What I Used to Think About Flexible Pricing
Let’s be honest: I used to think flexible pricing models like Pay What You Can (PWYC) were a nice idea but hard to pull off. It felt like a logistical headache. Would people actually pay what they could? Or would they just game the system? I assumed a fixed ticket price was easier to manage and more predictable for budgeting.
Then came the Secret Garden Fest, an annual event hosted by RCP London Events. This event highlights how flexible pricing can make events accessible while still earning revenue—a challenge many community organisations face.
The Thing That Changed My Mind
What flipped my perspective was learning about how PWYC pricing transformed ticketing experiences for community groups. Using platforms designed for flexible pricing, organisations can set suggested price points while allowing attendees to enter a custom amount. The principle is simple: people value the event and often pay accordingly.
Platforms simplify PWYC with built-in functionality. You set suggested amounts, and attendees can choose or input their own. No spreadsheets. No manual calculations. This approach has been successfully implemented by various organisations.
Why Fixed Pricing Still Persists
Fixed pricing survives for a few reasons. It’s predictable. Treasurers want to know exactly how much revenue they’ll bring in. It’s also what most platforms default to. Eventbrite, for instance, assumes fixed pricing and charges platform fees, which can be challenging for small organisations.
But predictability often comes at the cost of accessibility. Fixed pricing can exclude people, especially for community events that should be open to everyone. And if you’re using a platform that eats into revenue, that predictability starts to look less appealing.
What We Do Differently Now
When consulting with community groups, we recommend starting with PWYC for ticketed events. It’s not just about revenue—it’s about inclusion. Flexible pricing can open doors for diverse audiences.
Small groups don’t need to overcomplicate this. Use a platform that integrates PWYC options seamlessly. Set clear guidelines: suggest amounts that reflect your costs but don’t make them mandatory. Monitor sales data to see what works, and tweak as needed.
What It Cost to Be Wrong
Sticking to fixed pricing can cost opportunities to engage wider audiences. Events with rows of empty seats—seats that could’ve been filled if pricing was more flexible—represent lost potential for community-building.
PWYC works well for most community events, but it might not suit high-cost productions or events with razor-thin margins. There’s room for experimentation.
FAQ
Q: Will people abuse PWYC pricing?
A: Rarely. Most attendees understand the spirit of PWYC and pay fairly. You can set minimum amounts if you’re worried.
Q: How does PWYC impact revenue?
A: Often positively. Many attendees pay above the lowest suggested amount. It’s about trust and transparency.
Q: Does PWYC work for all types of events?
A: Not always. It works best for community-focused events and fundraisers—not high-cost productions.
Q: How do I manage ticketing chaos?
A: Centralised tools simplify the process. You can track RSVPs, payments, and guest lists in one place.
Q: Is CommunityTix really zero-fee?
A: Yes. You keep 100% of ticket revenue, paying only standard PayPal processing fees. Source
Takeaway
If you’re tired of high ticketing fees or struggling to make your events accessible, PWYC pricing might be the solution. Platforms like CommunityTix make it simple, with zero platform fees and built-in tools to manage your events. Ready to give it a try? Get started free →
