Why Are Ticketing Fees So High?
Let’s get right to it: ticketing platforms like Eventbrite and Ticketmaster charge 5-10% per ticket. That’s not pocket change. If your community group sells 200 tickets at $20 each, you’re handing over $200-$400 just in platform fees. And that’s before credit card processing fees.
For non-profits or small cultural associations, every dollar counts. You’re budgeting for food, venue rentals, and maybe even performers. Losing hundreds of dollars to a platform just feels wrong.
The Math Adds Up Fast
Let’s stay with that $20 ticket example. You sell 200 tickets, grossing $4,000. Here’s how fees compare:
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Eventbrite (Professional plan): 3.5% + $1.59 per ticket = $318 in fees on 200 tickets. Add credit card fees (about 3%), and you’re out another $120. Total loss? $438.
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CommunityTix: 0% platform fees. You only pay PayPal’s standard processing fee (about 3%). That’s $120. Total loss? $120.
That’s a $318 difference. Why give up that money when you don’t have to?
Zero Platform Fees Aren’t a Gimmick
You might be thinking, “What’s the catch?” Honestly, there isn’t one. CommunityTix is open-source and funded by grants and donations—not by skimming off your event revenue. We built this specifically for groups who can’t afford traditional platforms.
And it’s not just about saving money. It’s about control. You keep 100% of what you earn, and your data stays yours. No vendor lock-in. No hidden costs. Just a simple, transparent system.
Real-Life Example: The Local Heritage Society
A heritage society in Toronto used to sell tickets through Eventbrite. They ran four major events a year, each selling around 250 tickets at $15 each. After switching to CommunityTix, they saved nearly $2,000 annually in platform fees alone. That money went toward new exhibits and better event marketing.
What really sold them? The built-in “Pay What You Can” feature. Their annual gala now offers suggested donation tiers ($10, $20, $50), and attendees love the flexibility. It’s a win-win.
Why PayPal? Isn’t That a Fee Too?
Yes, PayPal charges a standard transaction fee (around 3%), but that’s unavoidable no matter what platform you use. The difference is, CommunityTix doesn’t add anything on top of it. With Eventbrite or Ticketmaster, you’re paying PayPal and their platform fees.
And if you’re running a free RSVP event? You pay nothing. Zero dollars.
What About On-Site Payments?
Not all events are digital, especially for smaller groups. CommunityTix lets you track cash and card-at-door payments directly in the system. This is a lifesaver for reconciliation. No more mismatched spreadsheets or manual guesswork.
The Bottom Line
Affordable event ticketing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for non-profits and community organisations. Platforms like Eventbrite might work for big-budget events, but small groups need something fair and transparent. CommunityTix isn’t a flashy tool with a million features you’ll never use—it’s practical and designed for you.
If you’re tired of losing money to fees, it’s time to try something different.
