Problem → Solution

Event Ticketing for Small Events - Simple, Affordable, No Minimums

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

See the best solution Try SwarmTix Free

The problem

Small event organizers (workshops, meetups, small conferences with under 100 attendees) struggle with ticketing platforms designed for large events. Many platforms have minimum fees, monthly subscriptions, or complex interfaces with unnecessary features. For a 30-person workshop charging $25, paying $100+ in platform fees (30%+) or a $50 monthly subscription makes ticketing financially unviable. This forces organizers to use manual methods like PayPal invoices, Venmo, or spreadsheet tracking - creating administrative headaches and appearing unprofessional.

Why this happens

Major ticketing platforms optimize for large events where volume justifies their fee structure. Small events represent lower revenue per transaction, so platforms either ignore this segment or impose minimums to maintain profitability. Additionally, enterprise platforms have high operational overhead (large sales teams, legacy infrastructure) that requires minimum revenue thresholds. The small event market has been underserved because it's not as lucrative as concerts, festivals, or enterprise conferences.
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

Use a platform with no monthly fees or minimums like SwarmTix

Option 2

Start with free ticketing for free events to test the platform before paid events

Option 3

Avoid platforms that require credit card info or subscriptions just to get started

Option 4

Look for simple, focused interfaces that don't overwhelm you with enterprise features you don't need

Option 5

Choose platforms that let you start small and scale - no forced upgrades or tier requirements

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 is perfect for small events because you only pay when you sell tickets - no monthly fees, no setup costs, no minimums. Host a 20-person workshop? Pay $0.99 + 1.5% per ticket sold. Run free meetups? Completely free, forever. The interface is clean and simple - create an event, add ticket types, and you're done in 5 minutes. You get professional features like QR code check-in, attendee management, and automated emails without the complexity of enterprise platforms. And if your small event grows into a large conference, SwarmTix scales with you seamlessly - same pricing, more tickets.
$0.99 + 1.5%
Per paid ticket
Instant
Payouts via Stripe
100% Free
For free events
Start for free See pricing details

FAQ

Do I need a business account to sell tickets for small events?
No! SwarmTix works for individuals, nonprofits, and businesses. You can create a free account in minutes and start selling tickets. Payment goes directly to your Stripe Connect account (individual or business).
What's the minimum number of tickets I can sell?
There's no minimum! Sell 5 tickets, 50 tickets, or 500 tickets - you pay the same low rate of 1.5% + $0.99 per ticket. Many organizers use SwarmTix for intimate workshops with just 10-15 attendees.
Can I use SwarmTix for free community meetups?
Absolutely. Free events are completely free on SwarmTix - no fees, no limits, no ads. You get the same professional features: event page, attendee management, email confirmations, and check-in tools.
Is ticketing software overkill for a small event?
Not at all. Even small events benefit from automated confirmations, easy check-in, attendee data collection, and a professional booking experience. Plus, with SwarmTix's pricing, it costs less than the time you'd spend managing manual payments and spreadsheets.
What if my small event grows larger?
SwarmTix grows with you! The same account and pricing work for 20 or 2,000 tickets. No need to upgrade plans or migrate platforms. Your attendee data, event history, and settings all stay in one place.

Ready to fix this for your next event?

Lower fees, instant payouts, and a platform built for tech events.

Try SwarmTix Free

No credit card required. No monthly fees.