In the world of event tickets, there are three primary options: printed tickets, digital tickets, and mobile tickets. Each has its own set of pros and cons, and the best choice often depends on the specific circumstances of the event and the preferences of the attendees.
Pros and cons of printed event tickets
Printed event ticket pros:
- Can be sold outside of online channels.
- Easily customisable to complement an event branding strategy and can provide opportunities to promote special promotions or premium experiences.
- Holding a ticket printed on sturdy, smooth finish card stock is satisfying. After admission, ticket stubs can live on as mementos.
- Additional revenue through advertising opportunities. Selling ad space on the backs of printed tickets can help cover their cost and generate profit.
- Printed tickets offer accessibility to those without access to the internet or who aren’t tech-savvy.
- Great security features include sequential numbering, barcodes, and QR codes for easy, secure check-in.
- Technology is not always reliable. Dimmed phones, no WiFi, and other factors all contribute to a jammed-up entry gate. On the other hand, a printed event ticket will always be effective.
- Using ticket templates and print-on-demand, you can have custom tickets ready to sell in short order.
Printed event ticket cons:
- Ticket printing takes time and has an associated cost.
- Printed tickets use paper and ink, contributing to waste and environmental harm.
- A lack of mobile or digital ticketing may come across as dated and give the wrong impression.
- Managing and tracking ticket sales can be challenging without an event management software platform.
- Sometimes attendees lose their physical tickets before the event has begun.
- Physical event tickets can get lost or damaged.
- Guests who lose their stubs may experience issues reentering your event.
Pros and cons of mobile + digital event tickets
Mobile + digital ticket pros:
- Paperless, thus good for the environment.
- Contactless entry.
- Digital tickets can be purchased and received instantly, eliminating the need for physical delivery.
- Guests can add mobile tickets to their digital wallets for quick access, helpful for speedy check-in and reentry.
- If you lose your digital ticket, you can simply print another copy or show the email at the event.
Mobile + digital ticket cons:
- Some attendees may prefer physical event tickets.
- Excludes potential attendees without computers, mobile devices, or access to a printer.
- Check-in for mobile ticketing requires a mobile device.
- Technology does sometimes fail, and fast WiFi is a must!
Which ticketing option is best for my event?
The right ticketing type is all about your event’s audience.
On the flip side, millennial and Gen Z attendees are more comfortable and interested in an event that offers digital and mobile tickets.
The net-net
Although printed tickets have long been the standard, the landscape has changed with the advent of the internet and digital ticketing. Today, almost 71% of event tickets are sold online. To be successful, selling tickets through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram as well as through an event site is a must. However, it’s worth noting that 29% of tickets remain available for purchase outside of online channels. And, as any event organiser knows, maximising ticket sales is a top priority.
Providing a combination of digital, printed, and mobile ticketing options is the smartest choice for any event. From custom-printed tickets and printable digital tickets to mobile-only tickets, organisers and attendees can benefit from every available option. By allowing customers to choose, this strategy will enhance their overall event experience.
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