You set a ticket price. Your attendees show up at checkout and pay more. The platform added fees on top, and now your $30 ticket costs $43 before anyone walks through the door.
It's one of the most common complaints in the event industry, and it's entirely avoidable.
Why It Happens
The most common ticketing model is a percentage of each ticket plus a flat per-ticket charge, passed directly to the buyer at checkout. The organizer sets a price, the platform adds its cut on top.
From the platform's perspective it makes sense. From your attendee's perspective, it looks like a bait-and-switch.
What to Look For
What does the attendee actually pay? Check the checkout flow, not just the marketing page. If the platform adds fees you didn't set, your attendees will notice.
What do you pay? Some platforms charge monthly regardless of whether you run events. Others take a percentage of every ticket. Know the model upfront.
When do you get paid? Some platforms hold funds until after your event. If you have deposits to cover beforehand, timing matters.
What's included? A ticket page is a low bar. Look for platforms that also handle scheduling, attendee management, and check-in so you're not stitching together five different tools.
A Cleaner Model
FestEvental charges a flat fee per ticket sold. You know what it is before you set your prices. Your attendees pay exactly what you advertise, nothing added at checkout. Our full suit of tools are free to use for small to giant events.
Sign Up to create your first event free and see how straightforward it can be.