Event Ticketing Fees Are Eating Your Budget

Let’s cut to the chase: ticketing fees are a huge problem for non-profits. If you’re using Eventbrite or Ticketmaster, you’re losing 5-10% of your ticket revenue right off the top. That might not sound like much at first. But if you're running a $20,000 fundraiser, that’s $1,000 to $2,000 gone — just to sell tickets.

For small organisations, that’s unacceptable. Every dollar you raise should go toward your mission, not a platform’s bottom line.

You’re Probably Thinking: “But What’s the Alternative?”

The obvious objection is, "Well, we need a system to sell tickets online. What choice do we have?" It’s true — most non-profits don’t have the resources to build their own ticketing system. That’s why platforms like Eventbrite became so popular in the first place. They’re convenient, easy to use, and they work.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to settle for losing 5-10% of your revenue. There are tools out there that charge zero platform fees. Yes, zero.

A Practical Solution: CommunityTix

Take CommunityTix, for example. It’s a ticketing platform specifically built for non-profits, cultural associations, and community groups. What’s different? They charge zero platform fees. You keep 100% of your ticket revenue. The only thing you pay is PayPal’s standard processing fee (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction). That’s unavoidable, but it’s a fraction of what bigger platforms take.

Let’s do the math. Say you’re running a 200-person fundraising dinner. Tickets are $50 each. On Eventbrite, you'd lose around $500 in fees (source). With CommunityTix, you’d pay just $290 in PayPal fees. That’s over $200 saved on a single event. Multiply that across five or ten events a year, and the savings really add up.

What About the Features?

You might be wondering, "Sure, it’s cheaper, but does it have the tools we need?" Fair question. CommunityTix isn’t just cheap — it’s practical. It handles RSVP tracking, ticket sales, member management, and even lets you set up "Pay What You Can" pricing for equity-focused events. You also get a branded event website included. No extra cost.

And for those of you still using spreadsheets and email chains to manage events? This platform eliminates that chaos. Everything’s in one place — event calendars, attendee lists, even cash payments you collect at the door.

The Catch? (Spoiler: There Isn’t One)

You’re probably waiting for the other shoe to drop. What’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one. CommunityTix is open-source, which means it’s built to be transparent and community-driven. There’s no vendor lock-in. You own your data, and if you ever decide to leave, you can take it with you.

The platform is free to use because it’s designed for organisations that can’t afford to spend thousands on ticketing fees. It’s funded through optional donations and grants — not by taking a cut of your revenue.

Affordable and Ethical

Affordable event ticketing isn’t just about saving money. It’s about fairness. Non-profits shouldn’t have to sacrifice their hard-earned funds just to access modern tools. Platforms like CommunityTix prove you can have both: affordability and functionality.

If you’re tired of watching ticketing fees drain your budget, consider making the switch. Your mission deserves every dollar you raise.