Problem → Solution

Cheap Event Ticketing Software That Doesn't Compromise on Features

A practical guide for event organizers — with real options and a clear path to fix it.

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The problem

Event organizers face a difficult choice: pay premium prices for feature-rich platforms like Cvent and Eventbrite, or settle for limited functionality on budget platforms. Many 'cheap' ticketing solutions cut corners on essential features like custom branding, reserved seating, discount codes, or attendee management. This forces organizers to either overpay or compromise their event experience.

Why this happens

The ticketing industry has traditionally operated on a 'you get what you pay for' model. Enterprise platforms justify high costs by bundling features, while budget platforms strip functionality to hit lower price points. Additionally, many platforms use confusing pricing tiers where basic features are cheap but essential tools require expensive upgrades. The lack of transparent, feature-complete affordable options has created a gap in the market.
Your options

Common ways organizers try to solve it

Not every fix fits every event. Here's a clear overview of the tradeoffs.

Option 1

Choose a platform with flat, transparent pricing that includes all features (like SwarmTix)

Option 2

Compare total cost of ownership, not just per-ticket fees - factor in monthly subscriptions and add-on costs

Option 3

Look for platforms that don't charge extra for essential features like custom branding or unlimited events

Option 4

Avoid platforms with 'freemium' models that lock key features behind expensive pro tiers

Option 5

Test free events first to evaluate the full feature set before committing to paid events

Tip: if you’re comparing platforms, check payout timing (cash flow) and whether the platform shows competing events to your attendees.

✓ Recommended Solution

How SwarmTix solves this

Built specifically to address this challenge for event organizers.

The SwarmTix approach

SwarmTix proves that cheap doesn't mean limited. At $0.99 + 1.5% per ticket, you get ALL features included: unlimited free events, custom branding, reserved seating, discount codes, Zoom integration, instant payouts, QR check-in, attendee messaging, and more. No monthly fees, no setup charges, no 'pro plan' upsells. You only pay when you sell tickets, and free events remain free forever. Compare this to Eventbrite's $99/month Pro plan or Cvent's $10,000+ annual contracts - SwarmTix delivers enterprise features at startup-friendly prices.
$0.99 + 1.5%
Per paid ticket
Instant
Payouts via Stripe
100% Free
For free events
Start for free See pricing details

FAQ

What features should cheap ticketing software include?
At minimum: custom branding, discount codes, attendee data export, email confirmations, mobile check-in, and refund management. Premium features worth having: reserved seating, multi-ticket types, waitlists, custom questions, and analytics. SwarmTix includes all of these in the base price.
Why are platforms like Eventbrite so expensive?
Eventbrite charges 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket partly because they operate a large marketplace and need to fund discovery features and marketing. They also have higher operational costs from older technology infrastructure. SwarmTix focuses on being the best ticketing tool rather than a marketplace, allowing for lower fees.
Are there truly free ticketing platforms?
Yes, but read the fine print. Some platforms are only free for free events, or charge high fees for paid tickets. Others make money by showing competitor ads on your event page. SwarmTix offers truly free ticketing for free events with no ads, and very low fees (1.5% + $0.99) for paid events.
What's the catch with cheap ticketing software?
Often it's missing key features (no reserved seating, limited customization), has hidden fees (setup charges, monthly minimums), or provides poor support. Always verify what's included in the base price. SwarmTix has no hidden fees and includes all features - the 'catch' is that we're just more efficient and pass savings to customers.
How much should I expect to pay for event ticketing?
For a 200-ticket event at $40 per ticket: Budget platforms charge $400-600 (2.5-3.5%), premium platforms charge $600-1000 (3-5%+), enterprise platforms charge $1000+ or have annual contracts. SwarmTix charges just $318 (1.5% + $0.99 per ticket), saving you hundreds per event.

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