consider self-hosting your event ticketing system using open-source software like:
- Attendees
- Prefix
- Open Event
- Ticketchain
These systems are free to download and customize, with no per-ticket charges. You’ll just need to cover hosting and any development support — but over time, it’s far more cost-effective.
3. Use Direct Payment Gateways
Instead of routing payments through third-party processors that charge extra, connect directly with payment gateways like:
- Stripe
- Razorpay
- PayPal Business
- Square
Most offer lower transaction fees than ticketing intermediaries. Some open-source systems let you plug these indirectly, allowing funds to go straight into your account.
4. Offer E-Tickets and QR Codes (No Printing Costs)
Ditch paper tickets and send digital e-tickets or QR codesinstead. Many ticketing platforms allow you to automate email confirmations and scan QR codes at the door — keeping your costs low while maintaining professionalism.
5. Sell Tickets from Your Website
Why pay others to do what you can handle in-house?
Add a ticketing system or plugin to your website using tools like:
- WooCommerce (WordPress)
- Shopify ticketing apps
- Joomla with event extensions
Not only do you avoid third-party fees, but you also own your customer data and branding.
6. Use Social Media & Email Marketing (No Ads Required)
Instead of spending on paid ads or platform promotion fees, use organic marketing strategies:
- Promote via Instagram/Facebook Stories
- Set up a free Facebook Event page
- Email your subscriber list
- Leverage WhatsApp or Telegram communities
These free tools offer powerful reach — especially when combined with referral incentives or early-bird pricing.
7. Bundle Tickets with Value-Add Services
Instead of increasing ticket prices to cover platform fees, add value instead:
- Bundle with merchandise
- Offer access to recordings
- Provide VIP perks or downloadable content
This strategy allows you to maintain ticket prices while increasing perceived value — and your profit margins.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to lose a chunk of your earnings to sell tickets online. With the right tools, strategies, and platforms, you can:
✅ Maximize revenue
✅ Maintain full control
✅ Offer a seamless customer experience
✅ And most importantly — avoid huge ticketing fees
Whether you're hosting a local workshop or a global virtual summit, the smart way to sell tickets is the affordable way. Go independent. Go open source. Go fee-free.
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