Why Are Ticketing Fees So High?
Let’s be blunt: most event platforms are built for profit. Companies like Eventbrite charge 5-10% per ticket. That might not sound like much until you’re selling 200 tickets at $25 each. Suddenly, you’re handing over $500 to a platform that didn’t even help set up chairs.
For non-profits, community groups, and cultural associations, every dollar matters. You’re likely operating on tight budgets. And you definitely don’t want to pass extra fees on to attendees who are already supporting your cause. So what’s the alternative?
Zero Platform Fees: What’s the Catch?
You might be skeptical (I would be too). Any platform claiming “zero fees” sounds too good to be true. But here’s the thing: CommunityTix actually delivers.
How? It’s open-source and built for small organisations. That means no hidden platform fees. You keep 100% of your ticket revenue. The only cost? Standard PayPal processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in most countries). And if you’re collecting cash or using card readers at the door, there’s no processing fee at all.
Real Example: Small Community, Big Savings
Let’s break it down with a real-world scenario. A local cultural society recently used CommunityTix for their annual festival. Here’s how the numbers worked out:
- Tickets Sold: 400
- Price per Ticket: $20
- Platform Fee with Eventbrite (8%): $640
- Platform Fee with CommunityTix: $0
- PayPal Processing Fee (2.9%): $232
By switching to CommunityTix, they saved $640 in platform fees. That’s money they reinvested into next year’s event—better food vendors, upgraded sound systems, and even a small honorarium for volunteers.
How Does It Work?
CommunityTix simplifies everything. You set up your event, connect your PayPal account, and start selling tickets. Need to track RSVPs for free events? Easy. Want flexible pricing for community-focused events? Use the built-in “Pay What You Can” feature to suggest multiple price points.
And what about on-site sales? Not every attendee is tech-savvy or comfortable buying tickets online. CommunityTix lets you record cash payments or card transactions at the door. All these sales go into one central dashboard for easy tracking and reconciliation.
What About Data Ownership?
Another hidden cost of big platforms is your data. Platforms like Eventbrite often control attendee lists, making it harder to reach your audience directly. With CommunityTix, you own your data. Export it anytime. No strings attached.
Is It Right for Your Organisation?
CommunityTix isn’t for everyone. If you’re running massive events with tens of thousands of attendees, you might need advanced features that come with enterprise-level tools. But for smaller groups (20-500 members, 5-20 events a year), it’s a perfect fit. Especially if transparency and cost control are priorities.
Ready to Save Big?
Affordable event ticketing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality. With CommunityTix, you can save thousands in fees while streamlining event management. Sign up for a 30-day free trial. No credit card required.
